| Abstract Detail
Developmental and Structural Section Sreekanta, Suma [1], Gladish, Daniel, K. [2]. Role of caspase-like enzymes in vascular cavity formation via PCD in primary roots of Glycine max under flooding. Lysigenous, gas-filled vascular cavities are formed in the primary roots of cool-season legumes such as Pisum sativum under warm and flooded conditions. Results from transmission electron microscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and cytochrome c assays indicate that the aerenchyma formation in P. sativum could be a result of programmed cell death. Recently we have identified three varieties of soybean (Glycine max) that form vascular cavities under similar conditions. Injection of caspase inhibitors have resulted in inhibition of vascular cavities. Further, caspase activity assays using caspase-specific substrates also show a marked increase in caspase activity after flooding. This indicates a role for caspases in vascular cavity formation via PCD induced by flooding. We are also studying expression of caspase enzymes in vivo by employing specific peptide-based substrates. Study of PCD in plants is of growing importance and is gaining momentum with new studies adding valuable data to existing knowledge of plant PCD. We expect that the results of this study will prompt a deeper understanding of hypoxia-induced PCD. Additionally, we believe evaluation of vascular cavities in G .max will provide us an opportunity to explore this phenomenon at a molecular level, as G .max has better molecular resources than P. sativum. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Miami University, Botany Department, 316 Pearson Hall, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA 2 - Miami University, Botany, 544, Mosler Hall, Hamilton, Ohio, 45011, USA
Keywords: flooding hypoxia Glycine max Pisum sativum Aerenchyma Programmed Cell Death PCD Caspases Vascular cavity.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections Session: 4 Location: 212/SUB Date: Monday, July 28th, 2008 Time: 10:45 AM Number: 4011 Abstract ID:442 |