PROJECTS

Study of the Effect of light variations on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in apple, involvement of ecophysiological and epigenetic regulations

Characterization of the genetic and epigenetic determinism of red flesh and flesh browning disorder in apple.

Integrative Bioinformatics Study of Rosaceae Genomes and EpiGEnomes

Inactivation of nuclease defective Cas9 (dCas9) can be fused to catalytic domains of proteins that are involved in setting and maintaining epigenetic states in human cell lines. Using this method, chromatin marks at selected loci in the genome can be modified.

Effects of agro-climatic factors on anthocyanin accumulation in red-fleshed apples

Memorisation et Acquisition de marques Epigenetiques suite à un STRess abiOtique Plants are continuously exposed to environmental perturbations such as pests/pathogens infestation, extreme temperature, modification in light intensity, and variability in water supply. With the current climatic modifications observed due to global climate warming, our current agricultural model is faced with great challenges to maintain food production and quality. One of the challenges that growers are starting to face in some regions of the world is the decrease in water availability. Breeders and researchers are thus now faced with the need to provide varieties adapted to these new constrains.

A major limitation in the study of epigenetics in non-model organisms is the availability and the quality of the reference genome. In order to improve the apple reference genome, we have sequenced the genome of a “Golden Delicious” doubled-haploid (GDDH13) apple, using the latest Illumina, PacBio, and BioNano sequencing technologies.

Plants are constantly required to adapt to various biotic and abiotic constrains. They have developed various strategies allowing them to (i) detect pathogens and environmental modifications and (ii) adapt adequately to these changes. While genetic mechanisms of adaptation have been and are still widely studied, other mechanisms remain less studies, including the transcription and insertion of novel transposable elements (TE) in the genome.

This project aims to increase the efficiency and reliability of DUS testing of apple mutants. Its final goal is to develop genetic and epigenetic markers to help differentiating apple mutants.