Objectif Evolutionary forces are known to drive the fixation of locally adaptive genetic variation within populations, and plants provide an excellent model for investigations into its genetic origins, maintenance and adaptive significance. We aim to take advantage of the natural genetic variation that occurs between populations of the genetic model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to identify gene functions that vary between these natural populations. Such a set of polymorphic genes and gene functions will provide the essential tools required to uncover the genetic mechanisms that drive the fixation of locally adaptive genetic variation within a population. To link natural genetic variation to function, we have applied high-throughput Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) based elemental-profiling, in combination with genome-wide association mapping and traditional linkage mapping to reveal loci that drive natural variation in the plant's elemental-profile or “ionome” including P, Ca, K, Mg (macronutrients); Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Se, Mo, I (micronutrients of significance to plant and human health); Na, As, and Cd (minerals causing agricultural or environmental problems). Using a combination of laboratory and field-based experiments we propose to uncover the adaptive benefit and evolutionary significance of these naturally occurring polymorphic ionomic loci, along with their molecular function, and underlying causal genetic and epigenetic basis. This information will help determine the evolutionary processes involved in adaptation of organisms to local environments. Such insights will help in predicting the extent and limits of possible future adaptations of plants to changes in the surface chemistry of the Earth driven by a changing global climate, and will have applications to optimizing the mineral content of food crops for improved human health. After all, plants provide the major source of nutrition for a large portion of the world’s population. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologymedical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutritionagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturenatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinateur THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Contribution de l’UE € 100 000,00 Adresse KING'S COLLEGE REGENT WALK AB24 3FX ABERDEEN Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région Scotland North Eastern Scotland Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Helena Rogers (Dr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
