RNA and the post-transcriptional control of gene expression

We are studying how RNA silencing controls plant gene expression and development. Working with Arabidopsis, we are collaborating with other members of the Genetics department in using plant virus encoded suppressors of silencing to access this process.

Flowering time

We are determining how plants control the time at which they flower. Using Arabidopsis as a model, we are taking a genetic approach to characterise the genes involved. We plan to take similar approaches to study the floral transition in temperate cereals, in order to understand how this process has evolved.

Selected Publications

Simpson, G.G., Dijkwel, P.P., Quesada V., Henderson, I. and Dean, C. 2003. FY is an RNA 3' end-processing factor that interacts with FCA to control the Arabidopsis floral transition. Cell 113, 777-787.

Quesada, V., Macknight, R., Dean, C. and Simpson, G.G. 2003. Autoregulation of FCA pre-mRNA processing controls Arabidopsis flowering time. EMBO Journal 22, 3142-3152.

Simpson, G.G. and Dean, C. 2002. Arabidopsis, the Rosetta stone of flowering time? Science 296, 285-289.

Simpson, G.G., Lambermon, M.H., Wieczorek-Kirk, D.A., Hemmings-Mieszczak, M., Klahre, U. and Filipowicz, W. 2000. UBP1, a novel hnRNP-like protein that functions at multiple steps of higher plant pre-mRNA maturation. EMBO Journal 19, 1638-1649.

Simpson, G.G., Gendall, A.R. and Dean, C. 1999. When to switch to flowering. Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology 99, 519-550.

Simpson, G.G., Clark, G.P., Rothnie, H.M., Boelens,W., van Venrooij,W., Brown, J.W.S. 1995 Molecular characterization of the spliceosomal proteins U1A and U2B” from higher plants. EMBO Journal 14, 4540-4550.

Beven, A.F., Simpson, G.G., Brown, J.W.S., Shaw, P.J. 1995. The organization of spliceosomal components in the nuclei of higher plants. Journal of Cell Science 108: 509-518.

Opportunities

If you'd like to join us in Scotland, please contact Gordon Simpson.