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- Title
The heterochronic maize mutant Corngrass1 results from overexpression of a tandem microRNA.
- Authors
Chuck, George; Cigan, A Mark; Saeteurn, Koy; Hake, Sarah
- Abstract
Retention of juvenile traits in the adult reproductive phase characterizes a process known as neoteny, and speculation exists over whether it has contributed to the evolution of new species. The dominant Corngrass1 (Cg1) mutant of maize is a neotenic mutation that results in phenotypes that may be present in the grass-like ancestors of maize. We cloned Cg1 and found that it encodes two tandem miR156 genes that are overexpressed in the meristem and lateral organs. Furthermore, a target of Cg1 is teosinte glume architecture1 (tga1), a gene known to have had a role in the domestication of maize from teosinte. Cg1 mutant plants overexpressing miR156 have lower levels of mir172, a microRNA that targets genes controlling juvenile development. By altering the relative levels of both microRNAs, it is possible to either prolong or shorten juvenile development in maize, thus providing a mechanism for how species-level heterochronic changes can occur in nature.
- Publication
Nature genetics, 2007, Vol 39, Issue 4, p544
- ISSN
1061-4036
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/ng2001