Is Rht-a1 a target for the generation of novel green revolution dwarfing genes in wheat?
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Biosciences
Abstract
The primary objective of this short project will be the identification and characterisation of novel Rht-A1 mutations. Currently, we have identified 34 Rht-A1 mutations through screening a mutagenized population of 2000 individuals. A further 2000 individuals are available for screening for mutations using established PCR amplification and high resolution melting analysis techniques. Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis will be used to identify mutations. Sequence analysis and protein modelling approaches will then be used to identify mutations which are likely to block binding to the GA-GID1 complex and hence confer GA-insensitivity. Promising mutations will be introduced into an Rht-A1 prey construct using site-directed mutagenesis. These constructs will subsequently by used in yeast 2-hybrid assays to assess whether they perturb the interaction between Rht-A1 and the GA-GID1 receptor complex. In parallel with these molecular experiments, physiological studies to establish GA-insensitivity in the two available dwarf Rht-A1 alleles will be performed. These characterisation studies will include GA dose response assays to analyse GA-responsive leaf extension.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Steve Thomas (Primary Supervisor) | |
Jeremy Roberts (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1647717 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 |
Description | - The Rht-A1b allele has been characterised as a semi dwarf allele when compared to other dwarf and semi-dwarf Rht lines. - Novel Rht dwarfing alleles have been generated from the Rht-A1b. These may have the potential to be used for breed superior semi-dwarf varieties of wheat in the future. - It has been demonstrated that Rht dwarf / semi-dwarf varieties accumulate a variety of gibberellins (a plant hormone that induces growth). Previous studies have only focused on the accumulation of a single type of gibberellin. |
Exploitation Route | Some of the alleles identified were introduced into the Designing Future Wheat Breeders Toolkit. |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Description | Rothamsted Festival of Ideas Stall |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Co-ran a stall at the Rothamsted Festival of Ideas, which discussed my research project and other activities that were going on in my research group. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/events/rothamsted-festival-ideas |
Description | School Careers Fair |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Attended a school career fair - to discuss with students what it is like to work as a PhD student. Talked about my own research and encouraged a broader discussion about biology and science based careers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |