Multi-omic characterization of the maize GPI synthesis mutant gwt1 with defects in kernel development.

Background: Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) and GPI-anchored proteins (GAPs) are important for cell wall formation and reproductive development in Arabidopsis. However, monocot counterparts that function in kernel endosperm development have yet to be discovered. Here, we performed a multi-omic analysis to explore the function of GPI related genes on kernel development in maize.

Maize tubulin folding cofactor B is required for cell division and cell growth through modulating microtubule homeostasis.

Tubulin folding cofactors (TFCs) are required for tubulin folding, α/β tubulin heterodimer formation, and microtubule (MT) dynamics in yeast and mammals. However, the functions of their plant counterparts remain to be characterized. We identified a natural maize crumpled kernel mutant, crk2, which exhibits reductions in endosperm cell number and size, as well as embryo/seedling lethality.

The impact of sample selection strategies on genetic diversity and representativeness in germplasm bank collections.

Background: Germplasm banks maintain collections representing the most comprehensive catalogue of native genetic diversity available for crop improvement. Users of germplasm banks are interested in a fixed number of samples representing as broadly as possible the diversity present in the wider collection. A relevant question is whether it is necessary to develop completely independent germplasm samples or it is possible to select nested sets from a pre-defined core set panel not from the whole collection.