Projects

Interspecific hybridization is one of key processes underlying plant speciation. Parental genomes usually do not intermingle in hybrid nuclei but in some hybrids pairing of homoeologous chromosomes does take place during meiosis. This opens a possibility for the reshuffling of their genomes. Such homoeologous pairing is frequent in Lolium × Festuca hybrids, creating truly hybrid genomes. However, in subsequent generations chromatin of Festuca . . .

Aim of the proposed project is analysis of B chromosome diversity in maize (Zea mays). We will accumulate novel data using molecular, cytogenetics, sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, which will contribute to our knowledge about protein-coding genes on B chromosome and its evolution. The effect of B chromosome on phenotype of host plant will be also evaluated. Specific aims of the project are: screening of available germplasm bank accessions for . . .

The project will support collaboration of the Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and strengthen the integration of the Czech Republic within the research program of this international nongovernmental organization. The joint research proposed will contribute to a complex analysis of genetic and epigenetic variability of plantains and to identify a set of SNP markers useful for their . . .

External stress, specific metabolites and even regular developmental processes (e.g. meiotic recombination) lead to covalent entrapping of proteins to DNA and formation of DNA-protein crosslink (DPC). DPCs are highly toxic structures representing physical barrier for DNA sliding enzymes and interfering with replication and transcription. However, detoxification from DPCs is little understood in plants. We developed a system for induction of replication . . .

This project will elucida karyotype changes that accompanied the evolution and speciation within the Musaceae and reveal difference in chromosome structure between diploid and triploid economically important edible banana clones and their putative parents. Multidisciplinary approaches, including Next-Gen sequencing, bioinformatics and molecular cytogenetics (new chromosome painting method), will be used to identify and characterize structural chromosome . . .

A transition from vegetative to reproductive stage is a crucial step in the plant development. Some plants have to undergo a few weeks of cold treatment – vernalization. In wheat, vernalization requirement is controlled by VRN genes. In comparison to recessive allele, a dominant allele VRN-1 responsible for a spring growth habit carries sequence changes. The aim of this project is to study a mechanism of vernalization as a response to a DNA sequence . . .

The aim of the project is to achieve a significant acceleration and efficiency of the cherry breeding process using marker assisted selection. To achieve this goal, a complex of methods using the latest knowledge of molecular biology and genomics will be used. These will primarily include characterization of breeding gene resources using the new generation sequencing (NGS). The obtained data will be used to identify markers in conjunction with . . .

The main goal of the project is to exploit the existing and new data on critical phenotypic traits of important crops (e.g., crop establishment, biotic stress, abiotic stress, quality and yield) and use it with genotyping tools. On the other hand, crop genotyping is exploitable for analysing genetic diversity and variety identity that relates to breeding designing and variety property protection.

This project aims at understanding the mechanisms controlling the structure and organization of large chromatin domains and chromosomes in different cell cycle stages and tissues in barley and Arabidopsis. Besides of the wild-type plants, we will obtain/develop mutants in several complexes known to control chromosome organization such as cohesin and condensin. To be able to trace chromatin and chromosome dynamics in vivo in barley, we will develop a . . .

The objective of the project is acquiring of new knowledge about growth regulation, phenotype formation and stress adaptation of plants, which are the main food source of humankind. Novel multidisciplinary approaches will be applied, which use the newest technologies and take advantage of international network of cooperating top-class research institutions.

A powdery mildew resistance gene QPm.tut-4A was recently, mapped at the end of wheat 4AL chromosome in owm169 - owm228 region. 680 kbp of the sensitive cv. Chinese spring comprise 71 predicted genes from which only 20 have slight homology with 480 kbp of homologous region of resistant T. militinae. In the region 73 genes were predicted. Out of these eight were found similar to retrotransposons, 16 were found just hypothetical, 12 are carrying LRR . . .

Although we have already defined the existence of significant inter-species variability in coeliac reactivity of wheat grain, as well as intraspecies variability of this parameter in common cultivars of hexaploid T. aestivum, we are still missing the description of genetic principles that determines such variability. The desccription of such principles would find a use in further breeding activities leading to cultivar with decreased coeliac reactivity . . .