2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this cooperative research project are to increase our understanding of mechanisms of aluminum tolerance, heavy metal transport, and nutritional quality and health-promoting properties of plants. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1) Molecular mapping and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of aluminum (Al) tolerance loci in cereal crops (maize and sorghum) as well as model plant species (Arabidopsis) will be carried out to isolate and characterize major Al tolerance genes. These genes will be used to improve the Al tolerance of major food crops.. 2)The molecular physiology of heavy metal transport will be studied in the heavy metal hyperaccumulator, Thlaspi caerulescens. We have identified a number of genes that are candidates for involvement in metal hyperaccumulation in Thlaspi and will study them in more detail to determine if they are indeed, hyperaccumulation genes. These will be used via biotechnology to improve plants for use in remediation of metal-contaminated soils.. 3)Model plant species (Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica oleraceae) will be studied to identify genes involved in the synthesis and accumulation of nutritionally important compounds, including pro-vitamin A precursors and active forms of Se that are believed to have anti-cancer potential. 3.Progress Report Progress for this project involved identification of candidate proteins that specifically interact with a previously discovered sorghum aluminum (Al) tolerance protein and may play a role in the function of this tolerance protein, identification of two candidate maize Al tolerance genes that are related to the sorghum Al tolerance gene, and identification of regulatory proteins that control gene expression of key heavy metal transporter genes in the heavy metal hyperaccumulating plant species, Thlaspi caerulescens. Research conducted under this agreement was monitored via regular meetings between the ADODR and Cornell cooperator. This work fits into Component I: Functional Utilization of Plant Genomes: Translating Plant Genomics into Crop Improvement, and Component 2. Biological Processes that Improve Crop Productivity and Quality, of the NP302 Action Plan.