鉴定玉米穗粒数的关键基因及其生物学功能对于解析玉米产量形成的遗传基础和指导产量性状的遗传改良具有重要理论与实践意义。本课题组前期鉴定并精细定位了多个玉米穗行数和行粒数相关QTL。本研究我们拟采用连锁分析和染色体置换作图克隆这些QTL的候选基因；利用定点捕获、Barcode标记和Solexa测序相结合的高通量基因分型技术检测玉米自交系群体中已克隆的水稻、玉米花序发育和产量相关基因的多样性，关联分析发掘玉米穗粒数候选基因；通过转基因后代分析、突变体遗传分析、分子标记辅助选择等探明候选基因的生物学功能和遗传调控网络；应用酵母单杂交、酵母双杂交、染色质免疫沉淀和转基因植株或突变体的转录组分析等解析候选基因的调控网络。大刍草与玉米自交系中候选基因遗传变异分析，探讨候选基因在玉米驯化和改良中的分子进化。通过以上研究以期克隆控制玉米穗粒数形成的关键基因并阐明其生物学功能和分子调控机理。

The identification and functional elucidation of key genes for Kernel Number per Ear (KNE) of maize are particularly helpful for dissecting the genetics basis and for guiding genetic improvement of grain yield of maize. Earlier investigation in our laboratory has identified and finely mapped serveal QTL for kernel row number and kernel number per row. In the project, we are trying to isolate the candidate genes underlying these QTL (QTGs) by linkage mapping and chromosome substitution mapping. Moreover, A high throughput genotyping strategy will be estibalished through integration of multiple advanced techniques including target region capturing, Barcoding and Solexa sequencing, and then is used to refine the KNE-associated genes (KAGs) from those cloned genes regulating inflorescence development and grain yield in rice and/or maize by association mapping. Furthermore, maize genetic transformation, mutant genetic assay and molecular marker-aided selection will be used to elucidate biological function and interaction networks of candidate genes. The Yeast-one hybrid, Yeast-two hybrid, Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA-seq will be empolyed to assay regulatory pathways of candidate genes. The genetic diversity in both teosinte collections and maize inbred lines will be assayed to reveal the molecular evolution of candidate genes during domestication and improvement of maize. Our objectives are to elucidate biological function and acting mechanism of candidate genes in regulation of KNE in maize