Regulation of the male germline in cereal crops by somatic companion cells

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Sexually reproducing organisms must undergo meiosis to generate distinct male and female germlines. Recent studies in animals have shown that genetic and epigenetic factors regulate the development of the germline, however, research is lagging in plants, and many of the key players and precise mechanisms remain elusive. This proposal aims to investigate how neighbouring somatic cells can regulate male germline development and gametogenesis in maize through action of a novel Argonaute protein (named MAGO) and associated new class of small non-coding RNAs found only in monocots. This proposal specifically focuses on revealing the following key objectives:
1. The role of MAGO during male meiosis and gametogenesis.
2. The biochemical and molecular nature of MAGO action in maize somatic germline companion cells.
3. Defining the role of MAGO-associated non-coding RNAs during male germline development.
4. To test the functional conservation of this fundamental pathway in wheat to engineer new breeding approaches.
This work will advance our basic understanding of how cereal crops set the male germline and provide essential know-how for creating novel strategies and breeding tools in cereal crops.

Data and material generated from this proposal will be made freely available. In addition, the University of Warwick will exploit IP generated through other aspects of the works. We will engage with industrial beneficiaries with regards to the development of novel approaches for the improvement of maize traits through existing collaborations with two agro-biotechnology partners.

The wheat and maize materials developed within the project will also be showcased in NIAB Innovation Farm. Based in Cambridge, NIAB Innovation Farm includes field, glasshouse and conference facilities, focussed on improving knowledge transfer between academic scientists and industry in order to harness the full potential of plant genetic innovations. The NIAB Cambridge Open Day event, which takes place in June, is attended by farmers and agriculture industry businesses. This platform will allow the PI to inform commercial breeding companies, stakeholder groups and farmers on the progress made and commercial potential of the work.

We will disseminate our findings by making our data publicly available through peer-reviewed publication. The resources will be deposited at EMBL-EBI, NCBI and Maize Genetic COOP Stock Center. Training in scientific research skills will be provided to the RPDA and RA by the PI, colleagues at the University of Warwick, and by existing collaborations with international scientists. We will disseminate our results to the public through media reports and by interacting directly with the public and plant breeders. Pathways to impact will be monitored and evaluated every six months.