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SUMMARY:Using Epigenomics to Unlock Plant Regulatory Variation   - Bob Sch
 mitz\, University of Georgia
DTSTART:20251022T130000Z
DTEND:20251022T140000Z
UID:TALK239458@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Ian Henderson
DESCRIPTION:Plant epigenomics and single-cell genomics are transformative 
 tools for studying cis-regulatory variation in plant genomes. We are using
  these technologies to identify cis-regulatory elements\, characterize the
 ir cell-type-specific activity\, and uncover how genetic variants influenc
 e their activity. In this talk\, I’ll explore how cutting-edge tools lik
 e epigenomics and single-cell genomics are rapidly advancing our understan
 ding of plant biology by pinpointing the location of "cis-regulatory eleme
 nts"\, the non-coding regions of DNA that play a crucial role in gene expr
 ession control. Using maize (corn) as a model\, we’re uncovering how the
 se regulatory elements vary between plants and how those differences have 
 influenced key traits during domestication and adaptation. While genome-wi
 de association studies (GWAS) have helped connect genetic variation to imp
 ortant traits in crops\, they often struggle to identify the precise varia
 nts responsible—especially because most trait-linked DNA changes lie out
 side of genes. By profiling over 700\,000 individual cells across 172 gene
 tically diverse maize lines\, we’ve mapped the locations and activity of
  regulatory elements at unprecedented resolution. Our work reveals how mob
 ile DNA elements (transposons) helped rewire gene regulation\, how specifi
 c transcription factor binding sites influence chromatin accessibility\, a
 nd how natural variation in these regions contributes to flowering time an
 d other critical traits. These discoveries offer new insights into the mol
 ecular drivers of crop diversity and hold promise for improving agricultur
 e through targeted genome editing.
LOCATION:Large Lecture Theater\, Department of Plant Sciences\, Downing Si
 te\, University of Cambridge
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