Analysis of a B chromosome undergoing tissue-type specific elimination during embryogenesis of Aegilops speltoides

• Applicants: Privatdozent Dr. Andreas Houben; Dr.-Ing. Uwe Scholz
• Subject Area: Plant Genetics and Genomics
• Term: from 2015 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 285187773

Programmed elimination of specific DNA is part of the developmental program, associated with the generation of distinct germline and somatic genomes in some eukaryotes. A key question in DNA elimination is how chromosomes are selectively lost. The project aims to investigate the processes of tissue-type-specific elimination of supernumerary B chromosomes during the development of the wild wheat Aegilops speltoides embryos and to analyse the origin of this selfish chromosome. In this species the B chromosomes are absent in the roots but present in the aerial tissue of the same individual.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants