Spatial Transcriptomic of Wheat Grain for ion transport (TranScripION)

小麦籽粒中的铁和锌含量较低，这导致数十亿以小麦为主食的人缺乏微量营养素。生物强化有可能提高人类饮食中的微量营养素含量，而不会产生可持续性问题，也不会增加加工过程中与传统强化相关的成本。小麦籽粒中微量营养素的积累依赖于遗传调控过程，但微量营养素从亲本到种子的运输机制尚未得到广泛研究。通过了解这些过程，Borrill实验室试图提高小麦籽粒中的微量营养素含量。在本研究中，我将进行小麦籽粒灌浆的空间转录组学分析，旨在描绘特定的空间域在灌浆期的转录谱，并确定关键基因编码的微量营养素转运蛋白。我将调查特定的基因表达模式内不同的细胞亚群在母-子交界处，构建一个电子原位表达图谱，并产生时空调控网络地图。该项目将提高我们对小麦胚乳细胞功能的理解，并确定小麦籽粒组织内的异质性。此外，它将阐明母子组织沟通和交换营养素和微量营养素的机制，进一步扩大我们在这一领域的知识。

Wheat grain has low levels of iron and zinc which contributes to micronutrient deficiencies in the billions of people who rely on wheat as a staple food. Biofortification has the potential to enhance micronutrient content in the human diet without the sustainability concerns and additional costs associated with conventional fortification during processing. The accumulation of micronutrients in the wheat grain is dependent on genetically regulated processes, but the mechanisms underlying the transport of micronutrients from the parent to the seed have not been extensively studied. By understanding these processes, the Borrill lab seeks to enhance micronutrient content in wheat grains. In this proposed research, I will conduct a spatial transcriptomic analysis of wheat grain filling, aiming to delineate the transcriptional profiles within specific spatial domains during the grain filling stage and identify key genes encoding micronutrient transporters. I will investigate the specific gene expression patterns within distinct cell subgroups at the maternal-filial junction and construct an electronic in situ expression atlas and generate spatiotemporal regulatory network maps. This project will enhance our understanding of wheat endosperm cell functionality and identify heterogeneity within tissues of wheat grains. Moreover, it will elucidate the mechanisms through which the maternal-filial tissues communicate and exchange nutrients and micronutrients, further expanding our knowledge in this area.