Research groups

Our group is unrevealing the structure of the plant genomes at sequence level using NGS, molecular and cytogenetic approaches and bioinformatic tools.  We helped to expand the knowledge of genome organization and function of many species, mainly cereals. Recently, our interest is shifting to the species possessing so-called „B“ or „supernumerary“ chromosomes with the aim to uncover the evolution and biology of this mysterious . . .

We have been developing and applying novel approaches that facilitate the analysis of complex and polyploid genomes. The main approach has been chromosome sorting using flow cytometry, which is the foundation of chromosome genomics. The strategy was instrumental to unlock genomes of important crops and currently facilitates gene mapping and cloning. We also employ nuclei and chromosome sorting to reveal the dynamics of . . .

Our group focuses on the structure, organization and evolution of plant genomes. We are using NGS, molecular and cytogenetic approaches and bioinformatic tools to expand the knowledge on genome organization and karyotype evolution in Musaceae. Recently, we are also interested in DNA replication in time and space in Hordeum vulgare and Brachypodium distachyon, related species varying in genome sizes, and analysis of genome organization using super . . .

Our group is studying various aspects of interspecific and intergeneric hybridization and polyploidization. We use molecular cytogenetics, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, genomics and molecular biology techiques to analyze genome composition, evolution and function of hybrid genomes. Our objects are Festuca x Lolium hybrids (Festulolium) and hybrids of wheat x rye and wheat x barley. Our current topics cover:        . . .

A longstanding aim of our group is to understand genome organization and functions in plants. We study how DNA is assembled into chromatin and chromosomes and how do the chromatin factors control plant development, stress resistance and genome stability.

We are focused on study of genes controlling flowering time in wheat, mainly vernalization and photoperiod pathways. Using molecular approach, we investigate the vernalization response mechanism on both genetic and epigenetic levels. We also study an interesting phenomenon of panicoid rDNA present in different barley species in collaboration with the Institute of Botany. Furthermore, we work on joint project dedicated to sex genes determination in plants.

     The major aim of our group is dissecting complex genomes of small grain cereals on both structural and functional level. Our approaches mostly exploit our lab’s unique pipeline for chromosome sorting and use it to reduce genome complexity and overcome problems due to polyploidy.  On this principle, we built a complete set of chromosome-specific BAC libraries including each chromosome arm of the bread wheat genome. We focused . . .

Generally we are focused on plant genomics, positional cloning, gene editing, recombination, genetic and physical mapping, powdery mildew resistance genes, host pathogen interactions, marker development, construction of genetic and physical maps, genome sequencing and genome evolution.