We are trying to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying seed dormancy and germination in conifer species. One project focuses upon the CnABI3 gene isolated from yellow cedar. CnABI3 is closely related to the Arabidopsis ABI3, an ABA responsive transcriptional factor which plays a major role in seed development. Our objectives are: (1) to determine if the gene we cloned is the true ABI3 orthologue in yellow cedar, (2) to analyze its function in the activation of target gene expression in transgenic tobacco plants, (3) to identify proteins that interact with this transcription factor using a yeast-two hybrid approach, and (4) to determine if this conifer gene (from a gymnosperm) can complement the function of ABI3 in Arabidopsis (an angiosperm).

We are trying to understand the mechanisms by which dormancy is maintained and then broken in western white pine and Arabidopsis. To this end, we are analyzing and quantifying ABA and its metabolites (PA, DPA, ABA-GE, and7'OH ABA) during dormancy breakage in western white pine using LC-MS/MS. ii) An magnetic resonance imaging study of water uptake and distribution in western white pine using 1(superscript) H-NMR. iii) Using the Arabidopsis ecotype Cvi as a model for dormancy. Hormone (metabolite) profiling will be a key part of this research.