Research and Development

1. Plant Tissue Culture (PTC)

PTC is a vital important part of plant biotechnology, as the establishment of highly efficient regeneration of the target material is required as the basis for a high frequency of transformation. The target materials for genetic transformation include immature inflorescences, immature embryos, mature embryos, anthers and protoplasts.

2. Genetic Transformation

In order to obtain high transformation frequency, transformation conditions need to be optimised to reduce the damage to targeted explants during the transformation process. Several transformation methods have been applied, including particle bombardment, tissue electroporation and Agrobacterium mediated transformation

3. Molecular Analysis

Molecular studies of transgenic plants include the development of suitable selection systems, the molecular confirmation of transgenic plants, the expression, stability and heritability of the transgenes and the correct functional properties of transgene expression products.

4. Gene Cloning and Genomics

Diploid wheat, wheat mutants, and transgenic wheat are important genetic resources for providing useful genes that determine quality and disease resistance. We are therefore cloning genes from wheat and related species and carrying out functional genomics studies on these materials.

5. Protein Analysis

Protein analysis can be used to determine the expression of transgenes in the target materials and their progeny. We also analyse wheat varieties by SDS-PAGE and other methods to determine their compositions of proteins which contribute to quality in order to select suitable candidates for future genetic engineering.

6. Field Trials

Transgenic lines of genetically modified bread and pasta wheats are grown in the field to determine their pattern of transgene stability and heritability and to evaluate the potential for the successful application of transformation technology in breeding programmes.

7. Healthy Food and Transgenic Pharmaceutics

To improve the tissue culture and transformation conditions in order to transform plants with genes of interest including those encoding products which are the key components of healthy food and pharmaceutics.

8. Computing / Bioinformatics

To use bioinformatics to study functional genomics and to model protein structure.

Research Projects

Laboratory Publications