How nutrients shape plant roots: a spatial analysis of the signaling networks that control root responses to phosphorus
Supervisors:
Prof Anna Amtmann, School of Molecular Biosciences (University of Glasgow)
Prof Andy Mehard, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Security (Queen's University Belfast)
Summary:
Plants dynamically regulate the development and growth of different parts of their root systems to generate root system architectures that are best suited to forage the soil for mineral nutrients such as phosphate (P). P is a vital, non-renewable resource for crop production. Uncertain supplies and negative impacts on environment and human health call for urgent action to reduce P input into agriculture. Optimizing root system architecture for a low-P environment requires detailed understanding of the molecular signaling pathways that underpin local growth responses. This project will generate spatial maps of gene expression, epigenetic marks, cellular signals and mineral elements in different parts of the root system of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. You will learn and apply a range of cutting-edge technologies in molecular and cell biology including single cell RNA-sequencing, FRET imaging, confocal microscopy and laser ablation ICP-MS. You will generate new plant lines expressing fluorescently labelled proteins and follow their localisation over the course of root development and you will use different gene promoters to re-shape root architecture through manipulation of local signalling pathways. The results from this work will make and important contribution to Food Security under Climate Change.