Second EpiSeedLink Newsletter
The second edition of the @episeedlink newsletter is here! ✨
Take a behind-the-scenes look at our journey, from dynamic meetings and hands-on training to exciting outreach across Europe!
Discover what we have been up to in the first 18 months of this EU-funded plant epigenetics adventure. Don’t miss it!
If you want to receive the EpiSeedLink Newsletter, please send a message to episeedlink@cnb.csic.es.
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First EpiSeedLink Newsletter
Welcome to the very first edition of the EpiSeedLink newsletter!
Get to know the consortium behind this exciting journey in plant epigenetics research.
Funded by the EU through the MSCA Doctoral Network, this project is sowing the seeds for future discoveries.
If you want to receive the EpiSeedLink Newsletter, please send a message to episeedlink@cnb.csic.es.
Frontal Image designed by Freepik (<a href=”https://www.freepik.es/foto-gratis/papeles-blanco-paja-decorativa-mesa_3624218.htm”>Imagen de freepik</a>)
New genomic techniques in the European Union
NGTs in the EU : A Significant Progress, but the Discussion Is Not Over Yet.
✅The legislative proposal on plants obtained through new genomic techniques (NGTs) has progressed, with EU Member States’ deputy ambassadors endorsing the Council's negotiating mandate on March 14.
✅This advancement allows the proposal to enter its final stage, where the Council will engage in trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the regulation's text. Once a common version is agreed upon, both institutions will vote separately, and if approved, implementation will take an additional two years.
However, scrutiny and advocacy remain crucial during this phase.
▶️ A key issue in the negotiations is the European Parliament’s demand for a total ban on patenting new NGT-derived plants to prevent monopolies, while the Council supports patenting.
▶️ Additionally, there is a disagreement on labeling and traceability, with the Parliament advocating for mandatory labeling of NGT products, whereas the Council suggests no special labeling is needed for products developed using modern genetic engineering techniques.
✳️ It is vital for policymakers and stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to develop a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and supports a sustainable agricultural sector in Europe.
✳️ The need for science-based policies to address climate change is urgent, and farmers require access to tools that enhance productivity and protect biodiversity.
✳️ Continued advocacy for plant breeding innovation is essential, and stakeholders are encouraged to get involved.
Abiotic Stresses: Plant water-relations
This lecture will illustrate the How plants manage water deficit and why it matters specially focused on the hormonal response to abiotic stress.
It is part of the training of doctoral students from the EpiSeedLink consortium.
Fellows will learn among other topics about:
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- Plant responses to water deficit affect many processes
- Tools to improve plant tolerance to drought
- Breeding aproaches for drought tolerant plants
- Molecular genetic engineering approaches for manipulation of ABA signaling
- Molecular breeding approaches for manipulation of ABA signaling
The conference is given by Dr. Vicente Rubio, one of the EpiSeedLink Supervisors, and the Coordinator of EpiSeedLink, belonging to Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), research center from CSIC (Spain).
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1st EpiSeedLink Annual Meeting in Paris: Video produced by the fellows
Our PhD students have been training as part of the MSCA training program to develop impactful videos for dissemination and public engagement.
As a result, they created this exciting video during the EpiSeedLink Annual Meeting in Paris! ✨ You can watch here
What’s EpiSeedLink all about?
EpiSeedLink is a cutting-edge Research Consortium funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Programme. It’s a thriving community of passionate scientists from around the world, where academia and industry collaborate, and experienced experts mentor early-stage researchers.
Together, we share knowledge and creativity to drive a common mission: improving crops through epigenetics and priming.
Don't miss the video—see the EpiSeedLink spirit in action!
This video was produced entirely by EpiSeedLink fellows, (cast, script, equipment list, shot list, sounds, recordings, lights, footage, clips selection, music selection, and post production).
A special thanks to Dr. Sara Farrona and Mr. Niall Flaherty from the University of Galway that supported this work and to the College of Science and Engineering (University of Galway) for providing equipment to record this video.
Fellows Networking Through Secondments
The @episeedlink PhD students, as part of their training, carry out secondments at the facilities of other consortium members, fostering strong bonds and collaborations. They serve as the starting point for new partnerships in their future professional careers.
Below a diagram showcases the collaborations and interrelationships among MSCA @episeedlink fellows during their secondments at the beneficiaries' facilities in the first 24 months.
11th of February, International Day of Women and Girsl in Science
Meet the Women Leading Our EpiSeedLink Vision¡
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Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year 2025
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Abiotic Stresses: Plant hormones in environmental signaling
This lecture will illustrate the Plant hormones in environmental signaling landscape, specially focused on the hormonal response to abiotic stress.
It is part of the training of doctoral students from the EpiSeedLink consortium.
Fellows will learn among other topics about:
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- What are plant hormones?
- How hormones help plants to cope with the environment throughout their life
- How hormones participates in development processes in plants
- Hormonal responses to abiotic stress
The conference is given by Dr. David Alabadí, one of the EpiSeedLink Supervisors, belonging to Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), research center from CSIC (Spain).
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Agrobacterium tumefaciens: a bacteria for genetic transformation plants
The phytopathogenic gram negative bacterial species Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a causal agent of crown-gall disease in plants, which is accompanied by tumor formation on plant roots.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens infects the plant through its Ti plasmid. The Ti plasmid integrates a segment of its DNA, known as T-DNA, into the chromosomal DNA of its host plant cells.
The vir region of Ti plasmid is not transferred to the host cell. This contains seven loci encoding for most of the virulence proteins (Vir proteins) required for T-DNA transport and integration into host genome.
T-DNA regions are delineated by two repeats (⁓25 bp), designated as left and right borders. These regions contain genes which encode for proteins involved in biosynthesis of plant-type hormones and opine.
Immediately upon its discovery, the unique virulence strategy of Agrobacterium attracted attention of plant biotechnologists leading to the adaptation of Agrobacterium as an unprecedented tool for genetic transformation of plants.
Since the T-DNA region is determined only by delineating the left and right borders and not by any other DNA sequence, virtually any type of DNA can be placed between the borders and utilized for plant transformation.
Text by Stefania Paltrinieri, PhD students EpiSeedLink Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions