Revealing gene regulatory networks that control maize development

The final form (or shape) of a plant is a key determinant of fitness, and in our crops this translates to yield and quality. Understanding how plant development is controlled in different species is therefore important to not only understand how new plant morphologies evolve, but also for opening potential avenues for precision engineering of crops to improve yield and resilience in a changing climate. Leaves are crucial for photosynthesis, and their shape, placement around the stem, and angle all influence how efficient they are at intercepting light. The grass family, which includes all the cereal crops, has very distinctive, shared leaf shape and placement patterns. We recently cloned a gene responsible for controlling leaf formation in maize, ZmARF28 which is part of the large Auxin Response Transcription Factor family. In the Truffula mutant ZmARF28 has a mutation that results in over-accumulation of ZmARF28 protein. The Truffula mutant has many different defects in leaf development, over-producing leaves (up to 70 leaves compared to the normal 15), and also has defects in floral organ development. We do not know how ZmARF28 controls these processes. This project will use molecular techniques, 3D imaging, and next-generation sequencing to reveal the gene regulatory network that ZmARF28 acts in across different parts of the plant. Through comparing findings with other species we will be able to reveal whether ZmARF28’s role is unique to maize, to grasses, or has a conserved role across flowering plants. This project will provide fundamental insights into plant development and reveal potential targets for future crop improvement.

The Lab:

The Plant Shape Lab (www.theplantshapelab.org) is based in the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. It is a dynamic, inclusive, and highly collaborative environment. The lab currently has 2 postdocs and 1 PhD student, with undergraduate honours and Masters research project students joining each year. Students are well-supported by the community within the lab and department, as well as the wider School of Biological Sciences, gaining access to many training and mentorship opportunities.

The Candidate:

We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate with a keen interest in plant development to join our supportive and vibrant research team. Prospective candidates are invited to contact Dr Annis Richardson ([Email Address Removed]) with their curriculum vitae, 2 references, and a short description of why they are interested on working in this research area, and in the Plant Shape Lab specifically (500 words max), and why they want to do a PhD (200 words max).

Funding Notes:

Enhanced four-year postgraduate studentships, starting in October 2025, will again be awarded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. The maintenance stipend in the first year will be £24,235 (to increase by 4% annually). In addition to this, there is an annual payment of £5,500 for department laboratory fees, and £700 for books, conferences and travel. Tuition fees are also paid by the Foundation.

The final award of the grant is conditional on the student obtaining a first or upper second class degree before the start of the Sainsbury PhD Studentship.

It would be expected that the studentship holder spend six months during their 3^rd or 4^th year at another university/institute to gain additional experience. The student can claim up to an additional £3,000 to assist in covering the extra expenses.

Enquiries:

Dr Annis Richardson ([Email Address Removed])

Prestigious Sainsbury PhD Studentships in plant sciences