Description
With the appearance of methods for the sequencing of genomes and less expensive next generation sequencing methods, we face rapid advancements of the -omics technologies and plant biology studies: reverse and forward genetics, functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, the movement at distance of effectors and structural biology. From plant genomics to plant biotechnology reviews the recent advancements in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, understanding the epigenetic control and epigenetic memory, the roles of non-coding RNAs, applicative uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics and plants modified to specific aims. In the forthcoming years these advancements will support the production of plant varieties better suited to resist biotic and abiotic stresses, for food and non-food applications.This book covers these issues, showing how such technologies are influencing the plant field in sectors such as the selection of plant varieties and plant breeding, selection of optimum agronomic traits, stress-resistant varieties, improvement of plant fitness, improving crop yield, and non-food applications in the knowledge based bio-economy.- Discusses a broad range of applications: the examples originate from a variety of sectors (including in field studies, breeding, RNA regulation, pharmaceuticals and biotech) and a variety of scientific areas (such as bioinformatics, -omics sciences, epigenetics, and the agro-industry)- Provides a unique perspective on work normally performed 'behind closed doors'. As such, it presents an opportunity for those within the field to learn from each other, and for those on the 'outside' to see how different groups have approached key problems- Highlights the criteria used to compare and assess different approaches to solving problems. Shows the thinking process, practical limitations and any other considerations, aiding in the understanding of a deeper approach
Table of Contents
List of figuresList of tablesAbbreviationsAbout the contributorsIntroductionChapter 1: From plant genomics to -omics technologiesAbstract:1.1 SuperSAGE1.2 CAGE – cap analysis of gene expression1.3 -Omics and new advances in plant functional genomicsChapter 2: Plant microRNAsAbstract:2.1 Introduction2.2 Transcription of miRNA genes2.3 MicroRNA processing2.4 Modes of action2.5 Evolution of miRNA genes2.6 Differences from animal miRNAs2.7 miRNA functions2.8 The potential roles of microRNAs in crop improvementChapter 3: Epigenetic control by plant Polycomb proteins: new perspectives and emerging roles in stress responseAbstract:3.1 Introduction3.2 Conserved multi-protein complexes with histone post-translational modifying activities3.3 Polycomb functions in plant development3.4 Non-coding RNAs as regulatory cofactors of Polycomb complexes3.5 Emerging roles of PcG and ncRNAs in responses to environmental stress3.6 PcG protein functions in three-dimensional nuclear organization3.7 Perspectives: the role of Polycomb in abiotic and biotic stress responseChapter 4: Metabolite profiling for plant researchAbstract:4.1 Introduction4.2 Methodological approach4.3 Metabolomic platform4.4 Metabolomics in plant science4.5 The future role of metabolomics in crop improvement4.6 ConclusionChapter 5: The uniqueness of conifersAbstract:5.1 Introduction5.2 Functional differentiation5.3 Genome structure and composition5.4 Genome function5.5 Chemical divergence5.6 Meeting the challenge: the system biology approach to unraveling the conifer genomeChapter 6: Cryptochrome genes modulate global transcriptome of tomatoAbstract:6.1 Introduction6.2 Cryptochrome functions6.3 Role of cryptochromes in mediating light-regulated gene expression in plants6.4 Cryptochromes influence the diurnal global transcription profiles in tomatoChapter 7: Genomics of grapevine: from genomics research on model plants to crops and from science to grapevine breedingAbstract:7.1 Use of genetic and molecular markers for studies of genetic diversity and genome selection in grapevine7.2 Grapevine breeding7.3 Transgene silencing7.4 Identification and characterization of transgene insertion loci7.5 Integration of vector backbone7.6 Stability of inserted transgenes7.7 Conclusions7.8 AcknowledgementChapter 8: Grapevine genomics and phenotypic diversity of bud sports, varieties and wild relativesAbstract:8.1 Introduction8.2 Origin of Vitis vinifera, domestication, and early selection for fruit characters8.3 Sources of phenotypic variation in present-day grapevines8.4 Genomic tools in the genome sequencing era8.5 Current activities in grapevine genome analysis8.6 Bud organogenesis, somatic mutations, and DNA typing of somatic chimeras8.7 Phenotypically divergent clones and the underlying DNA variation8.8 Transposon insertion-site profiling using NGS8.9 Large structural variation using NGS8.10 Copy number variation, gene redundancy, and subtle specialisation in secondary metabolism8.11 ConclusionsChapter 9: Peach ripening transcriptomics unveils new and unexpected targets for the improvement of drupe qualityAbstract:9.1 Introduction9.2 The fruit9.3 Peach development and ripening9.4 Microarray Transcript Profiling in peach9.5 New players in the control of peach ripening9.6 Conclusions9.7 AcknowledgementsChapter 10: Application of doubled haploid technology in breeding of Brassica napusAbstract:10.1 Introduction10.2 Technique of isolated microspore culture10.3 Doubled haploid method in breeding of Brassica napus10.4 In vitro mutagenesis10.5 Utilization of double haploidy in selection for resistance10.6 Selection for modified seed oil composition10.7 Selection for improved seed meal10.8 Selection for cold tolerance10.9 Concluding remarksChapter 11: Plant biodiversity and biotechnologyAbstract:11.1 Biodiversity11.2 Biotechnology11.3 Heat stress tolerance in cereals11.
