Functional marker development from AOX genes requires deep phenotyping and individualized diagnosis

Abstract

The development of new ‘deep phenotyping’ techniques for functional markers (FM) development on alternative oxidase (AOX) gene sequences are expected to greatly increase the efficiency of association studies between the candidate FM sequences and the desired phenotype. However, it is critical to perform these studies in the appropriate target tissue/cell at the correct time point. AOX genes, due to their diversity and with differential methylation marks, are likely also subjected to such interplay between sequence and regulatory mechanisms. Polymorphisms in coding sequences may directly affect protein function, but expression regulatory switches are more abundant in non-coding regions. Transgenic technology continues to contribute to crop improvement programme, if efforts are directed more towards FM-assisted plant breeding. Hence, AOX can be put into best use if a dual approach involving genetic transformation and conventional plant breeding go hand in hand.