Poster abstracts
Poster number 15 submitted by Caleb Gooden
Transcription initiation of long terminal-repeat retrotransposons in Z. mays
Caleb Gooden (Molecular Genetics), Shujun Ou (Molecular Genetics)
Abstract:
Long terminal-repeat (LTR) retrotransposons (RTs) constitute approximately 75% of the maize genome, representing a significant population of genomic elements implicated in stress response and environmental adaptation. Transcriptionally activated LTR-RTs enhance gene expression under certain conditions by recruiting transcription factors or providing an alternative promoter located in their identical, non-coding LTRs. The characteristics of LTR promoters in maize remain unclear despite their transcriptional activities in varying conditions. Study of the LTR promoter in active LTR-RTs is made difficult by high sequence diversity, undefined subregion boundaries, and shortfalls of current sequencing methods. Our work aims to characterize LTR-RT promoters to understand their influence on gene regulation. This project exploring LTR-RT transcription initiation will expand knowledge of their regulatory roles in plants and provide genetic targets to improve agriculture in response to worsening climactic conditions.
Keywords: Transposable elements, Maize, Transcription initiation