Characterisation of a novel component of a nuclear calcium channel in plant symbioses

Seppä, Janni (2023) Characterisation of a novel component of a nuclear calcium channel in plant symbioses. Masters thesis, University of East Anglia.

PDF Restricted to Repository staff only until 31 October 2026. Request a copy

Abstract

Mutualistic associations with soil microbes can improve plant nutrition by improving access to difficult-to-obtain nutrients such as nitrates and phosphorus. The establishment of both rhizobial and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses requires the activation of calcium oscillations after the perception of elicitors from the symbionts by plasma membrane receptors. The calcium oscillation starts inside the nucleus and the release of calcium from a store between the nuclear membranes is orchestrated by two nuclear-localised ion channels: a cation channel (DMI1), and a calcium channel composed of the subunit proteins Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channel (CNGC) 15a, b and c. CNGCs are known to form tetrameric complexes, raising the question of the stoichiometry of the CNGC15a, b, c channel complex in the nuclear envelope. CNGCD, another member of the CNGC family in Medicago truncatula, was recently identified as a putative interactor with CNGC15a. CNGCD may therefore form a heterotetrameric complex with CNGC15a, b and c. Here I aim to characterise the function of CNGCD in symbioses using expression analysis, interaction assays and CRISPR-Cas9. I find that CNGCD is expressed in symbiotic tissues and can interact with other components of the nuclear calcium signalling machinery. Biallelic knockout of cngcD in M. truncatula hairy roots leads to a loss of nodulation. Taken together, I demonstrate that CNGCD can form a complex with CNGC15a, b, c and has a role in root nodule symbiosis.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2024 09:24
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2024 09:24
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/94922
DOI:

Actions (login required)

View Item