Creating a Boolean Network Model of the Abscisic Acid Signal Transduction Pathway in Guard Cells

Abstract

Stomatal pores located in the upper epidermis of plant leaves are regulated by pairs of guard cells surrounding the pore and are important for controlling gas exchange and water loss in plants. In response to drought stress, the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is released and signals for the guard cells to close the stomatal pore. Currently, an ABA signaling network is being defined using data generated in the last six years by the Assmann lab and others. Architectural analysis of the static network shows evidence of signal integration and stochastic behavior within the signal transduction pathway. A discrete dynamic model was created to describe who each component in the system temporally relate to each other. Predictability of the model was validated using experimental data. Results from this study can motivate new hypotheses regarding drought resistance in plants as well as unveil potential target genes for the genetic engineering of drought resistant crops.