Bioinformatic analysis of cDNAs potentially involved in thorn development: Exploration of thorn development as a model for the control of cancer tumors

University of Central Arkansas

Abstract

Many plants use thorns as an initial line of defense to prevent consumption by herbivores. Surprisingly little is known about the molecular signals that control thorn development, although it is known that they are composed of a single proliferating outer cell type called the epidermis. It has been suggested that the proliferation of this cell type is controlled by a molecular signaling pathway between the epidermal cells and the underlying cambial tissue. In an interesting contrast, cancer growth is the opposite - an uncontrolled proliferation of cells. If the mechanism underlying thorn growth could be identified by directly comparing gene expression between thorn and thornless varieties of plants, the mechanisms underlying cancer may be better understood. I propose to use raspberries and blackberries (genus Rubus) as a model system to study the genes implicated in thorn development. These plants are ideal because both produce thorn and thornless varieties, allowing precise genetic comparisons to be made. Moreover, compounds that prevent cancer tumor growth have already been isolated from Rubus although very little molecular research has been done to date. We are currently preparing and sequencing a subtractive cDNA library contrasting thorned and thornless Rubus plants.

In an effort to elucidate candidate genes, we intend to use a bioinformatic approach which will involve comparing and organizing these ESTs to allow us to identify potential gene candidates that will be subjected to further analysis. We will be collaborating with Dr. Kieber-Emmons to complete the analysis of this EST set and with his guidance, and INBRE support, we hope to bring a valuable bioinfomatic skill set back with us to UCA. The potential gene candidates identified in the analysis will be further tested in subsequent experiments that will provide further evidence as to their role in thorn development and may ultimately help identify gene candidates that control cancer tumor growth. The gene candidates identified will be used as preliminary data to strengthen a proposal for federal funding.
 

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