Transcriptional regulation of floral stem cell termination

Transcriptional regulation of floral stem cell termination

In flowering plants, the homeotic protein AGAMOUS induces patterning and differentiation of stamens, carpels, and other reproductive organs. The protein is also necessary for the termination of floral stem cell activities. We have demonstrated that this protein is expressed during different stages of reproductive organ development, and regulates the expression of a variety of downstream genes.

Several genes have been identified that regulate floral stem cell activity, but a great deal remains unknown about molecular mechanisms of action. We are genetically analyzing the loci downstream of SUP and CRC, key transcription factors that regulate floral stem cell growth and differentiation. To elucidate the processes involved in floral stem cell regulation, we will identify the target genes of those transcription factors and determine how the products of those genes mediate spatiotemporal control of floral stem cells.