Project description DEENESFRITPL Biomolecular mechanisms behind potato tuber growth and yield The EU-funded TorCrop project will build on knowledge gained from model organisms to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying tuber initiation and growth in potatoes. The research fellow will characterise cell proliferation and cell growth during tuber formation and explore the contribution of the nutrient-sensing target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway. They will also identify quantitative trait loci that define tuber size, which is connected to enhanced TOR activation. In addition, TorCrop will analyse allelic variations in identified candidate genes and link these to phenotypic variations available from breeding companies and in public databases. Finally, predictive mathematical models will be developed that describe cell size, number and changes throughout tuberisation in relation to tuber size and ultimately yield. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Potato tubers are nutrient storage organs that develop from underground stems called stolons through a process called tuberisation. This process is under the control of extrinsic and intrinsic signals, however, little is known about how these signals initiate and maintain tuber growth. We know that the first step is the initiation of cell division at the subapical region of the stolon, however, how this cell division is promoted and coordinated through developmental programs has not yet been studied. The TorCrop project will build on knowledge accumulated through fundamental research in model organisms to gain molecular insight in tuber initiation and growth. For this purpose, we will induce tuber growth by sugar and characterise the cell proliferation and cell growth during tuber formation. As next step, we will explore how the nutrient sensing Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway contributes to this and is there any hierarchical connection between TOR and the “tuberigen” signal. Then, we will identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that define tuber size, size distribution which is connected to enhanced TOR activation. We will also analyse allelic variations in identified candidate genes and link these to phenotypic variations available from breeding companies and in public databases. Finally, we will create predictive mathematical models that describe cell size, number and changes throughout tuberisation in relation to tuber size and ultimately yield. Therefore, the project will provide a better understanding on organ development and ultimately yield in crops by providing knowledge at molecular and systems biology levels. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabasesagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturevegetable growingroot cropsnatural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2020 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2020 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY Net EU contribution € 187 572,48 Address DROEVENDAALSESTEEG 4 6708 PB Wageningen Netherlands See on map Region Oost-Nederland Gelderland Veluwe Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 187 572,48
