Projects

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 . . .

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 . . .

Land plants are constantly exposed to varying light conditions. In plants acclimated to high light intensity, the amount of light harvesting proteins (Lhcb) of phosystem II (PSII) is reduced due to down-regulation of Lhcb3 and Lhcb6 proteins. Recently we have revealed an unexpected absence of these proteins in Pinaceae and Gnetales (Kouřil et al. 2016, New Phytologist). Surprisingly, we have also found indications that Lhcsr protein could be present in . . .

B chromosomes are supernumerary dispensable chromosomes. They have a non-Mendelian way of inheritance and individuals from a same population may or may not carry B chromosomes. Their number is varying due to the non-disjunction during the meiosis. It is commonly accepted that B chromosomes have evolved from the normal set of chromosomes (so called A chromosomes). Nevertheless, a few is known about their structure and the elements behind the non . . .

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 . . .

One of the key challenges in the 21st century will be food security. Computer modelling using historical data predicts a climate shift towards combination of increasing temperature, rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and high Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Such climatic change could negatively affect productivity of the agricultural systems and thus availability of food for the growing world’s population, which is a very serious concern. However, most . . .

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 . . .

Polyploid species had to develop mechanisms of precise chromosome pairing and segregation to ensure genomic stability. This diploid-like behaviour of chromosomes in polyploids is mainly regulated genetically. Pairing of homologous chromosomes in allohexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is controlled by „pairing homoeologous“ Ph1 and Ph2 genes. In ph1 mutant plants, pairing among homoeologous chromosomes was observed. In ph2 mutant plants, . . .

The plant cell nucleus is enclosed within the nuclear envelope harboring chromosome territories (CTs) and various nuclear bodies. It seems that the spatial organization of chromosomes is nonrandom and is characterized by many local and long-range contacts among genes and regulatory elements. Thus, it is evident that the architecture of interphase chromosomes plays a role in the regulation of gene expression. The introduction of sophisticated high . . .

The evolutionary importance of horizontal gene transfer is increasingly ackonwledged, In the genus Hordeum (Triticeae, Pooideae), we revealed a spectacular diversity of foreign rDNA (ribotypes) corresponding to paniocid grasses. They were likely acquired through several independent horizonatal tranfers. We found that foreign rDNA together with LTR-retrotransposons was transferred from Panicum to H. bogdanii. Within this project we are investigating the . . .

This project aims to provide new insights into DNA replication in two phylogenetically related plant species differing in genome size, including the organization of this important process in 3D nuclear space and elucidation of the relationship between transcriptional activity of DNA sequences and their replication. Replication timing of collinear genic regions will be examined in barley, which possesses large genome comprising ~80% of repetitive DNA . . .

Biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis is causing powdery mildew disease. Recently, race non-specific powdery mildew resistance gene QPm. tut-4A was high density mapped and characterized on distal end of long arm of wheat chromosome 4A. The QPm.tut-4A locus was narrowed down to 0.25 cM between markers Mag2931 and Mag974 on mapping population of 1350 lines. Here we propose to identify candidate gene/genes for the resistance and characterize them on molecular . . .