Research Projects

Cotton fiber development involves four phases: initiation, elongation, secondary cell wall synthesis, and maturation. The growth of cotton fiber is influenced by phytohormones and transcription factors. However, understanding the recruitment of RNA polymerase II specifically on the core promoters of fiber-specific genes is still unclear. In contrast to prokaryotes, the recruitment of RNA Pol-II is assisted by six general transcription factors and several cofactors, including TBP-associated factors (TAFs) and mediators. TAFs provide specificity to RNA Pol-II recruitment and transcription. Preliminary data suggest the involvement of TAF4b in fiber development. The project aims to substantiate the role of TAF4b in fiber-specific transcription and development. Key questions include whether RNA polymerase II machinery for fiber development is orchestrated by specificity set for general transcription initiation factors and associated cofactors, whether TAF4b imparts specificity at the core promoter of fiber-specific genes, and deciphering the component of the preinitiation complex associated with RNA polymerase II.