In the framework of an NWO-TTW granted project, research will be carried out to characterize FRUITFULL (FUL) genes in different species. FUL genes play important roles in fruit development, flowering time regulation and plant architecture, and are as such very interesting targets for crop improvement. In this project, we will analyse genome sequence information from a large number of (crop) species to identify conserved and diverged sequence motifs in FUL-like genes, with a focus on motifs in the regulatory region, which determine gene activity. Different techniques will then be used to link these motifs to tissue-specific activity of FUL genes, taking advantage of the four sub-functionalized tomato FUL-like genes. The importance of the regulatory motifs will be investigated using CRISPR-based gene editing technologies. To gain more insights into the molecular networks involving the FUL genes, we will use and develop methods for identification of upstream transcription factors that bind to the identified motifs. Together with breeding companies, we will use the acquired data to improve crop species, focusing on tomato and sugar beet.
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For more information about this position please contact prof. dr. Gerco Angenent (gerco.angenent@wur.nl) or dr. Marian Bemer (marian.bemer@wur.nl)
You can apply up to and including April 23, 2020
You can only apply on line: http://www.wageningenur.nl/career