GLUCOSINOLATES

 

IQD Gene Family

IQD1 is part of a plant-specific multigene family that shares a calmodulin-binding domain (IQ Domain). We have demonstrated that the Arabidopsis thaliana IQD1 is a nuclear calmodulin-binding protein that regulates defense responses, including the accumulation of defensive phytochemicals such as glucosinolates. Our results show that an A. thaliana line that overexpresses IQD1 (IQD1OXP), which accumulates twice as many glucosinolates as the wild type, confers resistance to different pests and also against the necrotrophic fungus B. cinerea. Revealing the molecular mechanism by which IQD1 modulates defense responses and signaling will aid in the progress towards new defense strategies.

 

The main biological questions in this research project are:

(1) What is the role of IQD1 in plant defense responses and signaling?

(2) What are the biological roles of other IQD family members?