Presented by Justin Walley, Iowa State University

Abstract: Integrated molecular atlases make possible systems biology approaches aimed at understanding biological phenomena. Justin Walley will discuss the generation and analysis of a large-scale atlas quantifying mRNA levels, protein abundance and phosphorylation state in maize, which is unparalleled in its depth and scope. In addition to describing complex spatiotemporal patterns of gene activity, the atlas has enabled generation and interrogation of a number of different types of regulatory networks. These include mRNA and protein co-expression networks, a gene regulatory network (GRN) and a novel kinase-substrate network. He will also present research examining the innate immune response, of maize, to the highly virulent fungal pathogen Cochliobolus carbonum. Specifically, this work focuses on how HC-toxin, a naturally occurring histone deacetylase inhibitor, promotes pathogen virulence towards maize. These studies highlight the complex interplay of transcriptional, translational and post-translational events in dynamically remodeling the proteome.

Refreshments will be served in the Molecular Biology Building Atrium at 3:45 p.m.

Host: Steve Howell