Project Number: 3640-21000-028-08
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2013
End Date: Dec 31, 2013

Objective:
Identify (1) the effect of large genomic deletions on gene expression patterns in a duplicated genome, and (2) genes involved in increased nutrient acquisition to better understand and improve soybean nutrient uptake and seed composition.

Approach:
Fast neutron mutants with known genomic deletions resulting in altered shoot and root architecture phenotypes will be grown under controlled growth conditions. Leaf, seed, and root tissue will be collected, RNA extracted, and submitted for RNA-seq analysis. RNA-seq data will allow us to determine the changes in gene expression patterns for each tissue due to large genomic deletions. We will screen fast neutron mutants with known altered root and/or shoot phenotypes in controlled environments to determine if any of the known mutants have an increased tolerance to nutrient-deficient conditions. Root, seed, and leaf samples from mutant plants will be collected and submitted for RNA-seq analysis. RNA-seq expression analysis will allow us to identify genes or genomic regions in mutants with altered expression patterns that may contribute to oil and protein deposition. The sequencing data will also provide evidence for the gene expression basis for root and shoot architecture phenotype that may provide acclimation to nutrient deficiency.