Collaborative Research: Comprehensive Molecular, Genetic and Cytogenetic Analysis of Transposon-Induced Chromosomal Rearrangements in Maize

合作研究：玉米转座子诱导染色体重排的综合分子、遗传和细胞遗传学分析转座子是基因组中可以从一个位点移动到另一个位点的DNA片段。有时，单独转座子的末端会试图转座；这种交替的转位反应可引起染色体的大量重排。该项目的目的是确定转座子的哪些排列可以引起不同的转座子反应，以及可以产生哪些类型的染色体畸变。该研究将使用玉米（玉米）进行，这是一种理想的模型系统，可以通过内核颜色的变化来检测转位事件。研究结果应该与包括人类在内的其他生物相关。本项目的研究结果将有助于阐明转座因子的生物学基本原理及其对基因组结构和表达的影响：首先，本研究将有助于进一步了解转座因子在基因组多样化和物种形成中的潜在作用。其次，这些结果可以帮助解释自发染色体畸变的起源，这种畸变通常与包括癌症在内的某些人类遗传疾病有关。第三，研究结果可为真核生物染色体研究新方法的发展提供依据。这个项目的一个重要方面是利用互补的方法来连接分子和染色体的结构水平。此外，学生还将通过研究者提供的研究项目和研讨会，接受染色体分析方法的培训。

Collaborative Research: Comprehensive Molecular, Genetic and Cytogenetic Analysis of Transposon-Induced Chromosomal Rearrangements in MaizeTransposons are segments of DNA that can move (transpose) from one site to another in the genome. Sometimes the ends of separate transposons will attempt to transpose; this alternative transposition reaction can cause large rearrangements of chromosomes. The aims of this project are to determine which arrangements of transposons can give rise to alternative transposition reactions, and what kinds of chromosomal aberrations can be produced. The research will be conducted using maize (corn), an ideal model system in which transposition events can be detected by changes in kernel color. The results should be relevant to other organisms, including humans. The results of this project will help to elucidate basic principles of the biology of transposable elements and their impact on genome structure and expression: First, this research will lead to a greater understanding of the potential role of transposable elements in genome diversification and speciation. Second, the results could help to explain the origin of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations that are often associated with certain human genetic diseases including cancer. Third, the results may provide the basis for development of new methods for studying eukaryotic chromosomes. An important aspect of this project is the use of complementary approaches to bridge the molecular and chromosomal levels of structure. In addition, students will be trained in methods of chromosome analysis through the research project and workshops offered by the investigators.