|
| |
Vladimir Shulaev and Ron Mittler
From left to right, Vladimir Shulaev and Ron Mittler. professors of biological sciences and researchers in the plant signaling cluster at UNT.
|
|
UNT researchers help to unravel strawberry genome sequence, will lead to better fruit for consumers
DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Two researchers at the University of North Texas are among an international team of scientists that are the first to publish the DNA sequence for strawberries, a development expected to yield tastier, hardier varieties of the berry and other crops in its family. Vladimir Shulaev and Ron Mittler, both professors of biological sciences and researchers in the plant signaling cluster at UNT, collaborated with team of 75 researchers from 38 institutions around the globe, to obtain the genome sequence. The sequence was published in the January issue of Nature Genetics, a science journal that specializes in genetics research. Shulaev, who led the project while a faculty member of the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech before joining UNT last fall, said having the genome sequence means strawberry breeders can improve upon even complex traits such as aroma and flavor. Breeders also will be able to improve stress tolerance toward drought, heat and salt, and increase yield and shelf life, so that the strawberries last longer in the fields and in the supermarket, says Shulaev. The discovery also will help to create fruits containing higher levels of phytochemicals with health benefits, leading to better nutritional value in strawberries. The consortium sequenced the woodland strawberry, a wild relative of today's cultivated strawberry varieties. From a genetic standpoint, the woodland strawberry, formally known as Fragaria vesca, is similar to the cultivated strawberry but less complex, making it easier for scientists to use in research. The strawberry is part of the Rosaceae family of flowering plants that includes important agricultural and ornamental crops, such as apples, peaches, cherries, raspberries, plums, almonds and roses. Plants in the Rosaceae family share many important traits, so unveiling the woodland strawberry's genome should mean quicker breeding advances those crops, as well. Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, called the genome-sequencing a "very significant milestone" for growers around the world, including those in Florida where strawberries are a $338 million-a-year commodity. The woodland strawberry is the first plant to have its genome sequenced exclusively by a method called short-read sequencing, in which small pieces of DNA are sequenced separately and then strung together using computer software. The consortium offered open access to any researcher who had an interest in the project, even those who were not experts in genome sequencing or computational biology. The scientists also funded the genome-sequencing project, donating time and used parts of smaller grants to cover costs. Shulaev said that future study of the strawberry genome will include origin, domestication, disease resistance and stress tolerance physiology and biochemistry. Shulaev and Mittler will conduct future research at UNT's new, state-of-the-art laboratories housed in the new Life Sciences Complex, which officially opened in October.
UNT News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Contact: Elizabeth Smith (940) 369-7017
Email: elizabeth.smith@unt.edu
Latest News
DFW teachers learning new skills in UNT summer research program
UNT's Research Experiences for Teachers in Sensor Networks program is designed to enhance the teaching of mathematics and science by exposing high school teachers to leading-edge research.
UNT psychologist receives recognition for research contributions to public policy
Dr. Richard Rogers, Regents Professor of psychology at UNT, has received the 2011 Award for Distinguished Contributions for Research in Public Policy from the American Psychological Association.
UNT Libraries hosting exhibit on world of Harry Potter
Harry Potter's World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine explores Renaissance traditions in alchemy, astrology and natural philosophy on which the magic in the Harry Potter books is partially based.
UNT presents Fall 2011 season of dance, theatre
The Department of Dance and Theatre will present, Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Lorca in a Green Dress and New Choreographers Concert.
UNT television station brings home multiple awards
UNT's student-run television station, ntTV, has received two Telly Awards in this year's annual international television, video and film competition.
UNT receives donation of software for visual merchandising equivalent to $1.22 million
Beginning this fall, students in UNT's School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management's merchandising degree program will create layouts and plans for store concepts with the same software used by international retailers, thanks to a gift to the school from vrSoftware Ltd.
Professional Development Institute at UNT launching private investigator certificate program
UNT is simplifying the process required to become a private investigator with the state's first training program that will qualify participants for the Texas private investigator licensing exam.
| 
