Genetic toolbox to understand ovule development

How complex organs develop from a small set of undifferentiated cells is a fundamental question in biology. Genetic mutations that alter organs shape give us important insight to answer this question. This project aims to use CRISPR/CAS9 technology to introduce different types of genetic constructions into the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to understand the development of its ovules. The ovule is particularly important since it’s at the origin of the seeds, which constitutes most of human and animal sources of food, and the development of the correct shape is directly related to fertility, and thus plant productivity. This genetic toolbox will allow us to analyse the regulation of ovule development, linking gene expression, hormone flow and biomechanical growth in the different tissues. It will also deliver the capacity to manipulate the ovule growth, opening the possibility to increase its size, which could be of interest to the agricultural industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Kierzkowski

Student:

Partner:

Indiana University Bloomington

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: