Universiteit Gent

Vib Vzw

Cropdesign N.v.

Croodesign, N.v.

Tom Beeckman

Dirk Inze

Lieven De Veylder

Ive De Smet

Bert De Rybel

Steffen Vanneste

Dominique Audenaert

Willem F Broekaert

Valerie Frankard

Willy Dillen

Vladimir Mironov

Wim Van Camp

Jenny Russinova

Luc Krols

Dirk Inzé

Described are methods of isolating genes involved in the process of asymmetric cell division. Further disclosed are genes isolated with this method, and their use in controlling root formation, preferably lateral root formation.

Genes involved in asymmetric cell division

The present invention relates to a method to isolate genes involved in the process of asymmetric cell division. The invention relates further to genes isolated using this method, and their use in controlling root formation, preferably lateral root formation.

The present invention relates to small chemical compounds that act as activators of lateral root formation in plants. More specifically, it relates to small chemical compounds that are structurally not related to auxin but do have a similar effect on root density development in plants. Preferably, these compounds act more specifically on root development than auxin, and may have a different working mechanism.

Activators of lateral root formation

The present invention relates to non-steroidal mimetics of brassinosteroids. More specifically, it relates to non-steroidal monocyclic compounds, capable of rescuing the brassinosteroid receptor null mutation bri1-116. Preferably, said compounds are low molecular weight, monocyclic halogenated compound.

Non-steroidal brassinosteroid mimetic

The present invention relates to a method for modifying plant growth and development processes by affecting cell cycle regulation comprising modulating expression of members of the plant E2F transcription factor family. More specific the invention relates to methods for stimulating cell division in a plant. The invention further relates to transgenic plants produced by the methods of the invention having altered plant growth and development characteristics compared to their isogenic counterparts. Preferably, the plant characteristics modified by the present invention include enlarged cotyledons, enhanced growth rate, stress resistance and seedling survival, more cells, more tillers, more panicles.

Method to modify cell number, architecture and yield of plants by overexpressing the E2F transcription factor

Provided are DNA sequences encoding cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor(s) as well as to methods for obtaining the same. Furthermore, vectors comprising said DNA sequences are described, wherein the DNA sequences are operatively linked to regulatory elements allowing expression in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic host cells. In addition, proteins encoded by said DNA sequences, antibodies to said proteins and methods for their production are provided. Furthermore, regulatory sequences which naturally regulate the expression of the above described DNA sequences are described. Also described is a method for controlling or altering growth characteristics of a plant and/or a plant cell comprising introduction and/or expression of one or more cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor(s) functional in a plant or parts thereof and/or one or more DNA sequences encoding such proteins. Also provided is a process for disruption plant cell division by interfering in the expression or activity of a cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor using a DNA sequence according to the invention wherein said plant cell is part of a transgenic plant. Further described are diagnostic compositions comprising the aforementioned DNA sequences, proteins, antibodies and regulatory sequences. Methods for the identification of compounds being capable of activating or inhibiting the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors are described as well. Furthermore, transgenic plant cells, plant tissue and plants containing the above-described DNA sequences and vectors are described as well as the use of the aforementioned DNA sequences, vectors, proteins, antibodies, regulatory sequences and/or compounds identified by the method of the invention in plant cell and tissue culture, plant breeding and/or agriculture.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and uses thereof

Growing community of inventors

Merelbeke, Belgium

Tom Beeckman