The centre will
use genome-wide analyses to define key cellular processes
that enable adapted plants to withstand abiotic stress, and
to apply that understanding of diversity for the genetic
improvement of crops such as wheat and barley.
The processes
will be traced from genes, through proteins and enzymes,
to metabolites and specialised proteins that act to protect
the cells from stress-related damage.
We will define mechanisms of stress
perception and corresponding receptors, key signal transduction
pathways, protein-protein interactions and the structures
of key proteins. The more specific aims of
the centre are therefore to:
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Identify the genetic mechanisms that
control tolerance to specific stresses and compare these
with those controlling
broad range tolerance to abiotic stresses
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Unravel regulatory networks that control
plant growth under abiotic stress
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Identify ways of manipulating these
networks, through existing genetic diversity or through
functional genomics technologies, to deliver tangible
industry outcomes, namely cereal varieties better tailored
to hostile environments.
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