Research Summary
Our
research is aimed at identifying components that mediate inheritance, from
the gene products that control fertilization to those that regulate DNA
transmission. We are pursuing two specific research programs 1) characterizing
the DNA sequences (the centromeres) that regulate chromosome segregation,
and 2) identifying species-specific signals that control the interactions
of reproductive cells. In both cases, we are using the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana — with its rapid life cycle and small genome, Arabidopsis
is an ideal genetic system. Our initial investigations often incorporate
genetic approaches to identify key cellular components, and we routinely
extend these studies to the molecular level. For example, we are
identifying mutations in cell surface molecules that disrupt plant mating
and are using biochemical or physical assays to determine the basis for
species-specificity. Likewise, our analysis of centromeres will continue
beyond identifying important DNA sequences to determining how those sequences
fold into the higher order structures that are necessary for chromosome
segregation.
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