May 8, 2018; 1:30 pm; Room to Be Assigned Later
Higher plants have evolved a sophisticated dense system that enables them to protect themselves from biotic stresses. This system depends on the a family of proteins with a conserved structure that consists of a N-terminal domain, a nucleotide-binding domain, and a series of leucine-rich repeats. Collectively these proteins are called NLRs. The two major classes differ in their N-terminal domains. One group contains a Toll Interleukin Repeat domain, and those proteins are labeled TNLs, and the second group contains a Coiled-Coil domain and are labeled as CNLs. These proteins act as sensors of pathogen effector molecules, and once an effector is recognized a series of downstream events follows that provides resistance/tolerance to the pathogen. This system of defense, though, comes with a fitness costs since growth suffers when the defense system is highly active. Most recently, research is beginning to show that small RNAs are active molecular regulators of the defense system. The role of small RNAs in regulating the defense system, and how that regulation system interfaces with the regulation of growth is the focus of this edition of Current Topics in Genomics.
The class will be divided into three section. The first 20 minutes will be a general discussion of micro RNAs and their role in regulation form and function in plants. This will be a joint presentation developed by the two of you. The presentaton will be based on the following article, although you should look to enhance that paper by bringing in several very new research articles.
MicroRNAs in Crop Improvement: Fine Tuners for Complex Traits (Amanda and Azita)
Amanda, you will then develop a 20 minute presentation based on the following paper. This paper focuses on the genomic features of microRNAs in tobacco and tomato. It also discusses a single system in tobacco built around the action of the N gene with regards to virus resistance and how that resistance is managed with respect to plant growth.
A Role for Small RNA in Regulating Innate Immunity During Plant Growth (Amanda)
Azita, you will next provide a 20 minute presentation based on the following paper that takes a global look at NLR genes in multiple genomes and the associated microRNAs that control those NLR genes.
Each of you will be responsible to read both of the research articles. For the one paper that you are NOT preparing the presentation, you will be responsible for leading the discussion with thoughful questions.
Class will be held on May 8th, 2018. I will follow up with a room and time.