An area of interest we seek to understand is the physiological role of a class of endogenous plant lipids called, N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), in plant growth and development. This work was recently initiated in collaboration with Dr. Kent Chapman at the University of North Texas whose group has been investigating lipid signaling events and metabolism in plants. While NAEs are known to regulate diverse cellular and physiological processes in animal systems, little is known about the functional role of NAEs in plant physiology despite their occurrence and metabolism in plants. Recently, we have shown that NAEs have profound effects on Arabidopsis thaliana root development. These physiological effects are manifested at the cellular level as defects in cell shape, wall formation, membrane dynamics, and cytoskeletal organization. We are using cell biological, biochemical and molecular approaches to identify targets of NAEs in plants.

Lipid dependent regulation of plant development

We are investigating the role of a group of lipid mediators called N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) in plant growth and development. NAE is well characterized in animal systems as part of the endocannabinoid signaling pathway. Although NAEs are endogenous metabolites in plants, little is known about their function in plant physiology. We are working with the laboratory of Dr. Kent Chapman at the University of North Texas on several aspects related to this project. For instance, the dramatic morphological defects induced by NAEs on Arabidopsis roots have allowed us to design strategies toward understanding the cellular and molecular basis of NAE action in plants.

 

 

 

Changes in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in living roots of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to N-acylethanolamine (NAE).