Michael J. Scanlon

This study identifies a novel maize gene, rdla1, which affects leaf area and shows genotype-dependent effects when introgressed into diverse genetic backgrounds.

The paper uses spatial transcriptomics to compare gene expression patterns in plant embryos, revealing a phylotypic hourglass pattern similar to animals, indicating an ancient conserved mechanism for morphological development.

The paper identifies genes associated with cuticular wax biogenesis in maize leaves through integrative multi-omic analysis, linking wax composition to leaf cuticular conductance.

The paper integrates GWAS and TWAS to identify 22 candidate genes regulating maize leaf cuticular conductance, with ISTL1 validated as a key gene through near-isogenic lines.

This study identifies candidate genes associated with maize leaf cuticular conductance through genome-wide association and provides insights for improving drought-tolerant maize breeding.

The paper examines cuticle composition, ultrastructure, and permeability in adult maize leaves during development, revealing roles for wax esters and an osmiophilic layer in dehydration protection.