Genome Editing for the Development of Climate-Resilient Cereals

The growing global population and declining availability of arable land and water resources present significant challenges to sustainable food production. Advances in genomics, molecular breeding, and biotechnology offer powerful tools to unravel genome complexity and elucidate gene function. We employ various functional genomics tools including transposon-mediated and gene editing to modify, characterize and tweak plant genes. The transposon system, initially developed in barley and later adapted to hexaploid species, utilizes the two-component maize Ac/Ds system introduced via particle bombardment. Characterization of these mutants established the function of key genes including WAK1, AGO4_9, SPL3, TLP8 and miR172 genes and their involvement with root development, germination/sprouting, β-glucan metabolism, and spikelet formation. Additionally, our observation of the redox-dependent interaction between TLP8 and β-glucan in germinating grain extracts provides potential avenues for improving both malting quality and dietary fiber content in small grain cereals. Currently, we are leveraging CRISPR/Cas9 system to investigate biological networks underlying pre-harvest sprouting, flowering and physiological maturity, spikelet numbers and architecture, and β-glucan biosynthesis in small-grain cereals. Overall, our focus is on developing the next generation of healthy, productive crops in the scenario of changing climate.