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Genome Research
The Genome Research group employs molecular biological, biotechnological and bioinformatics methods to elucidate genotype-phenotype associations, with a focus on adaptive and economically important traits. Furthermore, we develop molecular markers for the evaluation of forest genetic resources. These markers are also employed in practical applications for provenance and species identification. For the protection of native forest ecosystems, we evaluate the benefits, potentials and risks of genetic engineering. To improve consumer protection, we develop methods for the identification of genetically modified trees and wood. Finally, we are actively working on transferring state-of-the-art molecular biological methods, such as DNA-free genome editing or third generation sequencing, to forest tree species. In conclusion, our work aims to achieve stable and sustainable forestry management of the future.
Biotechnology
While modern plant biotechnology started with cell and tissue culture about 60 years ago, it is nowadays mainly associated with the transfer of foreign DNA through genetic engineering, and the precise DNA-sequence modification by genome editing. The first generation of genetically modified (GM) crops targeted economically important traits, such as herbicide resistance, insect resistance or growth characteristics. In current second and third generations of GM crops, ecological and environmental issues like resource management and climate change are moving center stage. New molecular biological developments and genome editing tools provide exciting opportunities for efficient tree breeding (“next generation plant biotechnology”).
Selected projects:
TreeHarm
Priming
Biosafety of transgenic trees
Activation tagging
Contact: Matthias Fladung
Bioinformatics
With our bioinformatics team we analyze high-throughput DNA- and RNA-sequencing data in order to develop diagnostic molecular markers and to address functional genomics questions. An important step in many of our analysis pipelines is the genome-wide identification and comparison of genetic variants. For the development of molecular markers for species identification, we also employ whole chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, some of which we assemble de novo and annotate. Finally we develop databases and bioinformatics tools, to support the institute’s infrastructure.
Selected projects:
TaxGen
Survivor-Oaks
Oak defense
Wood-DNA barcoding
Development of databases
Contact: Birgit Kersten
Natural genetic variation
Naturally occurring mutations and the resulting genetic variation are essential for driving evolution, domestication and breeding. Natural gene variants provide a great resource for improving agricultural and forestry production. For example, alleles conferring field resistance may help to save tree species challenged by pests and diseases, such as the European ash tree that is severely threatened by an introduced fungus. To this end it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the underlying genetics. The genetic and molecular elucidation of evolutionary important traits (e.g. dioecy) can furthermore yield insights into fundamental biological processes, and thus inform tree breeding and forest management strategies.
Selected projects:
Poplar dioecy
FraxGen
Beech genomics
Contact: Niels A. Müller
Genetic Technologies
Genome editing methods, such as CRISPR/Cas, have been significantly developed in crop plants. Further developments are needed for application in different tree species, and these will be used in particular to research the drought stress tolerance of trees.
More information on the group page.
Contact: Tobias Brügmann
Group leader
Scientists
Dr. Tobias Brügmann
Dr. Hans Hönicka
PD Dr. Birgit Kersten
Dr. Niels A. Müller
Alice-Jeannine Sievers
Dr. Kiran Singewar
PhD students
Daniel Bross
Alexander Fendel
Melina Krautwurst
Franziska Orgel
Virginia Zahn
Technicians
Susanne Bein
Doris Ebbinghaus
Annika Eikhof
Katrin Groppe
Susanne Jelkmann
Marika Pusch
Anke Schellhorn
- Leite Montalvão AP et al. (2022) ARR17 controls dioecy in Populus by repressing B-class MADS-box gene expression. Philos Trans Royal Soc B. link
- Renner SS, Müller NA (2021) Plant sex chromosomes defy evolutionary models of expanding recombination suppression and genetic degeneration. Nature Plants. link
- Leite Montalvão AP et al. (2021) The Diversity and Dynamics of Sex Determination in Dioecious Plants. Frontiers in Plant Science. link
- Müller NA et al. (2020) A single gene underlies the dynamic evolution of poplar sex determination. Nature Plants. link
- Singewar K et al. (2020) Species determination and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Betula inferred from multiple chloroplast and nuclear regions reveal the high methyl salicylate producing ability of the ancestor. Trees. link
Group photos
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