Leaf Identities
Project overview:
MicroRNAs control developmental transitions in many organisms. In maize,
the transition from juvenile to adult leaf identity is controlled by interactions
between miR172 and Gl15, miR156 and SPL genes. Maize seedling leaves differ
from adult leaves in their production of waxes, leaf hairs and biochemical
composition of cell walls, which contribute to stress tolerance and disease
pathogen resistance (see figure below). Using maize as an experimental
system, we are investigating how variation in microRNAs has influenced
the regulation of developmental timing in natural as well as mapping populations.
Recent posters:
2009
People:
Wei Zhang
