Thesis supervisor: László Szabados
co-supervisor: Laura Zsigmond
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Institute of Plant Biology Biological Research Centre Hungarian Academy of Sciences Temesvári krt. 62., H-6726 Szeged, Hungary Abbreviation of location of studies: SzBK
Description of the research topic:
Crop yields are influenced considerably by annual precipitation, temperature and soil conditions. In Hungary temporal drought and extreme temperatures represent climatic constraints, while soil salinity may reduce yield in some areas. We have designed a translational research project, trying to address such problems with biotechnological tools which are either available or can be developed during the project. Our group has identified several genes from Arabidopsis model and from its halophytic relative, with the capacity to influence redox balance and signaling with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Two genes influence mitochondrial electron transport and ROS generation, the heat shock factor A4A is implicated in ROS signaling, a Lepidium gene with unknown function cause paraquat tolerance. Preliminary results indicate, that these genes can modulate tolerance to salt, drought or heat. To verify the capacity of these genes in Arabidopsis and/or in rapeseed, we will generate transgenic or genome-edited lines to provoke enhanced expression or reproduce the type of mutations, studied in model plants. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing will be adapted to rapeseed to generate targeted mutations in PPR40 and NDUFS8.2 genes. The Arabidopsis HSFA4A and the Lepidium gene will be overexpressed under the control of a stress-inducible promoter. Stress tolerance of transgenic or mutant lines will be evaluated either by established in-vitro protocols, or with a complex plant phenotyping system which will be functional in our institute by 2019. We expect, that our project will help to develop biotechnological (even non-GMO) tools for rapeseed (and other crops) to increase tolerance extreme environmental conditions.
Required language skills: English Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): Hungarian Further requirements: Basic skills in molecular biology, genetics, computer work (internet, word processing, etc.), interest in researcher career development.
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