Researcher(s)
- Taran Kermani, Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Erin Sparks, Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
Brace roots are nodal roots that emerge from above-ground regions of the stem in various Poaceae (grasses), including Zea mays (maize) and Sorghum bicolor (sorghum). Evolutionarily, maize and sorghum are very closely related. Due to this close evolutionary relationship, gene expression during brace root development is likely similar between these two species. mRNA from nodal tissue with brace roots at three major stages of development (induction, initiation, and emergence) was isolated from maize and sorghum. 3’ RNAseq, differential gene expression analysis, and gene ontology were then used to determine transcript-level differences in gene expression between nodes. This analysis has been completed for maize and is in progress for sorghum. After completion of the sorghum differential gene expression analysis, overlap between the maize and sorghum lists of differentially expressed genes will be analyzed to determine which genes most likely regulate brace root development. Transcription factors (many of which regulate developmental processes) with similar differential expression patterns will be prioritized for further study. Transcription factor roles in brace root development will be validated through mutant phenotyping and overlap with maize and sorghum brace root development GWAS (genome-wide association) studies. An understanding of brace root development may be used to design resilient crop lines for higher and more consistent yields, increasing food supply and food security for the growing world population.