Prof. Dr. Jianbing Yan
Professor of Plant Genetics in the College of Plant Science and Technology/National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, ChinaPresident of Huazhong Agricultural University, China
Speech Title: A Zea Genus-specific Micropeptide Controls Kernel Dehydration in Maize
Abstract: Kernel dehydration rate (KDR) is a crucial production trait that affects mechanized harvesting and kernel quality in maize; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL), qKDR1, as a non-coding sequence that regulates the expression of qKDR1 REGULATED PEP- TIDE GENE (RPG). RPG encodes a 31 amino acid micropeptide, microRPG1, which controls KDR by precisely modulating the expression of two genes, ZmETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3-like 1 and 3, in the ethylene signaling pathway in the kernels after filling. microRPG1 is a Zea genus-specific micropeptide and originated de novo from a non-coding sequence. Knockouts of microRPG1 result in faster KDR in maize. By contrast, overex- pression or exogenous application of the micropeptide shows the opposite effect both in maize and Arabi- dopsis. Our findings reveal the molecular mechanism of microRPG1 in kernel dehydration and provide an important tool for future crop breeding.
Biography: Dr. Yan received his B.S. in 1999 and Ph. D in 2003 from Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU). 2003-2006, he worked in China Agricultural University as lecture, associate professor. From 2006-2008, he did his post doctorate research in International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Cornell University. From 2009 to 2011, he worked in CIMMYT as an associate scientist and scientist. 2011-now, he works in HZAU as a professor. His research interests focus on: Maize Genomics and the Genetic Improvement of Quality Traits based on big data and Single Cell Sequencing Technology Development and Application in Plants. Till data, he published more than 100 papers in international journals including of Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, PNAS, PLoS Genet, Plant Cell, New Phytologsit, Molecular Plant and so on.
Home page: www.maizego.org
Honors:
Ø Japan International Award for Yong Agricultural Researchers 2010
Ø Dupont Young Professor Award 2011
Ø Hubei Chutian Scholar Professor, 2011 (湖北楚天特聘教授)
Ø New Century Excellent Talents in University, 2011 （教育部新世纪人才计划）
Ø Natural Science Foundation for Excellent Youth, 2012 （优秀青年基金）
Ø Hubei “Five Four” Youth Medal, 2012（湖北五四青年奖章）
Ø The National Top-notch Youth Support Program, 2013 （“万人计划”青年拔尖人才）
Ø China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists, 2015 （国家自然科学基金委“杰青”）
Ø Yangtze River Scholars Distinguished Professor, 2016 （教育部“长江学者”）
Ø Overseas Chinese Contribution Award, 2018 （第七届中国侨界贡献奖二等奖）
Ø The L. Stadler Mid-Career Award, 2022 （刘易斯•斯塔德勒中期职业生涯奖）
Ø The 3rd National Award for Outstanding Innovation, 2023 （第三届全国创新争先奖）