Genomic Analyses of Shoot Meristem Function in Maize

Pi：Michael Scanlon(康奈尔大学)Copis：Marja Timmermans(冷泉港实验室)，Gary Muehlbauer(明尼苏达大学)，Jianming Yu(堪萨斯州立大学)，Diane Janick-Buckner，Jon Beck(杜鲁门州立大学)合作者Dan Nettleton(爱荷华州立大学)，Doreen Ware(美国农业部-ARS/冷泉港实验室)，David Micklos(多兰DNA学习中心)负责植物地上所有器官的发育。尽管SAM在器官发生过程中起着重要作用，但其调节SAM功能的分子机制尚不清楚。由于独特的生物学优势和基因组资源的结合，玉米特别适合在基因组水平上研究SAM结构、功能和异质性的遗传网络。该项目将致力于五个具体目标：(1)与SAM基因功能和玉米叶片模式调控有关的候选基因的遗传特征；(2)利用激光显微切割和转录本图谱来鉴定在SAM发生和发育过程中表达的基因；(3)鉴定SAM分生组织功能中的小RNA控制网络；(4)鉴定控制SAM结构的数量性状基因座(QTL)；以及(5)利用连锁不平衡作图识别影响复杂叶片性状的新等位基因(单倍型)。拟议研究的广泛影响：这些对SAM功能的基因组分析将为旨在传播对植物科学的理解和欣赏的科学培训和公共宣传战略提供智力框架。杜鲁门州立大学是科克斯维尔(密苏里州)的一所小型公立文科院校，该校的本科生将接受培训，对新的SAM基因进行生物信息学注释，并对该项目期间产生的玉米SAM突变体进行遗传、表型和分子分析。冷泉港实验室的多兰DNA学习中心将建立一个名为《神奇的杂草》的公共网站/播客，展示玉米基因研究的历史，庆祝其对人类文化的影响。在该项目期间产生的所有数据将被发布到公共数据库，包括MaizeGDB(www.maizegdb.org)和Gramene(www.gram ene.org)，含有新发现的玉米突变的种子将被发布供公众分发。

PI: Michael Scanlon (Cornell University)CoPIs: Marja Timmermans (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Gary Muehlbauer (University of Minnesota), Jianming Yu (Kansas State University), Diane Janick-Buckner, Jon Beck (Truman State University)Collaborators Dan Nettleton (Iowa State University), Doreen Ware (USDA-ARS/Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), David Micklos (Dolan DNA Learning Center)The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is responsible for development of all above ground organs in the plant. Despite its essential roles during organogenesis, the molecular mechanisms regulating SAM function are poorly understood. Owing to a unique combination of biological advantages and genomic resources, maize is particularly well positioned for investigations of the genetic networks underlying SAM structure, function, and heterogeneity on a genomic scale. This project will address five specific objectives: (1) genetic characterization of candidate genes implicated in the regulation of SAM gene function and maize leaf patterning; (2) use of laser microdissection and transcript profiling to identify genes expressed during SAM initiation and development ; (3) identification of small RNA-controlled networks in SAM meristem function; (4) identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling SAM architecture; and (5) identification of novel alleles (haplotypes) contributing to complex leaf traits using linkage-disequilibrium mapping.Broader impacts of proposed research: These genomic analyses of SAM function will provide the intellectual framework for a strategy of scientific training and public outreach designed to disseminate an understanding and appreciation of plant science. Undergraduates at Truman State University, a small, public liberal arts institution in Kirksville (MO) will be trained to perform bioinformatic annotations of novel SAM genes, and carry out genetic, phenotypic, and molecular analyses of maize SAM mutants generated during this project. The Dolan DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory will construct a public website/podcast entitled "Weed to Wonder" that will present the history of maize genetic research and celebrate its impact on human culture. All data generated during this project will be released to public databases include MaizeGDB (www.maizegdb.org) and Gramene (www.gramene.org), and seed harboring newly discovered maize mutations will be released for public distribution.