Gene regulatory networks in wheat uncover the control of agronomic traits

Abstract: We face an urgent challenge to increase crop yields to feed the world’s growing population. To achieve this goal we need to understand the gene networks underpinning crop productivity. We have taken a transcriptomic approach to address this question in wheat, leveraging 500 publicly available RNA-seq samples with 400 new tissue and developmental stage specific RNA-seq samples. We have generated gene network models to predict the regulation of a variety of agronomically relevant processes including: senescence, tissue development and responses to abiotic and disease stresses.

In order to test the predictions of these models we have developed a suite of functional genomic resources in wheat including genome assemblies, a gene expression atlas (www.wheat-expression.com) and sequenced mutant populations (www.wheat-tilling.com). To widen access to these resources we have developed a website with background information and examples of how to use them (www.wheat-training.com).

Using these novel resources, we have validated the role of several genes in the regulation of senescence, which were predicted by the senescence network model. In collaboration with partners from the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium we are currently selecting candidate genes for other traits to explore in more detail.

Host: Andrea Harper