Individual Research Project 8: Identification of oilseed rape cis-regulatory elements involved in drought tolerance in the group of Dr Maike Stam at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

One of the major causes of yield loss in agriculture is drought. To improve plant productivity, efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with this abiotic stress . Besides the genes involved, it is crucial to understand the regulation of these genes and hence get insight into their cis-regulatory modules (CRMs). The response to stresses such as drought is largely accomplished through the activation and repression of CRMs at the correct moment in time and space. Therefore, in the project of Maira Marins Dourado, we aim to identify genes and CRMs involved in drought responses and characterize their effect on drought tolerance in oilseed rape (Brassica napus). This project promises new targets for informed breeding in oilseed rape.

The main objectives of the project are:

  • To use genetically different oilseed rape accessions to identify genes and their CRMs associated with drought tolerance. To this end, among others, MOA-seq, RNA-seq, and DNA methylation analyses will be performed.
  • To characterise promising genes and CRMs in more detail by testing their activity and function in transient assays and by genome editing.

Active collaboration with EpiSeedLink (associated) partners at DSV (Germany), UZH (Switzerland), UDUS (Germany), CSIC-CBGP (Spain) and others.

UvA- Host Institution

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The UvA is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields. The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one is one of the largest institutes within the FNWI.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact: Dr Maike Stam; m.e.stam@uva.nl.