The genetic basis of leaf lamina establishment and growth

The manipulation of plant form for agricultural purposes requires extensive knowledge of regulatory
programs that control plant architecture. Plant leaves are made up of distinct tissues in their top (dorsal) and
bottom (ventral) halves, patterning that is genetically determined and associated with the growth hormone
auxin. This proposal will reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the critical coordination between
patterning genes and auxin accumulation, with a focus on the establishment and development of leaf lamina.
It will use newly developed techniques to manipulate gene expression and live imaging microscopy
techniques to elucidate how leaves develop, potentially leading to manipulation of leaf form for agricultural
purposes.