Balzan Research project (2019-2021)
All NCRs (except five), as well as the GRP and SNARP genes are exclusively expressed in the nodules and - based on Medicago gene expression databases - are not induced by any other biotic interaction or abiotic stress or in additional plant organs. We have shown that expression of NCR genes is accompanied by epigenetic changes (Nagymihály et al., 2017), however, it remained unknown which transcription factors promote sequential activation of these genes.
Objectives
- Identification of transcription factors involved in the regulation of NCR genes
- Determination of the structure of the NCR peptides and the identification of the residues important for symbiotic activity