Location: Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research
Project Number: 6070-21220-070-032-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2023
End Date: Oct 1, 2026
Objective:
Identify key genes regulating the seed composition response to elevated temperatures in a spatially resolved manner, increasing the likelihood that we identify the critical genes regulating the seed composition response to elevated temperature.
Approach:
The Soybean & Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit proposes a collaboration with NCSU to determine spatially resolved gene expression patterns that regulate temperature responses in developing soybean seeds. Key objectives for our inhouse project are to increase soybean resilience to climate change and optimize seed composition for end uses, including soy food applications. Previously, we have evaluated the response of multiple soybean genotypes to elevated temperatures and found genetic variation in seed protein, amino acid, and oil responses. RNA sequencing of whole seeds, while valuable, can miss critical differential gene expression in specialized tissue types, e.g., seed coat vs endosperm.
The Soybean & Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit proposes a collaboration with NCSU to determine spatially resolved gene expression patterns that regulate temperature responses in developing soybean seeds.
1. Perform RNA-sequencing analysis on soybean genotypes with contrasting heat responses under control and elevated temperature conditions.
2. Identify key transcripts regulating seed development responses to elevated temperature.
3. Perform spatially resolved gene expression analysis to determine expression patterns of key genes within developing seeds.
