Research Summary

Research in the Brutnell lab is focused on developing genetic and molecular tools for maize genomics and on understanding light signal transduction pathways in the grasses. We have generated and mapped over 200 Ac elements throughout the maize genome. A set of 60 near-isogenic Ac lines are available at the Maize Genetics Coop. We Have also developed a two-component Ac/Ds gene tagging platform for use in both forward and reverse genetic screens in maize. These sequence-indexed Ds insertions can be used in both forward and reverse genetic screens to functionally define thousands of genes in the maize genome.

Our work on maize light signal transduction has focused on developing microarray technologies to probe photosynthetic differentiation in the maize leaf and to examine the role of phytochrome in mediating light responses. We have isolated and characterized several mutants with defects in phytochrome signaling pathway and have begun to analyze the consequences of these mutations on the agronomic performance of maize.

Most recently, we have begun investigating the role of light on axillary branch development in maize with the aim of increasing the biomass of important biofuels grasses.