Functional Genomics of Maize Centromeres

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Centromeres are large chromosome domains that organize and regulate chromosomemovement. They contain thousands of simple repeated sequences and hundreds ofRNA-based transposable elements, all of which are difficult to sequence and manipulate in thelaboratory. Despite these challenges, mammalian centromeric DNA has been exploited to create'artificial chromosomes' that can carry long segments of engineered DNA. Artificial chromosomescould also have widespread applications in agriculture. For instance, entire biochemicalpathways or multiple disease resistances could be introduced simultaneously. The experimentscarried out under this award will fill major gaps in our understanding of plant centromeres and buildthe foundation for creating artificial chromosomes in maize and rice. The resultinginformation will be distributed through online resources and published articles that are readily availablein the public domain.To expand training opportunities in plant genetics, two new programs will be initiated.One will combine existing on-campus minority involvement programs and establish aplant biology genomics focus at the University of Georgia. Hands-on training in plantcytogenetics will also be offered through an Annual Cytogenetics Training Workshop (ACTW) at theUniversity of Wisconsin. The ACTW will provide training in fluorescent in situhybridization,immunolocalization, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and other advanced techniquesnecessary for chromosome-based research.