PROJECT ID: 2009_London_04
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PROJECT TITLE: Characterization of transcription factor complex that regulate isoflavonoid synthesis in soybean
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Internship location in Canada:
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Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre,
London, Ontario
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Internship Duration:
24 months
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Contact: Sangeeta Dhaubhadel
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Email: dhaubhadels@agr.gc.ca
Phone: 1-519-457-1470 ext. 670
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Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Southern Crop Protection & Food Research Centre,
1391 SANDFORD STREET, LONDON, ON, CANADA N5V 4T3
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/science
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A – The Research Team
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Supervisor of the student: Dr. Sangeeta Dhaubhadel, Genomics and Biotechnology
The Science Director: Dr. Gary Whitfield
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. Y. Cui, Dr. F. Marsolais and Dr. M. Gijzen
University partners: Dr. Priti Krishna (University of Western Ontario, London, ON); Dr. Istvan Rajcan (University of Guelph, Guelph, ON)
Industry partners: Ontario Soybean Growers
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B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
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Soybean seeds are a rich source of isoflavonoids, a group of plant natural compounds that are predominantly found in legumes. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the role of these compounds in human health and nutrition. We have shown that CHS7 and CHS8 genes play critical role in isoflavonoid synthesis. Recently, we have identified a transcription factor, TF989 that regulates CHS8 gene expression and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Our work suggests that there are other co factors that may act together with TF989 to regulate isoflavonoid biosynthesis. We are interested in identifying the interacting proteins with TF989. The student is expected to join in this effort. Specifically, the student will use yeast two-hybrid approach to look for proteins that interact with TF989 and then characterise them. The duration of the project will be for 2 years. The knowledge gained from this research may lead to new approaches to design/ select soybean cultivar with increased or decreased isoflavonoid levels, or to produce isoflavonoids in non-legume crops for human health and nutrition. Soybean is an important crop for both Canada and China, thus the outcome of the project will benefit both countries. The student is expected to author at least one publication.
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C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
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The Internship Program:
The student is expected to join in our effort to look for the interacting partners for TF989 that is involved in the regulation of CHS8 gene. Specifically, the student will use yeast two-hybrid approach to look for the interacting partners. Once candidates are identified, their physical interactions with TF989 will be confirmed using biochemical and/or cell biology approaches. Subsequently, their functional relevance will be examined in planta using hairy root system in soybean.
Qualifications:
Training and work experience with basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques is required. Experience in yeast two hybrid system is a plus but not required.
Benefits to Student:
London Research centre is a state of art plant biotechnology/ genomics research facility. The student will have the opportunity to be trained broadly in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and soybean genetics. The student will also have the opportunity to interact with other research groups within and outside the centre through joint lab meetings, collaborations, workshops and conferences.
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PROJECT ID: 2009_London_05
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PROJECT TITLE: Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Controlling the Seed Maturation Genes
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Internship location in Canada:
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Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre,
London, Ontario
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Internship Duration:
24 months
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Contact: Yuhai Cui
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Email: cuiy@agr.gc.ca
Phone: 1-519-457-1470 ext. 271
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Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Southern Crop Protection & Food Research Centre,
1391 SANDFORD STREET, LONDON, ON, CANADA N5V 4T3
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/science
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A – The Research Team
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Supervisor of the student: Dr. Yuhai Cui, Genomics and Biotechnology
The Science Director: Dr. Gary Whitfield
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. S. Dhaubhadel; and Dr. F. Marsolais
University partners: Dr. S. Rothstein (University of Guelph)
Industry partners: Ontario Soybean Growers
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B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
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We are using Arabidopsis as a model system to look for genes involved in the regulation of seed maturation genes including the seed storage protein (SSP) genes. Arabidopsis mutants showing altered expression pattern of a SSP reporter gene have been identified and a few of the genes underling the mutant phenotype have been mapped and cloned (Tang et al., 2008, Plant Physiology 147: 1143-1157). Currently we are in the process of characterizing these genes to understand how they function in vivo. The student is expected to join in this effort, using genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to look for genes that interact with the genes that we have identified. Knowledge gained from the study will be useful for 1) manipulating the soybean/canola seed quality by increasing protein content and balancing amino acid composition; and 2) developing soybean/canola seed as bio-factories for producing proteins of industrious or pharmaceutical values. Soybean and canola are important crops in both Canada and China, thus the project will benefit both countries. The student is expected to author or coauthor at least one publication. Most importantly, the student will be trained comprehensively in plant (mainly Arabidopsis) genetics, molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry and epigenetics.
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C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
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The Internship Program:
The student is expected to join in our effort to look for the interacting partners of the proteins we have identified that are involved in the regulation of seed maturation genes. Specifically, the student will use yeast two-hybrid, tandem affinity purification, as well as genetic approaches to look for the interacting partners. Once candidates are identified, their physical interactions with our proteins will be confirmed using biochemical and/or cell biology approaches. Subsequently, their functional relevance will be examined in our established genetic systems.
Qualifications:
Training and work experience with basic plant molecular biology techniques is required. Experience of handling Arabidopsis plants is a plus but not required.
Benefits to Student:
Our centre is a state of art plant biotechnology/genomics research facility. The student will have the opportunity to be trained broadly in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and Arabidopsis genetics. The student will also have the opportunity to interact with other research groups within and outside the centre through joint lab meetings, collaborations, workshops and conferences.
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PROJECT ID: 2009_London_06
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PROJECT TITLE: Biological Activity and Chemical Identification of Agricultural Crop Residues Before and After Pyrolysis
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Internship location in Canada:
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Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre,
London, Ontario
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Internship Duration:
24 months
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Contact: Brian McGarvey
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Email: mcgarveyb@agr.gc.ca
Phone: 1-519-457-1470 ext. 233
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Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Southern Crop Protection & Food Research Centre,
1391 SANDFORD STREET, LONDON, ON, CANADA N5V 4T3
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/science
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A – The Research Team
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Supervisor of the student: Dr. Brian McGarvey, Chemist, Plant Sciences and Plant Protection
The Science Director: Dr. Gary Whitfield
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. Ian Scott
University partners: Dr. Franco Berruti and Dr. Cedric Briens, University of Western Ontario
Industry partners:
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B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
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This is a project of the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation Network comprised of university professors and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers across Canada.
Various plant extracts and bio-oils derived from the pyrolysis of crop residues, including canola, mustard and other crops, will be tested for biological activity using several important insect pests obtained from cultures maintained at the centre. Extracts and bio-oils will be screened for insecticidal, antifeedant and repellent activity using appropriate bioassays. Methods for rapid screening of insecticides will be employed and can be adapted for testing the plant extracts. The active components in the extracts will be isolated and identified through bioassay-guided fractionation. Extracts exhibiting activity will be fractionated by chemical methods and screened again to isolate active natural products. Structures of isolated active constituents will be determined using high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and spectrometric techniques. Identified active constituents will be investigated further to determine whether they have potential to be used as biopesticides. The expected outcome of this work is a value-added product from pyrolysis of waste crop residues with potential for use as a biopesticide.
Biopesticides derived from plant material typically comprise a mixture of active components which may act by a variety of mechanisms. It has been shown that use of such biopesticides can delay the development of insecticide resistance. The availability of biopesticides is therefore expected to benefit agriculture in both Canada and China.
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C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
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The MOE-AAFC PhD student will join a team comprised of AAFC scientists, university professors and students. The student will be co-supervised by AAFC scientists in collaboration with the students’ supervisor in China.
Students should have general knowledge and basic skills in biology, biochemistry, and chemistry. Experience in chromatography and mass spectrometry would be useful.
Under the internship program, the PhD intern will gain useful knowledge and technical skills in research on entomology, pesticide toxicology, and chromatography and mass spectrometry. The student will be trained in insecticide toxicology and chemical analysis. The student will also have the opportunity to interact with other research groups outside the centre through joint lab meetings and collaborations. The student is expected to participate in the publication of research results in scientific journals.
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PROJECT ID: 2009_London_07
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PROJECT TITLE: Investigation of the interaction between insect herbivores and plant volatiles emitted from Brassicaceae and other crops
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Internship location in Canada:
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Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre,
London, Ontario
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Internship Duration:
24 months
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Contact: Ian Scott
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Email: scotti@agr.gc.ca
Phone: 1-519-457-1470 ext. 281
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Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Southern Crop Protection & Food Research Centre,
1391 SANDFORD STREET, LONDON, ON, CANADA N5V 4T3
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/science
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A – The Research Team
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Supervisor of the student (co-supervisors): Dr. Ian Scott, Toxicologist, Plant Sciences and Plant Protection and Dr. Abdelali Hannoufa
The Science Director: Dr. Gary Whitfield
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. B. McGarvey
University partners:
Industry partners:
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B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
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Ongoing research in our laboratory has demonstrated that over-expression of a carotenoid dioxygenase, CCD1, in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, produced plants that emit high levels of volatile β-ionones, which act as natural insect feeding deterrents. Through insect feeding experiments, we have determined that transgenic plants over-expressing CCD1 had acquired significant resistance to flea beetles. We propose to apply this insect control strategy to other crops, including legumes, fruits and vegetables. In addition, we will test commercially available β-ionones for their effect on a range of insects and other pests. For example, insect response will be monitored by measuring feeding inhibition, and whether this relates to an antifeedant or repellency effect. This will include choice tests with Colorado potato beetle adults, apterous adult aphids, cabbage looper caterpillars and other insects to calculate the percent feeding reduction and the settling inhibition index respectively. Behavioural changes in time spent feeding, resting, exploring, will also be monitored.
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C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
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The research will be conducted by a Ph. D. intern student from China. The student will be co-supervised by AAFC scientists in collaboration with the students’ supervisor in China.
The candidate student should ideally have some background in analytical chemistry and plant-insect interactions. Knowledge of basic molecular and biochemical techniques will be an asset.
Under the internship program, the Ph. D. intern will gain knowledge and technical skills in research on entomology, chromatography and spectrometry. The student will be trained in techniques relevant to toxicology, molecular biology and chemical analyses. The student is expected to use knowledge and skills obtained through this internship program to develop relevant research programs in the future.
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