2018 Student Research Conference:
31st Annual Student Research Conference

Evolutionary History and Expression of the LONESOME HIGHWAY Transcription Factor Gene Family in Maize


Terra J. Willard* and Isaac Julius
Dr. Diane Janick-Buckner and Dr. Brent Buckner, Faculty Mentors

The LONESOME HIGHWAY (LHW) and LONESOME HIGHWAY-LIKE (LHL) genes encode atypical basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors involved in regulating vascular development in root and above ground tissues. We have identified four orthologs of the AtLHW gene and two orthologs of the AtLHL3 gene in the maize genome. Using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR), the expression of all gene family members in maize were examined in above ground tissue of 14-day B73, Mo17, and W22 seedlings. Significant differences were found in the expression of these paralogs among the inbred lines. In addition, we performed qRT-PCR with cDNA prepared from primary root zones of dark grown 5-day seedlings and observed differential expression of ZmLHW and ZmLHL3 paralogs. Using publicly available maize RNAseq datasets, we have also analyzed the expression of the LONESOME HIGHWAY gene family members in leaf, stem and developing ear tissue, as well as 5-day primary root zones. These analyses further support that the LONESOME HIGHWAY gene family members are differentially expressed in the different tissues.

Keywords: Maize, LHW Genes, Roots, Above-Ground

Topic(s):Biology

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 3-1
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 3:30

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