Structural study of the novel transcription mechanism essential for root development of higher plants
Description: Two GRAS proteins, SHR and SCR, cooperatively direct asymmetric cell division and the patterning of root cell types by transcriptional control in conjunction with BIRD/IDD transcription factors. The crystal structures of the SHR-SCR binary and JKD-SHR-SCR ternary complexes has been determined. Each GRAS domain comprises one α/β core subdomain with an α-helical cap that mediates heterodimerization by forming an intermolecular helix bundle. The α/β core subdomain of SHR forms the BIRD binding groove, which specifically recognizes the zinc fingers of JKD. We identified a conserved SHR-binding motif in 13 BIRD/IDD transcription factors. Our results establish a structural basis for GRAS-GRAS and GRAS-BIRD interactions and provide valuable clues towards our understanding of these regulators, which are involved in plant-specific signalling networks.
Amount: ¥5,200,000
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2017-03-31
Investigator: Yoshinori Hirano (lead)
Institution: Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Funded outputs count: 2
Funder award ID: 25440025
OpenAlex ID: G1071007010