Date: 11th December 2019
Time: 13:15
Title: The Goldilocks principle, just the right amount of growth
Location: Seminar room 172, Viikki Korona Info Centre, Viikinkaari 11
Host: Ari-Pekka Mähönen
Abstract: Stem cells are essential for the growth and development of plants, which provide essential nutrition, fuel, and clothing for human life. Yet, there is limited understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that control plant stem cell development. The integration of mathematical modeling approaches with acquisition of genome scale data at cell- type is necessary to improve crop yields, biomass production, and energy conversion efficiency. Here show how we have integrated cell-type transcriptomics with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and mathematical modeling to provide quantitative insights into gene regulatory network dynamics. Specifically, we identify a stem-cell-ubiquitous gene, TESMIN-LIKE CXC2 (TCX2), which controls stem cell division by regulating stem cell-type specific networks. Our results highlight that genes expressed across different stem cell types ensure cross-communication among cells, allowing them to divide and develop harmonically together.
Ross Sozzani joined NC State in 2013 as a Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program cluster hire in Synthetic and Systems Biology. Ross’ researches focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cells in the model plant Arabidopsis and uses a plant systems biology approach to predict phenotype from genotype. Adapting plants to address ever-changing human needs is a necessary strategy to create sustainable energy, nutritional and energy solutions. Areas of scientific expertise: Molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering.