Recently, a research project entitled “Maize Strain-Building’s Regulatory Network Studies”, led by Prof. Li Lin from the College of Plant Sciences & Technology of Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), is funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Fallen in the field of “Genetic Network Analysis of Yield Traits in Major Crops”, the project receives direct funds of 5 million RMB.

In close collaboration with China Agricultural University and Shandong Agricultural University, Li’s project intends to utilize machine learning to dig into and certify the regulatory network of key genes in plant types. Based on biological big data, his project also gives a systematic explanation on the molecular network of plant height variation regulated by the key genes, with modern technology of molecular biology and genetics. Furthermore, the project will collect desirable alleles through means of population genetics, bringing gene resources as well as theoretical guidance for molecular breeding of density-tolerant and high-yielding maize.

Key Research Projects of NSFC are set for the demand of developing cutting-edge science and realizing national major strategies, enhancing top-level design to pursue scientific goals and update talent pool. In this way, the projects can be divided into groups of relatively consistent goals, promoting integration of different subjects and bringing more innovative talents. For a broader view, the projects will also boost Chinese innovation capacity for basic researches, which provides scientific support for economy, social development and national security.

Source: http://news.hzau.edu.cn/2020/1110/58720.shtml
Translated by: Cheng Yixuan
Supervised by: Pan Buhan