In recently formed polyploid species such as wheat, functional redundancy among homeologous genes can complicate genetic analysis.However, this redundancy also confers tolerance to mutagenesis approaches such as TILLING.
Our lab has generated EMS mutant lines of Triticum turgidum ssp. durum cv. Kronos sequenced for mutations in the coding regions and promoters :
- Uncovering hidden variation in polyploid wheat (Krasileva et al. 2017 PNAS)
- Sequencing 4.3 million mutations in wheat promoters to understand and modify gene expression (Zhang et al. 2023 PNAS)
To further advance the characterization of regulatory elements, we analyzed chromatin accessibility in root tip samples and developed a regulatory region enrichment capture.
- Optimization of ATAC-seq in wheat seedling roots using INTACT-isolated nuclei (Debernardi et al. 2023 BMC Plant Bio)
- A second-generation capture panel for cost-effective sequencing of genome regulatory regions in wheat and relatives (Zhang et al. 2022 Plant Genome)
We also worked to improve transformation efficiency and regeneration speed in wheat, triticale and rice.
- A GRF–GIF chimeric protein improves the regeneration efficiency of transgenic plants (Debernardi et al. 2020 Nature Biotech)
Technical review:
- Combining Traditional Mutagenesis with New High-Throughput Sequencing and Genome Editing to Reveal Hidden Variation in Polyploid Wheat (Uauy et al. 2017 Annual Rev Gen)