Genetic Control of axillary bud dormancy

The impressive diversity of vegetal architectures that we find in nature is mostly determined by their branching patterns. In our group we have identified and characterized the BRANCHED1 gene (BRC1) encoding a transcription factor that acts as a switch of axillary bud growth and determines the vegetal architecture. This gene is controlled by a hormonal signaling pathway (strigolactones) and by environmental and endogenous factors of the plant. We are studying the transcriptional networks upstream and downstream of BRC1, through approaches of Systems Biology, Molecular Developmental Genetics and advanced microscopy. The student will analyze the function of some of the genetic components of this BRC1-dependent network using cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, and will develop tools to modulate and improve plant architecture for increased yield.