DNA Sequencing Facility Biotechnology Maine Additional Links Michael E. Vayda Professor, Ph.D. Princeton University Plant Stress Responses, Translational Control, Gene Regulatory Mechanisms, Low Oxygen Stress, Cold Adaptation Plants respond to environmental stresses by dramatic alterations in gene expression. Our research involves characterization of these responses at the molecular level, specifically, the analysis of mechanisms that regulate protein synthesis in response to the abiotic stresses of mechanical wounding, hypoxia and temperature. Recent work has concentrated on how translation is activated when mature, quiescent potato tubers are wounded, and conversely, how protein synthesis is arrested when those same tubers are transferred to low oxygen conditions. Activation appears to involve increased expression of translation factors, specifically EFlA, and recruitment of these factors, mRNA and ribosomes to the cytoskeleton.
Translational arrest coincides with the onset of metabolic acidosis during hypoxic stress.
The change in pH may be responsible for the aberrant complex formed between EFlA and polyribosomes, and the dissociation of translational components from the cytoskeleton. We are currently trying to understand how specific mRNA species are selected for translation during stress conditions. We are also engaged in a collaborative effort to clone and evaluate the expression, evolution and physiological role of myoglobin,fatty acid binding proteins and creatine kinase in Antarctic teleosts adapted to chronically cold waters, and factors limiting protein synthesis in organisms living at low temperatures. We are collaborating with Bob Cashon's lab to determine structural changes in fish myoglobin which contribute to function at cold temperature. Further, we have worked with the Maine Potato Board to develop a multiplex PCR assay to screen for several viral agents in a single reaction. and factors limiting protein synthesis in these animals at low temperatures.