Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025
08:36
Development of Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes TILLING Populations in Small Grain Crops by Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis
Published on: July 16, 2019
11.9K
A gene regulatory network for tiller development mediated by Tin8 in maize
Zhelong Lin1, Leina Zhou1, Shuyang Zhong1
1National Maize Improvement Center; Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding; Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|August 28, 2021
Summary
Researchers identified key genes, Tin8 (Zcn8) and Tb1, controlling maize tiller development. Zcn8
Area of Science:
- Plant Genetics
- Maize Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Tiller development in maize is crucial for yield but its genetic regulation is poorly understood.
- Identifying key genes controlling tiller number is essential for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize major genes and their interactions regulating tiller number in maize.
- To elucidate the gene regulatory network controlling tiller bud outgrowth.
Main Methods:
- Map-based cloning and association mapping were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs).
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to analyze gene expression patterns.
- Genetic interactions between identified loci were investigated.
Main Results:
- Two major QTLs, Tin8 (Zcn8) on chromosome 8 and Tb1 on chromosome 1, were identified for tiller number.
- Down-regulation of Tin8 (Zcn8) leads to decreased tiller number.
- Zcn8 was found to regulate the expression of 13 tiller development-related genes, including four involved in hormonal responses.
- A significant interaction between Zcn8 and Tb1 was observed, with Zcn8 repressing Gt1, D14, and Tru1 via Tb1.
Conclusions:
- A complex gene regulatory network controls tiller bud outgrowth in maize.
- Zcn8 plays a significant role in this network, influencing multiple downstream genes.
- The interaction between Zcn8 and Tb1 is critical for regulating tiller development in maize.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Gene Regulation During Sporulation
149
Sporulation is a complex developmental process that allows certain Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium species, to survive extreme environmental conditions. This process is tightly regulated by a series of signaling cascades and transcriptional controls, ensuring the formation of a highly resistant endospore.Sporulation is triggered by unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient depletion, and is governed by a phosphorelay system. One of the sensor kinases, such as...
149
01:56Riboswitches
8.8K
Riboswitches are non-coding mRNA domains that regulate the transcription and translation of downstream genes without the help of proteins. Riboswitches bind directly to a metabolite and can form unique stem-loop or hairpin structures in response to the amount of the metabolite present. They have two distinct regions – a metabolite-binding aptamer and an expression platform.
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
8.8K
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
1.1K
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
1.1K
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
3.3K
3.3K
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
8.0K
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors...
8.0K
01:27Constitutive and Regulated Gene Expression
274
Gene expression in prokaryotes is governed by constitutive and regulated systems, allowing cells to balance the production of essential proteins with adaptive responses to environmental changes.Constitutive Gene ExpressionConstitutive, or housekeeping, genes are continuously expressed as they encode proteins vital for fundamental cellular processes. These include enzymes for glycolysis, ribosomal components for protein synthesis, and proteins involved in DNA replication. Their constant...
274