Building the molecular cytogenetic infrastructure of a new model grass

Brachypodium distachyon has been identified as a potential model for the temperate cereals and grasses. Its favourable phylogenetic position within the Pooideae, together with desirable biological features such as a small, compact genome, short life cycle, inbreeding habit, and amenability to culturing, transformation and regeneration, has prompted its exploitation for functional genomics in this group of plants. Its cytology is poorly understood at present, which hampers investigations into chromosome-specific function and behaviour, and precludes the integration of physical and genetic maps. This paper describes the laying of the molecular cytogenetic foundations for this species, in order to realise its potential for gene discovery and isolation in its cereal and grass relatives