Projects

Gene transcription is controlled by an interplay of transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements (CREs) – promoters, enhancers and silencers. A growing number of studies point to an association between the CREs and advantageous traits in crops, reinforcing interest in these elements. Previously, we intersected data from epigenome and interactome profiling in barley embryo and predicted over 2000 putative distal CREs and their target genes . . .

B chromosomes, also known as supernumerary chromosomes, are genetic elements that typically do not provide any advantage to their carrier. However, they persist in the population due to their evolved mechanisms of accumulation. One such mechanism is the nondisjunction of the maize B chromosome, where individual chromatids fail to segregate and both pass into a single daughter nucleus. This behaviour defies the laws of classical Mendelian genetics, and . . .

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important evolutionary mechanism in higher plants. Hordeum species of sect. Stenostachys (Pooideae) have acquired several protein-coding genes from Panicum (Panicoideae) via HGT. In general, these genes are related to plant responses to stress conditions, but their exact function in Hordeum species is unknown. Our preliminary results suggest a link between the presence of these genes in Hordeum and temperature . . .

The PCNA and 9-1-1 DNA clamps serve as processivity factors for the replicative DNA Polymerases and as scaffolds for proteins involved in replication, chromatin odifications, and DNA damage repair. The temporal and spatial coordination of the clamps is ensured by the four RFC complexes involved in their loading and unloading from DNA. Despite the critical role of RFCs, they have not been investigated in the context of genome stability in plants. Therefore . . .

The goal of this project is to contribute to understanding the role of genomic imprinting on the development of seeds (grains) of cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Barley represents a diploid model species of temperate cereals whose seeds are used as feed, for malt production, and direct consumption. As in other Angiosperm species, double fertilization occurs during seed production, leading to the development of embryo and nutritive tissue . . .

The presented project focuses on research of alternative development of the male gametophyte observed in wild sorghum (Sorghum purpureosericeum) and will be carried out in close connection with COST Action CA22157 (Reproductive Enhancement of CROP resilience to extreme climate). In general, plants respond to stress with reduced fertility, often through the production of non-viable pollen. In S. purpureosericeum, however, the presence of the so-called B . . .

The project focuses on seed-based collection of banana progenitors and a validation of new approach to breeding that will be much more efficient than current breeding schemes. The outputs of the project should lead to adoption of a much more efficient banana breeding system for small-scale producers (SSPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. A possible spillover outcome could be the revamping of other major banana breeding programs that target other regions if desired . . .

The initiative will aim in broadening of the existing collaborations and establishing new ones between researchers from Czech Republic and Norway dealing with fodder crops. The researchers collaborated on one specific project (Development of DArT array for Festuca-Lolium complex) about a 15 years ago. Since then, researchers from both countries have met several times, usually during EUCARPIA Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses section conferences . . .

Heat is an important abiotic stress factor which intensified in recent decades due to globally increasing temperatures. Heat stress (HS) has severe adverse effects on plant growth and agricultural production. Therefore, understanding crop responses to HS is important for developing strategies to increase their resilience in a changing climate. We propose a project aiming to analyze the effects of HS with a focus on nuclear organization and epigenetic . . .

In interspecific hybrids, non-Mendelian inheritance of parental chromosomes may occur. The chromosomes of one parent are transmitted to the successive generation(s) of hybrids less successfully than the chromosomes of the other parent. In this project we will study the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Our preliminary results in Festuca x Lolium hybrids suggest that preferential chromosome elimination is associated with allele-specific silencing . . .

B (supernumerary) chromosomes are non-essential elements, non-beneficial and rather harmful for the organisms that harbour them, but they are still frequently transmitted to the progeny at greater than expected ratios based on Mendelian genetics. One of the B chromosome accumulation mechanisms is the nondisjunction, when both chromatids remain attached to each other and subsequently pass into the same daughter nucleus. This process is actively . . .

Key metabolic processes catalyzed by multi-subunit enzyme complexes which comprise nuclear- and organelle-encoded proteins are dependent on maintaining the stoichiometric ratios among the subunits. As polyploidization increases the number of nuclear genes without directly altering the dosage of the cytosolic genomes, cytonuclear interactions forming these chimeric protein complexes may be disrupted. In our project, we will analyze the mechanisms leading . . .