Regulatory networks governing root cell differentiation, root growth and meristem size act in a tissue- or cell type-dependent manner. The relatively simple structure and the stereotyped development of the Arabidopsis root makes it a most suitable system for investigating plant developmental processes at the cellular level.
Specific role of the Research Unit Tonelli within the project is to increase the spatial resolution of gene discovery and gene profiling analyses to a tissue- and
cell-specific level, with the aim of resolving molecular and biochemical processes occurring in individual cell types. More into details, two complementary approaches will be employed: i) the use of gene trap lines for the identification of tissue- and cell-specific novel components of the ARR1/SHY2/PIN regulatory circuit and, ii) the Laser micro-dissection of root tissues for the isolation and subsequent molecular analysis of discrete cell populations. These approaches will be integrated in activities of RU Costantino and RU Ruberti and will help to define the radial and longitudinal signalling networks which direct root development.