Characterization of Ribosomal Protein Gene Families in the Context of Cold Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cold tolerance refers to a plant’s ability to survive and maintain function when exposed to low temperatures. In preliminary analysis, it was observed that ribosomal protein genes showed differential expression or protein modification when Zea mays was exposed to cold treatment. This suggests a role for these ribosomal protein gene families in cold stress responses. Ribosomes are protein complexes responsible for synthesizing polypeptides from mRNA molecules. Plant ribosomal proteins are encoded by paralogs within gene families. It is hypothesized that under stress, plant cells change which paralogs are incorporated into active ribosomes. To investigate this hypothesis, this study used paralog knockout mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana to characterize ribosomal proteins in the uL16 and uL18 gene families within the context of cold tolerance. Wild-type and mutants were subjected to long-term chilling assays, freezing assays, and RNA expression analysis to assess growth performance and stress response. Expression of cold-responsive genes CBF and COR was measured at 0 and 24 hours of cold exposure in both wild-type and mutants. While conclusive phenotyping is ongoing, the project aims to determine whether the absence of specific paralogs disrupts overall cold tolerance. Mutants with impaired cold responses are expected to show reduced COR/CBF induction, lower biomass, increased anthocyanin accumulation, elevated ROS levels, and higher ion leakage. Contrarily, mutants with elevated tolerance should show opposite trends. These findings will contribute to understanding the functionality of ribosomal protein paralogs in plant adaptation to cold stress.

This summer, I have had the incredible opportunity to work in the Hua Lab through the Boyce Thompson Institute and Cornell University Plant Genome Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Under the mentorship of Dr. Jian Hua and Dr. Veronica Perez, I contributed to a project investigating cold tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. We used several treatments to test the effect of cold on knockout mutants of paralogs within the gene families uL16 and uL18. These families code for proteins in the large subunit of the ribosome, and our project will help determine if these proteins have any effect on the cold response of Arabidopsis.

This project is applicable to combating climate extremes in agriculture, and introduced me to new molecular biology techniques like quantitative PCR, cDNA synthesis, and RNA expression analysis. In addition to research, I fully engaged in all BTI program activities. My scientific skills were cultivated through an introductory bioinformatics course, a science communication workshop, a panel on Cornell graduate opportunities, and attending weekly seminars. As I apply to PhD programs this fall, my REU participation will show my proficiency in plant science research, passion for discovery, and professional development.