Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 257-269 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 263 Figure 2 Analysis of UMR (Unmethylated Region) Variations in the NAM Founding Genomes (Adapted from Hufford et al., 2021) Image caption: A: Annotation of the Miniature Seed1 gene in the maize inbred line Mo18W; green, gray, red, and blue represent different superfamilies of transposable elements (TEs), with gray vertical lines indicating 2.5 kbp intervals. B: Annotation and methylation data of the Miniature Seed1 gene in the maize inbred line B73; insertion of a Gypsy element has moved part of the UMR from 14 kbp upstream of the TSS to other locations, showing different methylation types CG, CHG, and CHH. C: Comparison of the relationship between UMR methylation status and gene expression; red indicates methylated regions, turquoise indicates unmethylated regions, and the y-axis represents the proportion of transcripts per million (TPM) (Adapted from Hufford et al., 2021). 5.2 Ethical considerations The use of genetic modification in maize raises several ethical concerns. One major debate centers around the potential long-term impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Genetic modifications can lead to unintended consequences, such as the creation of superweeds or the disruption of local flora and fauna. Additionally, there are concerns about the ownership and control of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can lead to monopolies and limit the accessibility of these technologies to small-scale farmers. Public perception of genetically modified maize varies widely, with some viewing it as a solution to food security and others as a potential health risk. Regulatory frameworks for GMOs differ across countries, influencing the adoption and commercialization of genetically modified maize. For instance, stringent regulations in the European Union have slowed the acceptance of GMOs, while other regions, such as the United States, have more lenient policies. These regulatory differences can create barriers to the global trade of genetically modified maize and affect research and development efforts. 5.3 Economic and accessibility challenges The cost of advanced genomic technologies remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption in maize research. High-quality genome assemblies and annotations require substantial financial investment in sequencing technologies and computational resources. For example, the de novo assembly of the Chinese maize elite inbred line RP125 using Nanopore long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding involved considerable expenses (Nie et al., 2021). Similarly, targeted sequencing approaches to identify sequence polymorphisms in maize candidate genes for biomass production also incur high costs (Muraya et al., 2015).
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