Chopra suggested that studys findings may help provide the genetic and epigenetic basis of metabolic processes that are required for the development of a healthy corn kernel, which could inform increased quality and production in the future. Epigenetics refer to when genes functions are modified without any change in their DNA sequences, Chopra said, creating silent genes whose traits are not expressed in the organism. A better understanding of what induces gene silencing, and how they impact the organism, could help inform methods to create stress-resilient crops, according to the researchers.

The project will use cutting-edge instruments and expertise available through the Core Facilities of the Penn State Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, including collaboration with Neela Yennawar, director of the X-Ray Crystallography and Automated Biological Calorimetry facility.

Also, the researchers in Chopras lab will work with Natasha Tirko, director of the Master of Biotechnology Degree Program of the Huck Institutes, to organize a program for local high schoolers to gain hands-on laboratory and field exercises to learn about the inheritance of crop traits. The program, called Corn Summer Internships in Gene Silencing, will provide participants the opportunity to use plant phenotypes observablecharacteristics resulting from the interaction of plants with their environment to study what triggers epigenetic gene silencing.

These outreach activities will be in collaboration with Caitlin Teti, director and Carol-Beth Book, education program specialist of the Penn State Office of Science Outreach. This project will also involve Virginia State University faculty members Sarah Witiak and Rafat Siddiquiand their undergraduates, who will participate in research and outreach activities at Penn State.

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NSF grant to fund research on genetics and physiology of corn kernel development - Penn State University