Distribution of Activator (Ac) throughout the maize genome for use in regional mutagenesis

Genetics. 2005 Feb;169(2):981-95. doi: 10.1534/genetics.104.033738. Epub 2004 Nov 1.

Abstract

A collection of Activator (Ac)-containing, near-isogenic W22 inbred lines has been generated for use in regional mutagenesis experiments. Each line is homozygous for a single, precisely positioned Ac element and the Ds reporter, r1-sc:m3. Through classical and molecular genetic techniques, 158 transposed Ac elements (tr-Acs) were distributed throughout the maize genome and 41 were precisely placed on the linkage map utilizing multiple recombinant inbred populations. Several PCR techniques were utilized to amplify DNA fragments flanking tr-Ac insertions up to 8 kb in length. Sequencing and database searches of flanking DNA revealed that the majority of insertions are in hypomethylated, low- or single-copy sequences, indicating an insertion site preference for genic sequences in the genome. However, a number of Ac transposition events were to highly repetitive sequences in the genome. We present evidence that suggests Ac expression is regulated by genomic context resulting in subtle variations in Ac-mediated excision patterns. These tr-Ac lines can be utilized to isolate genes with unknown function, to conduct fine-scale genetic mapping experiments, and to generate novel allelic diversity in applied breeding programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Plant
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Transposable Elements / genetics*
  • DNA, Plant
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genes, Plant
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Plant*
  • Homozygote
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Insertional*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
  • Retroelements
  • Zea mays / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • DNA, Plant
  • Retroelements

Associated data

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