Characterization of a Red Light-Insensitive Arabidopsis thaliana Mutant Identified in a Genetic Suppressor Screen

Abstract

Light perception and response plays a critical role in plant survival. A group of receptors known as phytochromes allow plants to speci cally perceive red (~670nm) and far-red (~730nm) wavelengths. Activation of the phytochromes following absorption of red light initiates downstream signaling events that culminate in modulation of expression of a large number of genes (Bae and Choi, 2008). The exact nature of the signaling pathway downstream of the phytochromes is not fully known. The Gingerich lab has observed the participation of two genes, LRB (Light-Response BTB) 1 and LRB2, in the red-light signaling pathway (Christians et al., 2012). To better understand the function of the LRB1 and LRB2 genes and the red light signaling pathway in general, the purpose of this study was to conduct a genetic suppressor screen to identify other genes which participate in red light response.