Production of wheat lacking B-type starch granules
Lead Research Organisation:
John Innes Centre
Department Name: Crop Genetics
Abstract
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Technical Summary
We recently made a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the control of B-granule content in the Triticeae: a population of Aegilops segregating for B-granule content was used to identify a major QTL that is responsible for B-granule content. Subsequently, we have made progress towards fine mapping the Bgc-1 gene using the same Aegilops population. Refinement of the phenotyping procedure together with the use of homozygous recombinant lines has enabled conversion of the trait from a QTL to a simple qualitative (Mendelian) trait. Within this project we will extend the fine mapping to define a sub-cM interval encompassing the Bgc-1 locus. As the genome sequence of Aegilops (or any other Triticeae) is unknown at present, we cannot be certain of identifying Bgc-1 by fine-mapping alone. However, we are optimistic that ongoing genomics projects in wheat, Aegilops and other cereals are generating tools and resources that will facilitate its identification.
Prior to the identification of Bgc-1, we will begin to select lines likely to lack this gene by screening a wheat deletion-mutant population for deletions spanning the Bgc-1 region. In this Paragon population, the deletions vary in size but include ones of ~10cM that eliminate multiple contiguous genes. The high level of conserved gene order observed between grass species in the region containing Bgc-1 and the close taxonomic relationship between wheat and Aegilops makes it highly likely that the wheat homoeologs of Bgc-1 will be in syntenous positions. The B-granule content and functional properties of the grains and starches isolated from the wheat deletion mutants and from recombinant inbred lines of Aegilops will be tested. The improved lines with the most useful characteristics will be bulked up and grain will be made available at the end of the project for end-user trials e.g. bread and baking trials, mashing and alcohol yield trials.
Prior to the identification of Bgc-1, we will begin to select lines likely to lack this gene by screening a wheat deletion-mutant population for deletions spanning the Bgc-1 region. In this Paragon population, the deletions vary in size but include ones of ~10cM that eliminate multiple contiguous genes. The high level of conserved gene order observed between grass species in the region containing Bgc-1 and the close taxonomic relationship between wheat and Aegilops makes it highly likely that the wheat homoeologs of Bgc-1 will be in syntenous positions. The B-granule content and functional properties of the grains and starches isolated from the wheat deletion mutants and from recombinant inbred lines of Aegilops will be tested. The improved lines with the most useful characteristics will be bulked up and grain will be made available at the end of the project for end-user trials e.g. bread and baking trials, mashing and alcohol yield trials.
Planned Impact
Government policies recognise the need to improve grain quality whilst maintaining or enhancing yield. Thus, genetic improvements affecting critical processing attributes, such as starch functionality, are encouraged. The smaller, B-type starch granules present in the grains of wheat and barley are known to have negative impacts on many end-uses. However, efforts to breed wheat and barley cultivars with altered B-granule content have failed because variation in granule-size distribution among elite wheat and barley cultivars is almost non-existent. In contrast, amongst the closely-related wild grasses (Aegilops), there are some species which lack B-granules. This project is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the control of B-granule content in Aegilops, thus allowing the introduction of novel variation for this trait into the related crop species. It has been submitted to the CIRC initiative as it is clear the project is directly relevant to the objectives of many stakeholders, providing as it does the means to achieve a step-change in grain quality. The proposed work is directly relevant to the BBSRC key strategic aims of 'advancing fundamental understanding of complex biological processes' and of 'helping to provide the skilled researchers needed for industrial R&D and academic research'.
Who will benefit from this research?
Plant breeders, millers/bakers, brewers/distillers, farmers
How will they benefit from this research?
UK breeders will benefit from the introduction of novel genetic variation for a key parameter affecting starch functionality that is at present not available in elite wheat and barley cultivars and will provide UK growers with new market opportunities. Scientists in both the academic and commercial private sectors will benefit from the Aegilops grain and leaf RNA sequence database, which is an open-ended resource. The lack of B-granules in wheat is predicted to improve milling and baking functionality and reduce the waste associated with wet processing procedures. In barley, the B-granule-less grains are predicted to enhance processing and the quality and alcohol yield of the final product. Importantly, the introduction of novel grain quality should be achieved in both crops without major impacts on yield.
Our data and germplasm, after appropriate protection of IP in accordance with the special conditions relating to CIRC, will be released into the public domain and will be available to industrialists and academics worldwide. It will contribute directly to wheat (and ultimately to barley) breeding in the UK by producing breeding lines that better meet the needs of end-users. The use of genetic/genomic information from /other cereal systems to help define candidate genes will provide a paradigm for other similar work. The development and release of gene-based markers will aid breeders in manipulating the B-granule trait in elite wheat varieties.
Who will benefit from this research?
Plant breeders, millers/bakers, brewers/distillers, farmers
How will they benefit from this research?
UK breeders will benefit from the introduction of novel genetic variation for a key parameter affecting starch functionality that is at present not available in elite wheat and barley cultivars and will provide UK growers with new market opportunities. Scientists in both the academic and commercial private sectors will benefit from the Aegilops grain and leaf RNA sequence database, which is an open-ended resource. The lack of B-granules in wheat is predicted to improve milling and baking functionality and reduce the waste associated with wet processing procedures. In barley, the B-granule-less grains are predicted to enhance processing and the quality and alcohol yield of the final product. Importantly, the introduction of novel grain quality should be achieved in both crops without major impacts on yield.
Our data and germplasm, after appropriate protection of IP in accordance with the special conditions relating to CIRC, will be released into the public domain and will be available to industrialists and academics worldwide. It will contribute directly to wheat (and ultimately to barley) breeding in the UK by producing breeding lines that better meet the needs of end-users. The use of genetic/genomic information from /other cereal systems to help define candidate genes will provide a paradigm for other similar work. The development and release of gene-based markers will aid breeders in manipulating the B-granule trait in elite wheat varieties.
People |
ORCID iD |
Cristobal Uauy (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Chia T
(2020)
A carbohydrate-binding protein, B-GRANULE CONTENT 1, influences starch granule size distribution in a dose-dependent manner in polyploid wheat.
in Journal of experimental botany
Orman-Ligeza B
(2020)
LYS3 encodes a prolamin-box-binding transcription factor that controls embryo growth in barley and wheat.
in Journal of cereal science
Shewry P
(2020)
Improving starch and fibre in wheat grain for human health
in The Biochemist
Orman-Ligeza B
(2020)
TRA1: A Locus Responsible for Controlling Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformability in Barley.
in Frontiers in plant science
Hazard B
(2020)
Strategies to improve wheat for human health.
in Nature food
Fahy B
(2019)
Corrigendum to: Final grain weight is not limited by the activity of key starchsynthesising enzymes during grain filling in wheat.
in Journal of experimental botany
Fahy B
(2018)
Final grain weight is not limited by the activity of key starch-synthesising enzymes during grain filling in wheat.
in Journal of experimental botany
Cook F
(2018)
Barley lys3 mutants are unique amongst shrunken-endosperm mutants in having abnormally large embryos.
in Journal of cereal science
Chia T
(2017)
Transfer of a starch phenotype from wild wheat to bread wheat by deletion of a locus controlling B-type starch granule content
in Journal of Experimental Botany
Description | We have identified a region from wild Aegilops that is required for the initiation of B-type starch granules in wheat. This gene, Bgc-1, has been mapped and we are now developing closely linked markers to identify mutants in bread wheat to reduce B-granule content. Continuing on from that we have identified a candidate gene which we have now validating. The identification of this gene allows new possibilities to engineer starch quality. We recently published this work and have shown non-transgenic ways to engineer B-less flour in polyploid wheat. |
Exploitation Route | The findings will allow the development of wheat lines with reduced B-granule content and expected changes in starch functionality. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
Description | We have shown the effect of B-granule less wheat on flour properties. We now have a follow on fund to understand how this will impact bread making on a larger scale. Partners of the Crop Improvement Research Club are aware of these developments. |
First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Impact Types | Economic |
Title | Wheat Training |
Description | This website provides background information and practical resources to help both budding wheat scientists as well as researchers looking to expand their work into wheat. There is a need to improve crops to feed the world's growing population with the backdrop of climate change. Translation of fundamental plant biology research (e.g. from Arabidopsis thaliana) into crops such as wheat provides a potential route to deal with this challenge. However learning even simple tasks such as growing and crossing wheat plants requires time and effort, while material and methods sections in published articles are often short and cannot substitute teaching aids. This is also true for more complex topics such as the genomics aspect of wheat. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | >4,500 sessions from >2,700 users |
URL | http://www.wheat-training.com/ |
Description | A meeting between CIMMYT and DFW funded by BMGF to discuss collaboration projects |
Organisation | International Centre for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT) |
Country | Mexico |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | I organised a meeting funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation brought together members of the BBSRC's coordinated wheat programme (Designing Future Wheat) with members of CIMMYT (who breed wheat for the resource poor in the developing world), discuss potential opportunities for interaction. These opportunities are taken forward by writing proposals for Newton , GCRF or IWYP funding calls |
Collaborator Contribution | See above |
Impact | This interaction is still ongoing between members of BBSRC's coordinated wheat programme (Designing Future Wheat) and researchers within CIMMYT with proposals being written for IWYP and Newton calls |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Bayer |
Organisation | Bayer |
Department | Bayer CropScience Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Wheat genetics and genomics |
Collaborator Contribution | Wheat breeding and molecular knowledge |
Impact | joint projects |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Bayer |
Organisation | Bayer |
Department | Bayer CropScience Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Wheat genetics and genomics |
Collaborator Contribution | Wheat breeding and molecular knowledge |
Impact | joint projects |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | KWS |
Organisation | KWS UK |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Genetics and genomics |
Collaborator Contribution | Breeder know how and germplasm |
Impact | joint projects |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | RAGT |
Organisation | RAGT Seeds |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Genetics and genomics |
Collaborator Contribution | Wheat germplasm and know how |
Impact | Shared projects |
Start Year | 2009 |
Title | PLANT GENE FOR GRANULE DEVELOPMENT, MODIFIED CEREAL PLANTS AND GRAIN |
Description | There is provided a plant of domesticated Triticeae species able to produce a grain with a modified (i.e. decreased or increased) level of B-type granules within the endosperm relative to the unmodified form of the grain. The level of B-type granules can be assessed by number or content by weight or volume. Whilst the level of B- type granule within the grain can be increased or decreased, optionally the grain contains substantially no B-type granules. The plant can contain a Bcg-1 gene which is genetically modified. The plant of domesticated Triticeae species can be common wheat, barley, rye, durum wheat, spelt wheat, triticale, einkorn wheat or oat. Grain produced the plants, and flour and compositions of matter formed from the grain are also provided. |
IP Reference | WO2017137907 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2017 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | We have developed a non-transgenic route to engineer B-granule less wheat. |
Description | Agricultural Industries Confederation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Agribusiness Meeting: A step change in plant breeding to achieve a UK competitive advantage |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | BBSRC Food Priming Partnership Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | BBSRC Food Priming Partnership Workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Discussion Norman Lamb, MP |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Discussion Norman Lamb, MP |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Discussion with Gov Office Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Discussion with Gov Office Science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Discussions with Syngenta |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Discussions on collaborations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | GARNish27. "Spotlight on NIAB" June 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Alison Bentley authored an article in GarNish that featured two BBSRC-funded projects from the Trafford lab: the B-granule project and the large-embryo project. The impact was publicity for NIAB research in general and for the two BBSRC-funded projects in particular. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Gatbsy Plant Science Students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Can wheat genomics help alleviate food insecurity? |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Italian Society of Genetics (SIGA) and Plant Biology (SIBV) Joint meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Keynote at PISA |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | JIC Open day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | JIC Open Day |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | JIC Science Innovation Showcase |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Talk at JIC Science Innovation Showcase with over 100 industry representatives |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Nestle research opportunities meeting Feb 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Meeting with Nestle representatives to discuss collaborative research opportunities. The purpose was to scope ideas for collaborative research projects. the impact was further discussions on potetial collaborative projects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Rachel Lambert, Senior Livelihoods Adviser, Agriculture Research DFID |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Rachel Lambert, Senior Livelihoods Adviser, Agriculture Research DFID |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Talk Aarhus |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk at Aarhus University |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | • EPSO-EC Conference at EXPO Milano |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | EU meeting on new breeding technologies |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |