A key to totipotency: Wuschel-like homeobox 2a unlocks embryogenic culture response in maize (Zea mays L.).

ABSTRACT: The ability of plant somatic cells to dedifferentiate, form somatic embryos and regenerate whole plants in vitro has been harnessed for both clonal propagation and as a key component of plant genetic engineering systems. Embryogenic culture response is significantly limited, however, by plant genotype in most species. This impedes advancements in both plant transformation-based functional genomics research and crop improvement efforts. We utilized natural variation among maize inbred lines to genetically map somatic embryo generation potential in tissue culture and identify candidate genes underlying totipotency. Using a series of maize lines derived from crosses involving the culturable parent A188 and the non-responsive parent B73, we identified a region on chromosome 3 associated with e

SUBMITTER: McFarland FL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10440991 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature