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SUMMARY:Integrated Circuits in Plants - Prof Ben J.G. Scheres\, Plant Syst
 ems Biology Group\,  Wageningen University & Research Centre
DTSTART:20121109T110000Z
DTEND:20121109T120000Z
UID:TALK41400@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Helen Mawdsley
DESCRIPTION:Multicellular control circuits can conveniently be studied in 
 plants. Plant stem cells reside in niches and are maintained by short-rang
 e signals emanating from organizing centres. The Arabidopsis PLETHORA gene
 s encode transcription factors required for root stem cell specification. 
 PLT expression is induced by the plant hormone auxin.  The PLT gene clade 
 regulates expression of the PIN facilitators of polar auxin transport\, wh
 ich contributes to a specific auxin transport route that maintains stem ce
 lls at the appropriate position. PLT genes also regulate auxin biosynthesi
 s\, which is relevant for root development and phyllotaxis. We address the
  properties of PLT-auxin feedback loops by gene and protein network analys
 is and computational modelling.\n\nStem cells and their daughters in the r
 oot display specific asymmetric divisions at fixed locations. We investiga
 te how such divisions are spatially regulated. The SHORTROOT-SCARECROW tra
 nscription factor pathway provides mitotic potential to the stem cell daug
 hters that form the proximal meristem. This activity involves the conserve
 d RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED (RBR) pocket protein\, and we established molecul
 ar links between the RBR pathway and SCR action that form a feedback contr
 ol system. Formal analysis of this feedback circuit indicates that it acts
  as a bistable switch ensuring asymmetric divisions at fixed positions. Ou
 r work illustrates how divisions that shape tissues are robustly positione
 d by dynamic regulatory circuits combining intracellular and extracellular
  loops.
LOCATION:The Sainsbury Laboratory Auditorium
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