In Nebraska, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported that researchers Chi Zhang, Edgar Cahoon and Bin Yu will focus on the genome-wide identification of small gene fragments called microexons to advance knowledge on gene functions and regulation for oil accumulation and stress response in sorghum.
The researchers got a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for this study.
The Department of Energy’s focus on sorghum is as a biomass energy feedstock.
Having established foundational methodologies and analytical frameworks for identifying and characterizing microexons in plants, they will extend the research, integrate new experimental data and apply advanced computational models to discover regulatory mechanisms in sorghum.
“The insights and tools developed in our earlier work provide the technical infrastructure and biological context necessary for the success of this new phase,” Zhang said.
The resulting knowledge and resources will enable breeding and engineering of crops that are better equipped to thrive in variable climates, strengthening sustainable bioenergy production and agricultural productivity, the university said.
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Category: Food & Agriculture
