玉米穗行数基因zmqKRN8.03功能及调控机理研究

玉米穗行数（KRN）是决定玉米产量最为重要的性状之一；课题组前期利用图位克隆的方法精细定位并克隆了KRN关键候选基因zmqKRN8.03；本项目拟在此基础上，利用突变体的遗传分析、关联分析、遗传转化、表达分析等手段，深入研究zmqKRN8.03的生物学功能、基因作用方式及其等位变异位点，探明已克隆的玉米花序发育基因与zmqKRN8.03的关系。利用原位杂交、免疫组化、ChiP-seq、酵母双杂、时空表达模式分析和RNA-seq分析等分子生物学手段，阐明zmqKRN8.03参与玉米籽粒发育的调控网络及分子机制。通过群体遗传学和分子进化分析，探明zmqKRN8.03位点在玉米驯化和遗传改良过程中优良等位基因的起源和选择模式。本研究结果不仅有助于阐明KRN形成的遗传和分子基础，也能为玉米产量性状遗传改良提供基因资源和理论指导。

Kernel row number (KRN) is one of the most important yield traits in maize. In our previous study, candidate gene zmqKRN8.03 have been mapped and cloned via map-based clone in our lab. In this research, mutant genetic analysis, association analysis, genetic transformation and expression analysis of zmqKRN8.03 will be done to help us deeply understand its biological function, gene interaction model and allelic variation locus, and clarify the relationship between zmqKRN8.03 and the cloned genes of maize inflorescence development.The methods of molecular biology, such as in situ hybridizaiton, immunohistochemical analysis, ChiP-seq, Y2H and RNA-seq etc, will be used to elucidate the regulatory network and molecular mechanism of zmqKRN8.03 in maize kernel development.The other aims are to clarify the origin and selection mode of zmqKRN8.03 in the process of domestication and genetic improvement by population genetics and molecular evolution analysis. The results of this study not only help us to clarify the genetic and molecular basis of KRN formation, but also provide genetic resources and theoretical guidance for the genetic improvement of maize yield traits.