news & research-highlights

Advancing Sorghum Genomics: Design and Application of the Twist 100K Genotyping Array

SorghumBase invites the global sorghum research and breeding community to join an upcoming webinar taking place March 31st on the design and implementation of the Twist 100K genotyping array, a next-generation resource developed through broad community engagement and cutting-edge genomic approaches.

Heme-Dependent Dimerization and ER Membrane Remodeling by the Sorghum Membrane Steroid Binding Protein SbMSBP1

SbMSBP1 is an ER-localized MAPR protein in sorghum that binds heme, undergoes heme-dependent dimerization, and promotes membrane remodeling, suggesting roles in vesicle trafficking, cytochrome P450 stabilization, and stress-adaptive specialized metabolism.

Single Cell & Spatial Transcriptomics Analysis course Will Be Held Jun 25- Jul 13, 2026 at CSHL, Applications Due Mar 27

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is hosting the Single Cell & Spatial Transcriptomics Analysis course, June 25-July 13. This intensive two-week course trains students in state-of-the-art wet-lab methods for single-cell analysis and builds foundational skills in bioinformatic handling of single-cell data.

Genetic Architecture and Co-Localized QTL Underlying Plant Height and Brix Content in Sorghum

Genetic modeling and high-density QTL mapping reveal that sorghum plant height and brix content are governed by interacting major genes and polygenes, share co-localized loci that explain their phenotypic correlation, and are influenced by auxin- and carbon-fixation–related candidate genes that offer targets for breeding improved varieties.

Engineering Leaf Angle in Sorghum to Enhance Canopy Efficiency and Water Use

Targeted knockdown of SbLG1 and SbLG2 in sorghum reduces leaf angle to enhance light distribution, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass yield without increasing water use, advancing the development of a ‘smart canopy’ architecture.

CSHL Statistical Analysis of Genome Scale Data Course, June 5-19, Applications due March 13

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is hosting the course, Statistical Analysis of Genome Scale Data, June 5-19, 2025. Harmen Bussemaker, from Columbia University, Sean Davis, from the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, and Hans Tomas Rube, from the University

Genome-Wide Dissection of Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Underlying Salt Tolerance During Sorghum Seedling Establishment

A genome-wide association study of sorghum seedlings under salt stress identified 35 loci and 39 candidate genes—many conserved across species—implicated in salt sensing, ROS detoxification, osmotic adjustment, and K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis, providing targets for improving salt tolerance through molecular breeding.

Engineering Synthetic Apomixis to Enable Clonal Hybrid Seed Production in Sorghum

Synthetic apomixis was successfully engineered in hybrid sorghum, enabling clonal seed formation that preserves hybrid heterozygosity across generations, although further optimization is needed to improve fertility and developmental stability.

Integrated Morphological, Physiological, and Transcriptional Mechanisms Underlying Waterlogging Tolerance in Sorghum

The sorghum genotype ‘S208’ exhibits superior waterlogging tolerance through coordinated activation of anaerobic energy metabolism, hormone signaling, and cell wall remodeling that drives adventitious root formation and aerenchyma development under hypoxic conditions.