23rd Annual Student Research Conference
Expression of Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 Subunits in
Maize
Adam J. Winkeler*, Christopher J. Tracy, and Dustin R. Mayfield
Dr. Diane Janick-Buckner and Dr. Brent Buckner, Faculty Mentors
Chromatin assembly factor-1 (CAF-1) is a heterotrimeric protein complex involved in DNA replication-associated chromatin assembly. CAF-1 is essential for proper plant development. ZmFas1, ZmFas2 and ZmMSI1 encode the three subunits of CAF-1 and are expressed at higher levels in the shoot apical meristem compared to whole 14-day seedlings. In Zea mays, there are two Fas1 paralogs designated ZmFas1a and ZmFas1b. Within the B73 genome, ZmFas2 appears to be present as a single copy, while ZmMSI1 is a member of a small gene family. RT-PCR analysis of multiple tissues from B73 plants indicates that both ZmFas1 paralogs are expressed at similar levels; mitotically active tissues exhibit a high level of expression, consistent with CAF-1 molecular function. ZmFas2 and ZmMSI1 are similarly expressed in these tissues. RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR analyses of seedlings from multiple Zea mays lines demonstrated variable ZmFas1 paralog expression, with ZmFas1b generally expressed at a higher level.
Keywords: Maize, Genetics, Chromatin, FASCIATA1 , FASCIATA2, MSI1, CAF-1, Plant
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 8-13
Location: SUB-GEO
Time: 4:15