The analysis of gene expression allows scientists to generate hypotheses important for the understanding of gene function. Proteins that participate in similar functions, or form larger protein complexes, are often encoded by genes that share similar expression profiles. This type of analysis has been limited to “steady-state” mRNA levels, that is the combined output of… [Read More]

The proposal calls for sequencing accession (genetically unique plant samples from a particular geographic location) representatives of the Saccharum genus and key sugarcane cultivars to elucidate their genome structure, origin and phylogenetic relationships. This information will help optimize breeding and base-broadening programs and builds off the ongoing sugarcane genome proposal. Proposer: Angelique D’Hont, CIRAD (France)… [Read More]

Plant biomass degradation by fungi is a key step of the carbon cycle on earth, but carbon sequestration is also mediated by mutualistic fungi through symbiosis with plants. Indeed plant material is the most abundant repository of organic carbon and fungi are the primary decomposers of dead or alive plant cell walls. To do so,… [Read More]

Genomes of important model and many industrially important fungi are still incomplete. The goals of this project are: (a) to finish and annotate the genomes of ~25 strains; and, (b) to carry out functional analyses by novel CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. The next quantum leap in biology will come by integrating all levels of genome, transcriptome, proteome,… [Read More]

Increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gasses like methane are altering the global climate, causing catastrophic wildfires, storm events, and drought. This proposal targets microbial methane production in freshwater wetland soils, as this production is the largest natural source of methane. Results from this proposal can improve greenhouse gas predictions across the globe. Additionally, this research… [Read More]

The importance of plant-microbiome systems on carbon and nitrogen processes is perhaps most pronounced in Sphagnum moss dominated ecosystems, which occupy 3% of the Earth’s land surface yet store approximately 25% of terrestrial carbon. Much of the nitrogen needed to support Sphagnum comes from a symbiosis with microbes, yet we don’t know how the symbiosis… [Read More]

Seagrasses are the only flowering plants that live in the sea. Understanding the genomic basis for their many unique adaptations is fundamental to successful management, as seagrasses are being lost globally. Seagrasses are among the world’s largest carbon sinks and thus relevant to the DOE missions carbon cycling, biogeochemistry and JGI plant flagship genomics. Translational… [Read More]

To avoid competing with land use for food crops, biofuel crops are often grown on marginal land. Understanding how to improve soil health and provide enhance stress tolerance traits is essential for improving biofuel production. This study aims to explore the genome level diversity that exists in the important crop model Brassica rapa, a relative… [Read More]