Project information
The influence of allopolyploidy on the evolution and expression of rDNA loci in plants
(Evolution of rDNA)
- Project Identification
- GA22-16826S
- Project Period
- 4/2022 - 12/2024
- Investor / Pogramme / Project type
-
Czech Science Foundation
- Standard Projects
- MU Faculty or unit
- Central European Institute of Technology
- Cooperating Organization
-
Institute of Biophysics
- Responsible person RNDr. Aleš Kovařík, CSc.
Polyploidy (multiplication of chromosome sets) has long been a central focus in plant evolutionary biology (i.e. as a speciation mechanism), ecology (e.g. biological invasion) and agronomy (most important crops are recent polyploids). The ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) are essential components of every cell playing the pivotal role in cellular metabolism and genome stability. Despite considerable sequence conservation rDNA exhibits striking diversity in position on chromosomes and locus numbers. The biological significance of this diversity remains unresolved. Here we propose to study the genetic and epigenetic consequences of allopolyploidy (a process where polyploidy is preceded by interspecies hybridization) on rDNA loci in recently formed allopolyploids (including invasive species) and synthetic allopolyploid lines. We will analyse intergenomic chromosome breakpoints to assess the role of rDNA in chromosome stabilisation. We will also address the question of the relationship between rDNA multiplicity, intragenomic homogeneity and genome size in the evolution of land plants.
Sustainable Development Goals
Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.
Publications
Total number of publications: 3
2024
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Ancient hybridization and repetitive element proliferation in the evolutionary history of the monocot genus Amomum (Zingiberaceae)
Frontiers in Plant Science, year: 2024, volume: 15, edition: April 2024, DOI
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Uniparental silencing of 5S rRNA genes in plant allopolyploids - insights from Cardamine (Brassicaceae)
Plant Journal, year: 2024, volume: 119, edition: 3, DOI
2023
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Pervasive Introgression During Rapid Diversification of the European Mountain Genus Soldanella (L.) (Primulaceae)
Systematic Biology, year: 2023, volume: 72, edition: 3, DOI