研究期間：10208~10307;Our previous studies have shown that the expression profiles of rice class I small heat shock protein (sHSP-CIs) genes were diversified in response to heat and azetidine (AZC) stresses. We have found that an AZRE (Azetidine responsive element; GTCCTGGACG), localized on the promoter regions of Oshsp17.3 and Oshsp18.0 genes, was associated with OshsfA4b and heat shock elements (HSEs) to regulate heat shock response and AZC-induced cytosolic protein response. However, OshsfA4b and AZRE did not involve in the induction of Oshsp16.9A gene under heat stress. In this three-year project, our major goal is to further study the differential regulatory mechanism for heat shock factors (HSFs) on the induction of sHSP-CIs genes. Firstly, using the expression level of Oshsp17.3::GUS as an indicator, we are trying to analyze the effects of AZRE and HSEs on the HSF-regulated expression of sHSP-CI genes. Secondly, we plan to screen and characterize other rice HSFs and Arabidopsis HSFs specific for AZC-induced expression of sHSP-CI genes. Thirdly, we plan to introduce AZRE and HSE into rice genome and establish transgenic rice plants, which are used to study the differential regulation of HSFs. Fourthly, we try to use EMSA (Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay) technique to analyze the interaction between specific HSFs and AZRE and HSE. Finally, we plan to compare tunicamycin-induced UPR (unfolded protein response) with AZC-induced CPR and UPR.
