Generation and Analysis of Arabidopsis Thaliana Plants with Mutations in the Red Light Response-Mediating Light Response BTB (LRB) and Phytochorome-interacting Factor (PIF) Genes

Abstract

The ability to perceive and respond to light is essential for plant growth and development. As a result, plants have developed a sophisticated set of pathways used to extract detailed information about their light environments. While the light-response BTBs (LRBs) and phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs) are both key components of red (R) signaling, it is unclear what their relative positions are in the Phy pathway and how these negative regulators of R responses interact. To answer this question, a genetic approach was taken, generating plants with mutations in combinations of PIF and LRB genes. Analyzing the R responses of these mutants, and comparing them to plants with only LRB or PIF gene disruptions will allow a better definition of the relationship between the genes. The purpose of this study was to present the progress towards PIF LRB combination mutants, as well as preliminary characterization of one PIF LRB line.