Project Number: 5335-21000-028-05
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2008
End Date: Jun 30, 2011

Objective:
We propose to identify genes that regulate cell walls in maize leaves in order to improve saccharification in grass species.

Approach:
We cloned the Corngrass gene in maize that keeps the plant in a juvenile state. We determined that it is a microRNA that regulates SPL transcription factors. These transcription factors are thus responsible for the shift from juvenile to adult leaves and for the production of prop roots in maize. We will determine the genes that are regulated by each SPL gene using reverse genetics and a combination of biochemistry and histology. Documents Reimbursable with DOE. Log 34608.