NSF awards $4.3 million to map corn genome
Archived article from Nov 4, 2002
By Joseph Blumberg
Rutgers is receiving a $4.3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, part of the $10.2 million, two-year NSF-funded Maize Genome Sequencing Project. The goal is to determine the order and position of the genes on the corn plant's large and complex chromosomes.
The Rutgers-based project is led by Joachim Messing, director of the Waksman Institute of Microbiology, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Arizona. A second project involves the Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center in St. Louis in a collaboration with the Institute for Genomic Research, Rockville, Md.
"This may be the most important genome research since the Human Genome Project, perhaps even more important in terms of societal implications and breaking new scientific ground," said Messing. "This research will generate information that enables scientists and farmers to make major improvements in one of the world's most significant crops and develop new approaches to genomic studies."
Maize dominates agriculture in the United States, where approximately 9 billion bushels of corn are produced annually at a value of $30 billion. Beyond its value as a primary food crop, corn is increasingly used in a wide range of applications, including livestock feed and in manufactured products such as adhesives, batteries, cosmetics, fuel, pharmaceuticals, sweeteners and wallpaper.
"The sheer magnitude and potential worldwide impact of the Maize Genome Sequencing Project is stunning," said Joseph J. Seneca, university vice president for academic affairs. "This crucial research will advance science and serve our nation, its economy and all the peoples of the world. The NSF grant also acknowledges the expertise of Dr. Messing and his Rutgers colleagues. We are extremely pleased that NSF has recognized the outstanding genome research expertise at Rutgers."
The size and complexity of the maize genome makes its definition exceedingly challenging. Prominent among current genomic techniques is "shotgun sequencing," developed by Messing and his colleagues. To fully exploit its potential for the maize analysis, however, new breakthroughs in methodology will be required. The methods to be developed and tested are geared toward defining both the sequence of the genes and their physical location.
Knowing where the various genes are and what they are doing should provide agricultural breeders with insights into how they might crossbreed strains to enhance desirable traits. More precise information about the maize genome will also enable researchers to manipulate the plant's genes to create a more nutritious or viable corn without the controversial biotechnology used in genetically modified foods. Instead of inserting a gene that is not native to maize, scientists will be able to more effectively utilize the endogenous or native genes, Messing predicted.
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