Guanylate cyclases - an expanding family critical in plant growth and development. The enzyme guanylate cyclase (GC) forms an important signalling molecule. We have identified unique GC molecules from higher plants. We shall use strategic basic research to determine the biological importance of these novel molecules in plant growth and development. We have formed an international team to achieve these goals and also to develop strong scientific links between Australia and other countries such as ....Guanylate cyclases - an expanding family critical in plant growth and development. The enzyme guanylate cyclase (GC) forms an important signalling molecule. We have identified unique GC molecules from higher plants. We shall use strategic basic research to determine the biological importance of these novel molecules in plant growth and development. We have formed an international team to achieve these goals and also to develop strong scientific links between Australia and other countries such as South Africa. The outcomes will provide new insight into the biological function of the novel GCs. Consequently, the new knowledge is critical to the development of novel biotechnological approaches to benefit sustainable agriculture in Australia.Read moreRead less
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of novel plant guanylyl cyclase enzymes - a new class of overlapping dual-domain molecules. A group of highly unusual catalytic molecules in plants has been identified. The mechanisms of action of these molecules will be studied in this project to learn their role in regulating plant growth in changing climates. The results will reveal how these molecules function and also provide new insights for the development of multi-functional artificial molecule ....Molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of novel plant guanylyl cyclase enzymes - a new class of overlapping dual-domain molecules. A group of highly unusual catalytic molecules in plants has been identified. The mechanisms of action of these molecules will be studied in this project to learn their role in regulating plant growth in changing climates. The results will reveal how these molecules function and also provide new insights for the development of multi-functional artificial molecules.Read moreRead less
A novel link between plant pathogen defence and DNA repair capability. Plants and plant-based industries are essential for the provision of food, clothing and building materials and underpin the economies of rural communities. Plant yield and quality and the biodiversity of natural systems are dramatically reduced by disease. The fundamental knowledge gained from our research will enable manipulation of the factors that enhance disease resistance resulting in a significant benefit to Australian ....A novel link between plant pathogen defence and DNA repair capability. Plants and plant-based industries are essential for the provision of food, clothing and building materials and underpin the economies of rural communities. Plant yield and quality and the biodiversity of natural systems are dramatically reduced by disease. The fundamental knowledge gained from our research will enable manipulation of the factors that enhance disease resistance resulting in a significant benefit to Australian agriculture and protection of our natural resources. The current reliance for disease control on chemicals that damage the environment will be reduced and our research will contribute directly to the provision of cheaper, simpler and more effective methods of control.
Read moreRead less
Plant Protein Signalling Networks. We will assess the functional role of PNPs (novel plant protein hormones) at a biochemical, molecular and cellular level. Importantly, as stresses from climatic extremes are increasing, this will lead to new insights and critical appreciation of the processes plants use to regulate their water status. Since water and solute status underpins the regulation of plant growth and development, these findings will have a major impact on both agriculture and horticul ....Plant Protein Signalling Networks. We will assess the functional role of PNPs (novel plant protein hormones) at a biochemical, molecular and cellular level. Importantly, as stresses from climatic extremes are increasing, this will lead to new insights and critical appreciation of the processes plants use to regulate their water status. Since water and solute status underpins the regulation of plant growth and development, these findings will have a major impact on both agriculture and horticulture in Australia. The new insights that we gain can be used to directly accelerate progress towards the development of plants with improved drought and salinity tolerance that will lead to better crop and pasture productivity under harsh Australian conditions.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100054
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
How plants respond to cell wall signals. This project aims to discover mechanisms of plant cell wall signalling and modify plant cell walls for improved food, textiles, building materials and renewable biofuels without inadvertently activating cell wall signalling. However, attempts to improve cell walls have been ineffective because it is not known how plants use cell wall signalling to sense and compensate for cell wall changes. This project expects to develop both a genetic screen to find mut ....How plants respond to cell wall signals. This project aims to discover mechanisms of plant cell wall signalling and modify plant cell walls for improved food, textiles, building materials and renewable biofuels without inadvertently activating cell wall signalling. However, attempts to improve cell walls have been ineffective because it is not known how plants use cell wall signalling to sense and compensate for cell wall changes. This project expects to develop both a genetic screen to find mutants defective in cell wall signal transduction and a bioinformatic tool to compare genomes across species and discover cell wall signalling components. Potential benefits include addressing Australian research priorities: Food, Environmental Change, and Energy.Read moreRead less