Location: Plant, Soil and Nutrition Research
Project Number: 8062-21000-050-013-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2022
End Date: Jul 31, 2024
Objective:
To use computational approaches to identify genes important in synthesis and accumulation of plant compounds contributing to human health. Central to this effort will be the expertise of the Cooperator in creation of transgenic plants facilitating functional gene analyses. Target genes will include those influencing accumulation of carotenoids, vitamin E, folate and additional organic acids.
Approach:
Tomato genome and expression data will be mined to identify genes related to phytonutrient accumulation in tomato with a secondary effort on melon. We will continue to screen tomato genomic databases (including our own and developed under prior activities with the collaborator) to identify genes influencing nutrient and phytonutrient levels. Genes will be targeted for editing to modify or nullify expression and/or function. The cooperator is proficient in CRISPR/CAS9 use and tomato transformation. ARS is proficient in tomato gene expression, genome sequencing, epigenome analysis and in physiological and genome analysis of stable transformed tomato lines. The complementary skills and mutual interests of the ARS and the collaborator make this an ideal collaboration.
