Laszlo Szabados
Company
Biological Research Center
Address
Institute of Plant Biology
Temesvári krt. 62
H-6726 Szeged
Telephone
+36 62-599715
E-mail
szabados@brc.hu
Web
http://www.szbk.u-szeged.hu/~arabidop/
1. Summary of work to be allocated into a specific WG
This partner develops genetic approaches to identify novel regulatory factors implicated in responses and adaptation to environmental stress conditions and cross talk with several hormonal signalling pathways (WG2.1, WG2.6, WG2.7). We participate in the studies of metabolic responses of higher plants to hyperosmotic stress, in particular characterization of function and regulation of proline accumulation during salt and drought stress (WG3.1, WG3.4).
2. Links with other WG and/or Subgroups
Our participation is linked to the identification and characterization of signalling factors controlling cold and ABA-induced transcription (WG2.4, WG2.5), characterization of SnRK1/2 kinases and their role in regulation of stress responses in Arabidopsis (WG1.1, WG1.3), metabolic implication of proline accumulation during stress (WG3.2, WG4.1).
3. Specific activities to be integrated into WG and/or Subgroubs
Identification of new stress factors with random transfer of cDNA expression library.
We have developed a transformation competent cDNA library which can be transferred into plants via Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The library was created in a T-DNA expression vector which permits the controlled activation of the inserted cDNA. Using three different genetic screens, we have identified a number of regulatory genes which can control salt tolerance, ABA responses or activation of specific stress-induced genes. The system is integrated into WG2.
Proline metabolism during stress.
Proline accumulation is a specific metabolic response of higher plants during osmotic stress conditions such as high salinity, drought or dessication. We have studied the control and function of proline accumulation during salt and drought stress, and characterized the P5CS genes and proteins which mediate the first step in the glutamate-derived proline biosynthetic pathway. Using insertion mutants we found, that proline accumulation is important for osmotic adjustment as well as for elimination of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, proline has importance in embryo development. Using fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions, we characterized protein localization in different tissues and cells and found, that cytoplasmic localization of the P5CS proteins may change during osmotic stress. Our studies of proline metabolism is integrated WG3, with possible connections to somec activities in WG2 and WG4.
4. Qualification for the role and current grants
László Szabados is group leader in the Institue of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary. His interest in abiotic stress response in plants included studies of proline metabolism in Arabidopsis, including isolation and characterization of P5CS genes controlling proline biosynthesis. In collaboration with collaboration partners in Germany, a T-DNA insertion and gene trapping system has been established, and lead to the identification of several stress-related genes. The work is currently financed by Hungarian grants OTKA K-68226 and OTKA F-68598.
5. Technical expertise and facilities
This partner is experienced in plant tissue and cell culture and molecular biological techniques, including gene cloning, gene expression studies (Q-PCR, microarray), protein expression, detection, phosphorylation and protein-protein interaction techniques, plant transformation, gene tagging and trapping techniques. Experience include bioluminescence imaging, confocal microscopy and some techniques related to stress physiology. The laboratory and the Biological Research Center in Szeged have the equipment and facilities to carry out the work allocated.