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This research focuses on identifying key functional genes related to salt and drought tolerance in extremophiles. A genomics-scale approach is needed to study the genetic databases, genomes sequences, and transcriptomes to understand the mechanisms behind tolerance. The KAUST Center for Salt Tolerant Plant Genomics aims to develop innovative solutions for crop improvement and enhance food security while protecting the environment. The goal is to improve crop yields, develop new crops, and extend cropland to marginal soils.
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Do the “tolerance” Genes exist? Yes because Extremophiles are tolerant to extreme Environments in Nature Can we find the GENES?
GENOMICS SCALE APPROACH IS NEEDED TO IDENTIFY KEY FUNCTIONAL GENES The KAUST Center
Salt Tolerant Plant Genomics Center Crop design features special phenotypes Research Products: Red Sea Science and Engineering Center Model germplasm Crop germplasm 1) Organism germplasm banks; 2) Genetic databases/DNA SEQ/proteonomics/transcriptomes; Genomes Sequences (BAC BIBAC) Transcriptome (cDNA cassette) Proteomic domain structure Innovative approaches and solutions reverse genetics Computational Biosciences Center Bioinformatics networks Xenotransform/screening forward genetics O B J E C T I V E S • Multi- • Disciplinary • Approach: • Genome sequencing • Functional genomics • Xerophytes • & halophytes • Model plant studies • Identification of salt • and drought tolerance • pathways & genes 3) Mechanisms of salt and drought tolerance/Genetic elements for separate mechanisms physiological/biochemistry genomes 4) Gene integration/stacking GENES 5) End product/Field performance Global Links Zero distance marker breeding non GMO GOAL Applications: Improved crop yields Develop new crops Extend cropland To marginal soils Improved food security protection of the environment Enhance CO2 sinks Cooperation with agronomists, hydrologists Irrigation specialists, economists, etc.