CPSC Lecture with George Coupland

Prof. Dr. George Coupland Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany

During the induction of flowering by day length, transcription of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene occurs in the leaf, and the FT protein is transported through the phloem to the shoot apex where it forms a protein complex (the florigen activation complex (FAC)) with the FD bZIP transcription factor and 14-3-3 proteins.

We have studied the biochemistry of this complex in vivo and in vitro, identifying unexpected functions of FT and the 14-3-3 proteins.

At the apex, the FAC directly activates transcription of genes leading to changes in shoot meristem morphology and stable inflorescence meristem identity.

In addition, we find that after FT movement to the shoot apex, a second pattern of FT transcription occurs adjacent to axillary meristems and in the flower that is important for inflorescence development and floral organ identity.

I will discuss the biochemistry of the FAC and its roles at the shoot meristem and in the flower.

Time and place

9 March 2026, 09:00-10:00

Auditorium 1, A2-82.01, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C