Conservation of genetic models for carpel and fruit patterning in angiosperms

We have initiated a systematic study of the conservation of the genetic networks directing carpel patterning in Arabidopsis in other angiosperm species, including legumes, solanaceae, basal eudicots and rice, a monocot. We are also trying to test if variations in conserved genetic networks directing fruit patterning can explain morphological innovations found in some plant families, as for example the curly spiny fruits that originated in the genus Medicago, or the origin of morphological innovations of angiosperms, like the style and thestigma.