Evolution of genetic network required for fruit and fruit-like structures development of land plants (EVOfruland)

Human and animal nutritional needs are mainly based on the intake of seeds and fruits which are also sources ofother priceless products useful for our own well-being. For the plants themselves, the fruits are a key to seed dispersaland ensure future plant generations. Although fruits show diverse structural and seed dispersal mechanisms acrossflowering plants it seems that all species might share a common developmental network. Fruits, in the strictest sense,are only present in angiosperms and are mainly derived from the ovary wall. Nevertheless, fruit-like structures, usedfor seed dispersal are present also in Gymnosperms. This research project proposes to build an intercontinental andinterdisciplinary network with the aim to elucidate the evolution of the molecular signaling and the crosstalk amongdifferent players that underpin the development of fruit and fruit-like structures. We will focus on: a) the functionalevolution of key transcription factors known to be integral for fruit and fruit-like development. To build the Fruitevolutionary conserved Genetic Regulatory Network (FGRN) we will consider core eudicots such as Aethionemaarabicum, the orphan crops Lepidium campestre, Solanum lycopersicon and Passiflora edulis. We will include alsonon-core/early diverging eudicots: Papaver somniferum, and Aristolochia fimbriata and the gymnosperms Ginkgobiloba and Taxus baccata. b) the hormonal signaling involved in the coordination and synchronization of the stepsof fruit/fruit-like development c) cell wall pathways involved in pectin maturation and cellulose deposition requiredfor fruit development. We will use a broad set of approaches such as molecular genetics, evolutionary genomics,biochemical and biophysical analyses. The consortium will be engaged in a large program of communication anddissemination of these topics with the involvement and outreach efforts of three Botanical Gardens.