Improved understanding of a key plant for the world
The first objective of the project is to develop a physical map that is anchored to the genetic map. A physical map will greatly accelerate the map-based isolation of a number of genes of agricultural interest that have been identified in common wheat (bread wheat) and will set up the foundation for future sequencing of the genome. Sequencing consists in deciphering the information encoded by the genes present in each wheat chromosome to allow for the subsequent identification of the biological function of each gene. This will contribute to better knowledge of the biology of the wheat plant and will enable yield and quality improvements that are needed to meet the challenge of feeding a growing world population in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.
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This project is also the first sequencing project of a polyploid plant species. While most plants and animals are diploid, that is, their cells contain two sets of chromosomes, bread wheat is hexaploid (consisting of three complete diploid genomes). Polyploidy is a common phenomenon in eukaryote genome evolution where it played an important role in diversification and genetic variability. Sequencing the bread wheat genome will also provide a better understanding of the role of polyploidy in the evolution of species.
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© Inra, Catherine Feuillet
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An ambitious research project in which the INRA leads a pilot study
INRA is participating in and helping to lead the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC), which was established in 2005 to facilitate and coordinate international efforts toward obtaining the complete sequence of the bread wheat genome. The consortium will ensure that the sequence and resources resulting from it will be available to all without restriction or cost. It is open to any individual, laboratory, or entity that can contribute to the project and that agrees to comply with the spirit of the project. More than 15 countries are already involved.
The IWGSC is governed by an executive director based in the United States and a Coordinating Committee that consists of representatives from laboratories involved in the project. The co-chairs of the Committee are from the United States, Australia and France. France’s representative is Catherine Feuillet, a Director of Research at INRA, Clermont-Ferrand.
As part of the consortium, the joint research unit "Plant Breeding and Health" (INRA-Université Blaise Pascal) is conducting a pilot project to study the structure, function and evolution of the wheat genome using one chromosome (3B) as a model. The establishment of a physical map and the sequencing of the genic regions of chromosome 3B, which alone is twice as large as the rice genome, are underway. This major project has also contributed to establishing a network of collaboration amongst French and European laboratories involved in small grain cereal genomics.
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