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Genetic analysis of opaque2 modifier loci in quality protein maize

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Abstract

Quality protein maize (QPM) was created by selecting genetic modifiers that convert the starchy endosperm of an opaque2 (o2) mutant to a hard, vitreous phenotype. Genetic analysis has shown that there are multiple, unlinked o2 modifiers (Opm), but their identity and mode of action are unknown. Using two independently developed QPM lines, we mapped several major Opm QTLs to chromosomes 1, 7 and 9. A microarray hybridization performed with RNA obtained from true breeding o2 progeny with vitreous and opaque kernel phenotypes identified a small group of differentially expressed genes, some of which map at or near the Opm QTLs. Several of the genes are associated with ethylene and ABA signaling and suggest a potential linkage of o2 endosperm modification with programmed cell death.

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Acknowledgments

The research described in this manuscript was supported by grants from the USDA (CSREES 2004-35301-14537 to BAL) and DOE (# DE-FG05-95ER20194 to JM). We thank Roberto Lizzaraga-Guerra for creating the genetic materials that were used in this analysis, and acknowledge his contribution to the QTL marker analysis. The authors owe a special thanks to Dr. William Bickel in the Physics Department at the University of Arizona, who tested a variety of procedures for measuring kernel vitreousness, and to Max Feldman for technical support. Authors also thank Tim Helentjaris and John Klingler for reviewing and commenting on the manuscript.

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Author notes

  1. Taijoon Chung & Bryan C. Gibbon

    Present address: Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 425-G Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706-1580, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Forbes Hall 303C, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA

    David R. Holding, Brenda G. Hunter, Taijoon Chung, Bryan C. Gibbon & Brian A. Larkins

  2. Department of Biology, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA

    Bryan C. Gibbon

  3. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, 2312 Food Sciences Bldg., Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    Clark F. Ford

  4. Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8020, USA

    Arvind K. Bharti & Joachim Messing

  5. Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA

    Bruce R. Hamaker

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  1. David R. Holding
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Correspondence to Brian A. Larkins.

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Communicated by T. Lübberstedt.

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Holding, D.R., Hunter, B.G., Chung, T. et al. Genetic analysis of opaque2 modifier loci in quality protein maize. Theor Appl Genet 117, 157–170 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-008-0762-y

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