Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship J 1890 Genetic and molecular analysis of ovule development Ursula
SCHIEFTHALER 06.03.2000
In the first year of this project we were able to clone and indentify the NOZZLE gene and show that its function is
essential for the formation of the nucellus, the distal part of the ovule. In genetic studies we could identify some of
the partners which interact with NZZ in ovule formation. The putative NZZ protein does not show homologies to
any known protein but based on sequence analysis we speculate that it is a transcription factor.
In the second year of this project we want to gain more insight into the biological function of NZZ. For this end we
will overexpress the protein to raise antibodies which will then be used for in vivo localization and co-
immunoprecipitation experiments. The purified NZZ protein will also enable us to study possible direct interactions
with DNA by band-shift experiments
In addition, extensive promotor studies will be carried out to gain information about the regulation of the
expression of NZZ and the possible direct interaction of other known genes.