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Research
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Research
In higher plants, lateral organs are generated reiteratively by the continual activity of the shoot apical meristem (SAM). Because plant cells are encapsulated by cell walls, organogenesis occurs in the absence of cell migration or removal of overproduced cells. As such, signals that coordinate proliferation, expansion, and differentiation of the neighboring cells are critical for proper organ growth, and hence, the overall plant size, patterns and architecture. The goal of research in the Torii lab is to elucidate molecular and cellular bases of the coordination of cell proliferation during plant organ morphogenesis. For this purpose, we are focusing on a family of receptor kinases that control cell proliferation, organ growth and floral/ovule differentiation.
Recently, we discovered by serendipity that three receptor kinases that are known to regulate cell proliferation and organ growth together control stomatal patterning. Stomata are turgor-driven valves on the surface of land plants. Stomata play critical roles for gas exchange between plants and atmosphere for carbon fixation, respiration, and transpiration (i.e. water movement). Our latest breakthrough includes the identification of "master regulatory genes" that direct asymmetric cell division and stomatal differentiatin. Our resaerch opens a door to understand the fundamental genetic and cellular signaling mechanisms that govern two critical aspects of plant functions, organ growth and stomatal development.
Please click the following links to learn more about our research!
Receptor-like Kinases in Plants (overview)
ERECTA-family receptor-like kinases; regulators of cell proliferation, patterning, and plant size
Stomatal development (overview)
Cell-cell communication and stomatal patterning
A trio of 'key switch' genes directing stomatal differentiation
Our exciting research is made possible by funding from the following agencies (and others)!
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