Our group is interested in plant sugar signaling and the function of important genes in rice. Current research includes molecular mechanism and physiological function of fructose signaling in Arabidopsis, transgenic rice with high efficiency of nitrogen, cloning and utilization of QTL for nutrient utility efficiency.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sheng Teng, Professor. Email: steng@sippe.ac.cn
Staff: Xiao-Liang Shi, Research Assistant
Postdoctoral Fellow: Dr. Ping Li
Graduate Students: Hong-Lei Zhang

Effect of GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi Allele in Sugar Signal Transduction
ABI4 encodes an AP2 family transcription factor that is a central regulator in sugar responsive gene expression in plants. Sugar-induced ABI4 regulates plant genes essential for photosynthesis, and carbon, nitrogen and lipid metabolism. ABI4 activity is induced via the ABA-mediated sugar signalling pathway, which is initiated by the glucose sensing protein hexokinase. Natural variation in sugar sensitivity was used to identify new loci involved in sugar signalling. Five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for glucose sensitivity (GSQ1–GSQ5) were identified in a Ler/Cvi recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. The GSQ3, GSQ4 and GSQ5 loci are positioned in regions not previously associated with known sugar-sensing genes. GSQ5 was fine mapped and cloned using a candidate-gene approach. The GSQ5 locus was shown to encode the DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1) gene. DOG1 was previously identified as a major locus in seed dormancy control. Glucose addition induced the expression of the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele, whereas the Ler and Col alleles did not respond to glucose. Positive feedback was observed between the ABA-mediated sugar signalling pathway and the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele. Expression of the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele requires the ABA-mediated sugar signalling pathway, of which ABI4 is an important component. In addition, sugar induction of ABI4 was promoted by the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele.

Major Publications:

1. Teng S, Rognoni S, Bentsink L, et al. (2008) The Arabidopsis GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele is induced by the ABA-mediated sugar signalling pathway and enhances sugar sensitivity by stimulating ABI4 expression. Plant J. 55: 372-381.

2. Rognoni S, Teng S, Arru L, Smeekens SCM, Perata P. (2007) Sugar effects on early seedling development in Arabidopsis. Plant Growth Regulation 52: 217-228.

3. Teng S, Tian CG, Chen MS, Zeng DL, Guo LB, Zhu LH, Han B, Qian Q. (2006) QTLs and candidate genes for chlorate resistance in rice (Oryzasativa L.) Euphytica 152: 141-148.

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