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How is the plant genome reactivated and controlled during seed germination? This project aims to determine the mechanisms by which plant genomes are regulated during seed germination. The genomes of cells in mature, inactive seeds are repressed, but later must be rapidly reactivated to allow the gene expression that drives early seedling growth and development. This project will study proteins that turn genes on and off, and how these interact with the structure of DNA, in order to understand ho ....How is the plant genome reactivated and controlled during seed germination? This project aims to determine the mechanisms by which plant genomes are regulated during seed germination. The genomes of cells in mature, inactive seeds are repressed, but later must be rapidly reactivated to allow the gene expression that drives early seedling growth and development. This project will study proteins that turn genes on and off, and how these interact with the structure of DNA, in order to understand how spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression are controlled. It will advance our understanding of genome regulatory programs controlling germination and growth, and how they vary between Arabidopsis and barley. This can improve our ability to manipulate seed behaviour which would benefit growers and producers. Read moreRead less
Molecular switches and genetic consequences of grain retention in cereals. Grain retention at maturity was key for crop domestication and laid the basis for farming. Wheat and barley have evolved a novel mechanism for ensuring grain retention and, although the genes are known, the mechanisms for action are not. Grain dispersal in the wild relatives involves highly targeted changes in the walls of a small number of cells. This project will explore how the two identified genes control this proces ....Molecular switches and genetic consequences of grain retention in cereals. Grain retention at maturity was key for crop domestication and laid the basis for farming. Wheat and barley have evolved a novel mechanism for ensuring grain retention and, although the genes are known, the mechanisms for action are not. Grain dispersal in the wild relatives involves highly targeted changes in the walls of a small number of cells. This project will explore how the two identified genes control this process and clarify their mode of action. The genes ensuring grain retention have been so critical for domestication that the region surrounding them has become genetically fixed. The project will assess the implication of fixation on genetic diversity and develop options to bring novel variation into breeding programs.Read moreRead less
Reducing environmental footprint by improving phosphorous use efficiency. While modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of phosphorous fertilizers, most of them are not used by plants and lost in runoff, resulting in a massive environmental damage through contamination of waterways (termed eutrophication). This project takes advantage of an untapped resource - a unique collection of Tibetan wild barley genotypes, to reveal key traits that confer superior phosphorus use efficiency in wild ba ....Reducing environmental footprint by improving phosphorous use efficiency. While modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of phosphorous fertilizers, most of them are not used by plants and lost in runoff, resulting in a massive environmental damage through contamination of waterways (termed eutrophication). This project takes advantage of an untapped resource - a unique collection of Tibetan wild barley genotypes, to reveal key traits that confer superior phosphorus use efficiency in wild barley and identify appropriate candidate genes and their position on chromosomes for further incorporating these traits into commercial barley cultivars. This will reduce the environmental footprint of modern agricultural practices on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems without compromising food security.Read moreRead less
Determining how the soluble dietary fibre beta-glucan is made in cereals. This Project aims to define the molecular mechanisms that control the processes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of mixed linkage glucan, a major soluble dietary fibre in the cell walls of cereal grains. Plant cell walls determine the quality of most plant-based products used in modern human societies, yet the regulatory mechanisms responsible for their modulation are not well understood. Key distinguishing feat ....Determining how the soluble dietary fibre beta-glucan is made in cereals. This Project aims to define the molecular mechanisms that control the processes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of mixed linkage glucan, a major soluble dietary fibre in the cell walls of cereal grains. Plant cell walls determine the quality of most plant-based products used in modern human societies, yet the regulatory mechanisms responsible for their modulation are not well understood. Key distinguishing features of the Project will be the international, integrative, and multidisciplinary approach towards addressing this major challenge in plant biology and the potential of the fundamental scientific discoveries to benefit end-users in the food, feed and beverage industries.Read moreRead less
Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Signalling in Plants . This proposal aims to define the mechanisms of how mitochondrial growth and stress signalling interact and are regulated. Mitochondria are central machines in cells that use energy obtained through photosynthesis to drive growth and also play an important role in sensing and responding to non-optimal environmental growth conditions. As mitochondrial growth and stress signalling are antagonistic, growth is retarded when stress signalling is acti ....Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Signalling in Plants . This proposal aims to define the mechanisms of how mitochondrial growth and stress signalling interact and are regulated. Mitochondria are central machines in cells that use energy obtained through photosynthesis to drive growth and also play an important role in sensing and responding to non-optimal environmental growth conditions. As mitochondrial growth and stress signalling are antagonistic, growth is retarded when stress signalling is activated. Thus, the outcomes will be new knowledge and understanding of how plants balance growth and stress responses. This benefit of this knowledge and understanding is that it can be used to pursue novel avenues to optimise crop performance in changing and adverse environments.Read moreRead less