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Cápal Group

We have been developing and applying novel approaches that facilitate the analysis of complex and polyploid genomes. The main approach has been chromosome sorting using flow cytometry, which is the foundation of chromosome genomics. The strategy was instrumental to unlock genomes of important crops and currently facilitates gene mapping and cloning. We also employ nuclei and chromosome sorting to reveal the dynamics of spatial DNA organization during cell cycle and the role of nuclear and chromosomal proteins. This research is supported by confocal and super-resolution microscopy. We continue using flow cytometry for rapid ploidy screening and estimation of nuclear genome size.

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Group members

Petr Cápal Ph.D.

Senior researcher

Prof. Jaroslav Doležel

Mahmoud Said Ph.D.

Mgr. Petr Urbiš

Projects

MITOCHROM: Three-dimensional organization of nuclear chromatin in plants . . .

Prof. Jaroslav Doležel

Recent methodological advances provided novel insights into the spatial genome organization in mammalian cell nuclei and its functional role. This progress contrasts with the limited knowledge on higher order chromatin folding in mitotic chromosomes. Our preliminary data on chromatin contact frequency at megabase resolution obtained in barley mitotic chromosomes suggest remarkable differences in mitotic chromosome organization between . . .

Improvement of common wheat tolerance to drought, frost, Blumeria graminis . . .

Prof. Jaroslav Doležel

Whole genome sequencing of common wheat has led to gaining several novel data and molecular tools which can be utilized for selection and evaluation of wheat genotypes with specific combinations of development-related genes as well as those genotypes revealing enhanced tolerance to abiotic (drought, frost) and biotic (Fusarium head blight, Phytophthora infestans) stress factors. The project is focused on testing and potential utilization of selected . . .

Biotechnological centre for plant genotyping (BIOCEG)

Jan Nedělník PhD. (Research Institute for Fodder Crops, Ltd. Troubsko)

The main goal of the project is to exploit the existing and new data on critical phenotypic traits of important crops (e.g., crop establishment, biotic stress, abiotic stress, quality and yield) and use it with genotyping tools. On the other hand, crop genotyping is exploitable for analysing genetic diversity and variety identity that relates to breeding designing and variety property protection.

Plants as a tool for sustainable global development

Prof. Ivo Frébort (Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research)

The objective of the project is acquiring of new knowledge about growth regulation, phenotype formation and stress adaptation of plants, which are the main food source of humankind. Novel multidisciplinary approaches will be applied, which use the newest technologies and take advantage of international network of cooperating top-class research institutions.

Analysis of nuclear organization and dynamics in endosperm tissues of barley

Assoc. prof. Aleš Pečinka

Seeds of cereals are the key source of food for humans and domestic animals. This is owing to their large and energy-rich triploid endosperm tissues. In Arabidopsis, endosperm precursor cells undergo massive epigenetic reprogramming, which is necessary for succesful seed development. Surprisingly, little is known about epigenetic control of endosperm development in seeds of major European cereals. We will identify epigenetic makeup, chromozome . . .

"AEGILWHEAT" - Widening gene pool of bread wheat by hybridization with . . .

Prof. Jaroslav Doležel

Employing the gene pool of wild relatives is an attractive approach to ensure the ability of wheat to sustain yield quality and quantity under changing climatic conditions. Wild goat grasses (Aegilops) are rich sources of disease resistance, nutritional quality and abiotic stress tolerance. However, the utilization of Aegilops genetic diversity in the wheat breeding has been hampered by the low throughput of selection methods and the poor knowledge on . . .

Publications