25th Annual Student Research Conference
Histological and Molecular Characterization of Maize Mutant rld*5409
Kyler L. Carlson*, Emily R. Ross, and Zenith Tandukar
Dr. Diane Janick-Buckner, Faculty Mentor
In maize, the rolled leaf1 (rld1) and rolled leaf2 (rld2) genes encode HD-ZIPIII proteins that accumulate on the adaxial side of developing leaves, regulate abaxial/adaxial leaf polarity and regulate expression of yabby genes. The expression domain of rld1 and rld2 is controlled by microRNA166 (miR166), which targets HD-ZIPIII transcripts for degradation. Misregulation of rld1 results in mutant plants that exhibit an upward rolling of leaves. A new rld-like mutant, designated rld*5409, displays a similar phenotype. Histological analysis of rld*5409 leaves demonstrated a loss of leaf hairs and bulliform cells on the adaxial surface and altered stomatal patterning. Vascular tissue polarity appeared normal. Expression of genes in the miR166/HD-ZIPIII pathway was analyzed on rld*5409 tissue using RT-PCR and compared to wild-type tissue. Expression of rld1, yabby genes and miR166 precursor were found to be altered in rld*5409 tissues, indicating that miR166/HD-ZIPIII pathway is not functioning properly in the mutant.
Keywords: maize, miR166, rld-like mutant, HD-ZIPIII, rld*5409, rld1, rld2
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 200-3
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30