Heterosis, protein folding, and molecular breeding

Dr. Stephen Goff
iPlant Collaborative, University of Arizona (Host: R. Yadegari)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - 4:00pm
Marley 230

Over 100 years ago, hybrid vigor (heterosis) was described in maize. Hybrids between genetically diverse varieties display enhanced growth, increased total biomass, increased stress resistance, and higher grain yields. Gene expression and metabolic studies in corn, rice and other species suggest that protein metabolism plays a role in the growth differences observed between hybrids and their inbred parents. Hybrid vigor is observed in a wide variety of different species suggesting it shares a common underlying biological mechanism.  

This presentation will describe a model to explain differences in growth and yield between inbreds and hybrids. Data from yeast, mollusks, animal, and human disease research suggests that allele-specific gene expression is linked to protein folding and stability, and helps conserve energy and allows more rapid cell division. The basic cell biology will be explained and the computational approaches and cyberinfrastructure required will be described to accelerate crop improvement.

Reference: Goff, S.A. A unifying theory for general multigenic heterosis: energy efficiency, protein metabolism, and implications for molecular breeding New Phytol 189(4):923-937 (2011)