The role of long non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic control of gene expression during endosperm development in plants. Elucidating the molecular events underlying the biology of seed development is important in both understanding plant development and in developing new methods to enhance the productivity and qualities of grain crops. In recent years it has become clear that various classes of non-coding RNAs have important roles in gene regulation. Of these non-coding RNAs, small RNAs (20-25 nucl ....The role of long non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic control of gene expression during endosperm development in plants. Elucidating the molecular events underlying the biology of seed development is important in both understanding plant development and in developing new methods to enhance the productivity and qualities of grain crops. In recent years it has become clear that various classes of non-coding RNAs have important roles in gene regulation. Of these non-coding RNAs, small RNAs (20-25 nucleotides) are beginning to be understood however less is known about the role and complexity of long non-coding RNAs. This project would identify new regulators of seed development that may lead to novel methods to increase grain yields, ultimately benefitting the Australian grains industry.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101886
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,929.00
Summary
Plant microRNA targeting: defining regulatory factors additional to complementarity. Central to our understanding of microRNA biology is the identification of which genes they target. In plants, high complementarity is regarded as the sole determinant, and drives bioinformatic predictions. However, functional evidence is inconsistent with this, arguing that complementarity alone is insufficient to accurately predict targets. This project uses novel applications of next generation sequencing to c ....Plant microRNA targeting: defining regulatory factors additional to complementarity. Central to our understanding of microRNA biology is the identification of which genes they target. In plants, high complementarity is regarded as the sole determinant, and drives bioinformatic predictions. However, functional evidence is inconsistent with this, arguing that complementarity alone is insufficient to accurately predict targets. This project uses novel applications of next generation sequencing to categorise bioinformatically predicted Arabidopsis targets as either strongly or poorly regulated. These categories will be analysed to determine what factors, in addition to complementarity, are required for strong targeting. The outcomes will impact artificial microRNA design and have important implications for biotechnology. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE170100225
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,000.00
Summary
Western Australia single-cell isolation and genomics preparation facility. This project aims to give Western Australian researchers direct access to new platforms in single-cell isolation and single-cell RNA, genome and exome sample library preparation, so they can participate in the precision single-cell based research driving biology worldwide. This project will give researchers access to single-cell analysis techniques, integrated with other analysis methods, microscopy, and preclinical imagi ....Western Australia single-cell isolation and genomics preparation facility. This project aims to give Western Australian researchers direct access to new platforms in single-cell isolation and single-cell RNA, genome and exome sample library preparation, so they can participate in the precision single-cell based research driving biology worldwide. This project will give researchers access to single-cell analysis techniques, integrated with other analysis methods, microscopy, and preclinical imaging. The characterisation of rare and complex biological samples is expected to advance effective, socio-economically important research programmes in cell and molecular biology, sports science, plant and crop sciences, agriculture, clean energy (biofuels) resources and production, greenhouse gas reduction, environmental microbiology and marine science.Read moreRead less
Mechanistic characterisation of genotype x environment interactions in sorghum and arabidopsis. Sorghum is an economically important cereal crop for Australia. In Australia, sorghum is used as a staple animal feed and it is very important for the live stock industry. With the predicted changes of temperature and rainfall patterns due to climate change, negative effects on sorghum yield are expected, which can have adverse effects on Australian economy. Our studies will identify and mark genes th ....Mechanistic characterisation of genotype x environment interactions in sorghum and arabidopsis. Sorghum is an economically important cereal crop for Australia. In Australia, sorghum is used as a staple animal feed and it is very important for the live stock industry. With the predicted changes of temperature and rainfall patterns due to climate change, negative effects on sorghum yield are expected, which can have adverse effects on Australian economy. Our studies will identify and mark genes that regulate flowering and seed production in sorghum in response to changes in temperature and light interactions. These studies will help to develop novel sorghum varieties with desirable characters through plant-breeding programmes.Read moreRead less
The biology and epidemiology of the grapevine canker fungi, Botryosphaeria sp. Decline and dieback of grapevines is becoming an increasing problem for the viticulture industry in NSW. Recently, species of the fungus Botryosphaeria, were isolated from grapevines exhibiting these symptoms. In order to understand the biology and epidemiology of the causal organisms, we aim to; (i) determine species of Botryosphaeria present in NSW vineyards; (ii) determine which species are pathogenic on grapevines ....The biology and epidemiology of the grapevine canker fungi, Botryosphaeria sp. Decline and dieback of grapevines is becoming an increasing problem for the viticulture industry in NSW. Recently, species of the fungus Botryosphaeria, were isolated from grapevines exhibiting these symptoms. In order to understand the biology and epidemiology of the causal organisms, we aim to; (i) determine species of Botryosphaeria present in NSW vineyards; (ii) determine which species are pathogenic on grapevines; (iii) characterise the genetic diversity of strains and; (iv) screen fungicides for the control of these fungi. Information on the species, their biology and pathogenicity on grapevines, will enable the development of appropriate management strategies for its control and may lead to the development of molecular tools to identify species of Botryosphaeria.Read moreRead less
Development of molecular markers for resistance to blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) in canola. Canola (Brassica napus) is a valuable oil seed crop grown in many parts of the world and contributes annually $A450 million to the Australian economy. The overall aim of this project is to develop molecular markers for blackleg resistance using Australian germplasm along with evaluation in Australian disease nurseries which are regarded worlwide to develop the highest levels of disease pressu ....Development of molecular markers for resistance to blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) in canola. Canola (Brassica napus) is a valuable oil seed crop grown in many parts of the world and contributes annually $A450 million to the Australian economy. The overall aim of this project is to develop molecular markers for blackleg resistance using Australian germplasm along with evaluation in Australian disease nurseries which are regarded worlwide to develop the highest levels of disease pressure. Once molecular marker systems are developed and evaluated, they will be applied to facilitate the selection of Nugrain's (Industry Partner) canola breeding programs. Any molecular markers and QTL developed for Australian cultivars would find commercial application in breeding programmes.Read moreRead less
TraitCapture: Genomic modelling for plant phenomics under environmental stress. This project aims to develop software to integrate new hyper-spectral and 3D growth models of plant phenomics with population genomics to identify heritable developmental traits across varied environments. Genome wide association studies aim to then be used to identify causal genes. Functional structural plant models incorporating genetic variation will be used to predict growth under simulated stress environments. ....TraitCapture: Genomic modelling for plant phenomics under environmental stress. This project aims to develop software to integrate new hyper-spectral and 3D growth models of plant phenomics with population genomics to identify heritable developmental traits across varied environments. Genome wide association studies aim to then be used to identify causal genes. Functional structural plant models incorporating genetic variation will be used to predict growth under simulated stress environments. The research team unites international industry, the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, and university statistical geneticists. TraitCapture software will use open standards applicable to both controlled and field environments enabling plant breeders to pre-select adaptive traits to increase crop productivity under environmental stress.Read moreRead less
CENTRE for INTEGRATIVE LEGUME RESEARCH. Legumes are essential for environmental sustainability and are important for maintaining human health. The Centre combines innovative genomic approaches to investigate the causal phenotypic links required for regulation of legume growth. The unique coexistence of multiple pluripotent meristems in shoots, roots, flowers and nodules permits the discovery of new paradigms governing legume architecture, reproductive differentiation and root-nodule developmen ....CENTRE for INTEGRATIVE LEGUME RESEARCH. Legumes are essential for environmental sustainability and are important for maintaining human health. The Centre combines innovative genomic approaches to investigate the causal phenotypic links required for regulation of legume growth. The unique coexistence of multiple pluripotent meristems in shoots, roots, flowers and nodules permits the discovery of new paradigms governing legume architecture, reproductive differentiation and root-nodule development. New knowledge of the plant growth processes through mechanistic analysis of organ induction provides the tools to optimise the legume's productivity, quality, and environment adaptation.Read moreRead less
Microgenomics - a tool to dissect effects of salinity on gene expression in specific cell types of Arabidopsis and rice. This project will provide novel, fundamental understanding of the cell type-specific processes involved in salinity tolerance in higher plants. As such, it will impact on our understanding of a range of processes relevant to salinity tolerance, an area of great importance to Australian agriculture and environmental sustainability. The increased understanding arising from this ....Microgenomics - a tool to dissect effects of salinity on gene expression in specific cell types of Arabidopsis and rice. This project will provide novel, fundamental understanding of the cell type-specific processes involved in salinity tolerance in higher plants. As such, it will impact on our understanding of a range of processes relevant to salinity tolerance, an area of great importance to Australian agriculture and environmental sustainability. The increased understanding arising from this project will underpin future work to increase agricultural productivity and the quality of life for all in the Australian and international communities.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms of zinc transport and homeostasis in plants. Zinc deficiency is a widespread factor limiting crop production and affects many soils of southern Australia and around the world. Genetic techniques can be used to identify zinc-efficient crop breeds able to grow well under zinc deficient conditions and able to efficiently deliver zinc to cereal grains to alleviate nutritional zinc-deficiency in humans. This project will identify new genes important in zinc transport and homeostasis in pla ....Mechanisms of zinc transport and homeostasis in plants. Zinc deficiency is a widespread factor limiting crop production and affects many soils of southern Australia and around the world. Genetic techniques can be used to identify zinc-efficient crop breeds able to grow well under zinc deficient conditions and able to efficiently deliver zinc to cereal grains to alleviate nutritional zinc-deficiency in humans. This project will identify new genes important in zinc transport and homeostasis in plants and will ultimately allow their role in zinc efficient crops to be assessed. This will contribute to more rapid and directed strategies in breeding zinc efficient crops.Read moreRead less