Enhanced gene expression in crops through promoter variant exploration
Palacký University Olomouc offers a cutting-edge solution for enhancing gene expression in crops such as barley, rice, and tomato by exploring promoter variants. Utilizing advanced genomic techniques, this project aims to optimize specific promoter activities for improved crop traits.
Overview
Palacký University Olomouc presents an innovative approach to enhancing plant gene expression by exploring promoter variants in crops like barley, rice, and tomato. This solution aims to optimize gene expression by identifying key promoter regions that influence gene activity. By leveraging advanced genomic techniques, the project seeks to improve crop traits through targeted promoter editing.
Technical specifications
This project follows a systematic three-step process:
- Identification of gene of interest: Through qRT-PCR analyses and RNAseq, we identify genes and their expression constraints across various conditions and tissues.
- Promoter analysis: Amplification and sequencing of 2000 bp-promoter regions to predict cis-regulating elements in different crop accessions.
- Reporter assays: In vitro site-targeted mutagenesis and dual-luciferase assays in protoplasts to evaluate the effects of promoter variants.
The expertise in chromatin accessibility and transcription factor analysis supports the identification of promoter variants that can activate or inactivate genes, thereby enhancing plant traits.
Technology readiness level
This project is at Technology Readiness Level 3, indicating experimental proof of concept. The research is structured in two phases over 12 months, with greenhouse cultivation and advanced genomic analysis forming the core of the validation process.
About Palacký University Olomouc
Palacký University Olomouc is a comprehensive public research university enrolling more than 23,000 students across eight faculties and one institute. Industry collaborates via a campus-based science and technology park that connects companies to contract research, incubation, and shared instrumentation, supported by a dedicated technology transfer office. Integration with University Hospital Olomouc enables clinical collaboration and regulated studies, while the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) provides co-located labs and centralized core facilities for joint development. Research is backed by competitive national and European programs, including Horizon Europe, the Czech Science Foundation, and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.
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