Functional Genomics of Model Plants
Summary
Functional genomics in model plants encompasses the systematic investigation of gene function and regulation at genome scale, integrating technologies such as high‐throughput sequencing, targeted mutagenesis, transcript profiling and gene editing. Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa serve as principal dicot and monocot models, respectively, owing to their well‐annotated genomes, extensive mutant collections and ease of transformation. Central aims include deciphering gene networks underlying development, stress responses and metabolic pathways, and translating fundamental insights into improved crop traits. Advances in genome editing, omics integration and bioinformatic resources have accelerated the identification of genes governing agronomically important phenotypes, enabling a shift from single‐gene characterisation to network‐wide functional understanding. This field underpins both basic plant biology and applied breeding by providing precise molecular tools for trait improvement and resilience to environmental challenges.
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Functional Genomics of Model Plants publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in functional genomics of model plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Functional genomics: The study of gene functions and interactions using genome‐wide approaches.
Insertional mutagenesis: A genetic strategy where exogenous DNA (T-DNA or transposon) disrupts gene sequences to create loss- or gain-of-function mutants.
Enhancer trap: A method in which a minimal promoter–reporter construct randomly integrates into the genome to report nearby regulatory element activity.
CRISPR/Cas9: A genome‐editing system that induces targeted DNA double-strand breaks to enable precise gene knockout or modification.
Protoplast: A plant cell lacking its cell wall, used for transient gene expression and subcellular localisation assays.
References
- A Versatile Vector Toolkit for Functional Analysis of Rice Genes. Rice (2018).
- Insertional Mutagenesis Approaches and Their Use in Rice for Functional Genomics. Plants (2019).
- A collection of enhancer trap insertional mutants for functional genomics in tomato. Plant Biotechnology Journal (2017).
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