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X-WR-CALNAME;VALUE=TEXT:HUH Seminar Series - Margaret Frank
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SUMMARY:HUH Seminar Series - Margaret Frank
DESCRIPTION:<p>	<strong>Dr. Margaret Frank<br>Assistant Professor<br>School of Integrative Plant Science<br>Cornell University</strong></p><p>	<strong>Title</strong>: Breaking and building bridges: Discovering the biology underlying graft compatibility<!--break--></p><p>	<strong>Abstract:</strong> <span>Grafting is a widely-used technique that involves physically joining independent genotypes into a single plant. This technique allows for the capture of new, agriculturally beneficial phenotypes, such as optimized plant architecture, enhanced abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, altered reproductive timing, and increased yield. Graft-compatibility, the ability for two genotypes to establish transport through the formation of xylem and phloem connections, is essential for the discovery of new graft combinations. Although graft technology has been around for over two millennia, the factors that determine graft-compatible versus incompatible combinations remain poorly understood. To gain insight into the molecular and genetic basis for graft-compatibility, we tested the ability of domesticated tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em>) to graft with other model species within the Solanaceae (e.g. potato, eggplant, pepper, <em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em>, tobacco, and petunia). This screen led to the identification of Pepmato and Tomepper, a reciprocal graft combination between tomato and pepper that exhibits consistent graft-incompatibility. Interestingly, pepper-tomato graft combinations are capable of surviving, but they fail to form functional vascular connections, and thus make an excellent model system for exploring the molecular basis for graft junction failure. Using inferred gene regulatory networks for these incompatible combinations, we identified new gene candidates for graft compatibility, and demonstrate that one of these candidates, SlWOX4, plays a crucial role in directing vascular reconnections within the graft junction.</span></p><p>	<strong>Join via Zoom livestream: <a href="https://harvard.zoom.us/j/96367794053?pwd=VlRsOHp4bCs1OFR5dHVRRU93TG1RZz09">https://bit.ly/3IFHI2B</a></strong></p>
LOCATION:22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, HUH Seminar Room 125 or live-stream
STATUS:CONFIRMED
DTSTART:20230418T160000Z
DTEND:20230418T170000Z
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