Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
10:08
Experimental Design for Laser Microdissection RNA-Seq: Lessons from an Analysis of Maize Leaf Development
Published on: March 5, 2017
A multi-omics approach to maize (Zea mays) tassel development.
Finn Hartmann1, Sandra Mathioni2, Atul Kakrana3
1Plant Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
BMC Plant Biology
|July 7, 2026
Summary
This study profiles gene expression, small RNAs (sRNAs), and proteins during maize tassel development. It reveals dynamic regulatory shifts and identifies GASA-like 4 (GSL4) as a potential factor influencing tassel architecture.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Maize (Zea mays) tassel development is crucial for crop yield and reproductive success.
- Understanding the molecular regulation of tassel formation, including anther cell specification, is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze the regulatory programs governing maize tassel development.
- To profile transcriptomes, small RNAs (sRNAs), and proteomes during early tassel growth stages.
Main Methods:
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and sRNA sequencing were performed on maize tassels at four developmental stages (0.5-2.0 cm).
- Proteomic analysis complemented transcriptomic data.
- Gene expression, sRNA profiles, and protein levels were analyzed for dynamic changes.
Main Results:
- Dynamic gene expression shifts were observed, marking the transition from indeterminate meristems to organ initiation and germinal cell determination.
- 182 microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified, with 126 consistently expressed and others showing stage-specific patterns.
- Auxin signaling-targeting miRNAs and reproductive sRNA pathways (miR2275, miR11969) were dynamically regulated.
- GASA-like 4 (GSL4) was identified as a potential regulator of tassel branch length.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a multi-omics overview of early maize tassel development, enriching existing datasets.
- Dynamic sRNA regulation, particularly targeting auxin signaling, fine-tunes meristem activity.
- GSL4 is identified as a novel factor potentially influencing tassel morphology, offering new avenues for research.
