Cis-regulatory mapping framework for identifying promoter variants in plants
A refined framework integrating pangenome structural variation, chromatin accessibility, and transcriptomics to identify promoter variants affecting gene expression in plants. Validated in maize and extending to barley, this approach enhances precision in pinpointing functional regulatory sites.
Overview
This innovative cis-regulatory mapping framework is designed to identify promoter variants that alter gene expression in plants. By integrating pangenome structural variation, chromatin accessibility, and transcriptomic responses, this approach provides a high-resolution method for pinpointing causal promoter variants. Originally validated in maize, the framework will now be applied to barley, offering insights into plant adaptation and sequence diversity.
Technical specifications
- Multi-condition expression profiling: Reduces linkage disequilibrium-driven background noise, highlighting variants with context-dependent effects.
- Pangenome integration: Enhances precision in resolving promoter variants.
- Chromatin accessibility mapping: Identifies functional open chromatin regions with transcription factor binding potential.
- Cross-species validation: Extends application to barley, using high-depth resequenced accessions and integrating RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data.
Technology readiness level
The cis-regulatory mapping framework has achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. It has been validated in maize and is currently being extended to barley, a species with a more complex genome. This stage involves integrating datasets to identify and validate promoter variants, with further validation planned in additional accessions.
About North Dakota State University (NDSU)
North Dakota State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university (R1) in Fargo with a pragmatic, industry‑engaged culture. Companies engage through an adjacent research and technology park offering incubator space and prototyping resources, and shared high‑performance computing supports data‑intensive work. Pilot‑scale processing facilities and co‑located labs in the Peltier Complex and the campus pilot plant help de‑risk scale‑up and validate manufacturing processes. A statewide Extension network provides access to field sites, stakeholders, and dissemination channels for real‑world testing and deployment. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.