24th Annual Student Research Conference
Expression of Class 1 knox Genes in a New ROUGH SHEATH1 Mutant of Maize
Hazar H. Khidir*, Christopher Tracey, M. Christine Graves, and Sarah Hutchinson
Dr. Diane Janick-Buckner and Dr. Brent Buckner, Faculty Mentors
In maize, class 1 knox genes encode transcription factors that are involved in shoot apical meristem function. A new knox-like mutant, which displays aberrant cell patterning at the leaf sheath/blade boundary, was identified in a maize line that exhibits active Mutator (Mu) transposition. The gene responsible for this phenotype appears to be rough sheath1 (rs1), a class 1 knox gene. RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of rs1 and seven other class 1 knox genes in the sheath/blade boundary. rs1, lg3, knox5, knox8 and knox1 were all ectopically expressed in mutant tissue. The WRKY1 gene is also tagged with a Mu transposon in our plant population. WRKY transcription factors are involved in a number of plant processes including disease resistance and trichome development. We have found that there may be an interaction between WRKY1 and rs1 genes. Current studies are examining the expression of class 1 knox genes in plants segregating for Mu-tagged rs1 and/or Mu-tagged WKRY1 alleles.
Keywords: maize, rough sheath 1, class 1 knox genes, WRKY transcription factors, shoot apical meristem, Mutator, expression, cell patterning
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 3-1
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 4:30