Auxin homeostasis in stomata

 

Auxin homeostasis for stomatal function and stress response

Feraru E., Project Leader (2015-2017)

BOKU Research Units, Institute of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (IAGZ)

Abstract

Auxin has been suggested to affect stomata function, but an auxin role in stomata movement remained largely enigmatic. My results suggest that subcellularly defined auxin homeostasis plays a role in environmentally controlled stomata movement. Based on this initial insight, I propose to further investigate the role of auxin in stomata-dependent stress adaptation. Initially, I will further address the functional redundancy of stomata expressed PILSes, will determine the cellular function of PILS proteins in guard cell, and unravel intrinsic and extrinsic signals for PILS-dependent stomatal function.
Altogether, in this research project, I aim to investigate the role of (PILS-mediated) auxin homeostasis in stomatal function. My research will reveal how auxin homeostasis-mediated stomatal function contributes to stress adaptive responses, such as drought. This line of research has importance for plant productivity and survival.

See the text: FIS