Project Number: 3640-21000-024-01
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 24, 2004
End Date: May 23, 2009

Objective:
Conduct research to identify, characterize, and determine the function of genes involved in nitrogen fixation, nitrogen assimilation, phosphorus acquisition, and root development in Lupinus, Medicago, and Phaseolus. Additional funding is needed due to unexpected costs for preparation of RNAi constructs and the analysis of transformed plants.

Approach:
1. Prepare cDNA libraries from various plant organs of the three legume species. Develop genomic libraries of the three species. 2. Identify by differential screening and transcriptome analysis (EST sequencing) genes relevant to nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition and root development. Genes will be made publicly available upon request. 3. Sequence genes and prepare antibodies to the gene products. 4. Evaluate gene expression via RNA blots, immunoblots, enzyme assays, and in situ hybridization. 5. Characterize potential promoter elements for important genes related to the processes cited above. 6. Modify expression of relevant genes via overexpression, antisense, and/or RNAi approaches. BSL-1; Re-Certified June 12, 2007.