Research Projects

The study focuses on the role of two novel phosphorus starvation inducible (PsI) Phloem Protein 2-B genes (PP2-B11 and PP2-B15) in tomato plants. These genes, which belong to the F-box superfamily, are activated at multiple time points in Pi starved tomato seedlings. The researchers hypothesize that these PP2B proteins regulate the translocation of photosynthates, including sugars, and are involved in controlling Pi starvation responses and Pi homeostasis. The research will use a multiprong approach, including promoter: reporter, overexpression, and CRIsPR/Cas9 gene-edited knockout lines for both genes. They will also study the global protein interactors of both PsI PP2B genes using an IP/GC-Ms approach. The goal is to obtain a superior allele with a more robust root system and improved PsR potential as a tangible outcome. The intangible product of this research will be a sufficient advancement in knowledge on the yet-to-be-identified roles of PP2B proteins in PsR and sugar remobilization. This research will unravel the novel functions of PsI PP2B genes during Pi starvation in plants for the first time.