Research Symposium

BIO

I am Nicholas Ludwig a senior at Florida State University. I am currently doing research on the DVL peptide in land plants under professor Hongchang Cui. After graduation I am hoping to attend medical school to eventually become a doctor.

Understanding DEVIL-like (DVL) small peptide mediated signaling in Plants

Abstract

The aim of this project is to elucidate the signaling pathway mediated by the DEVIL-like (DVL) small peptides in plants, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism due to its well-characterized genome, rapid life cycle, and suitability for genetic manipulation. DVL peptides are signaling molecules localized at the plasma membrane and their over expression causes reduction in root growth and change in leaf and fruit shape. However, how DVLs regulate these developmental processes is still unclear. To identify components of the DVL signaling pathway, a mutant library has been generated by treating seeds of the DVL overexpressing plants with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). We will screen for mutants that no longer show the altered phenotypes. Several putative mutants have been acquired, which might contain mutations in the receptors for the DVL peptides or downstream effectors, or the DVL gene itself. These mutants will be instrumental in our effort to identify the components of the DVL signaling cascade, which in tern will help us to understand how the DVL peptides regulate root development.

Keywords: DVL peptide signaling in plants