Nordine Cheikh

The Use of Next Generation Sequencing and Junction Sequence Analysis Bioinformatics to Achieve Molecular Characterization of Crops Improved Through Modern Biotechnology

The assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops for regulatory approval currently requires a detailed molecular characterization of the DNA sequence and integrity of the transgene locus. In addition, molecular characterization is a critical component of event selection and advancement during product development. Typically, molecular characterization has relied on Southern blot analysis to establish locus and copy number along with targeted sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products spanning any inserted DNA to complete the characterization process. Here we describe the use of next generation (NexGen) sequencing and junction sequence analysis bioinformatics in a new method for achieving full molecular characterization of a GM event without the need for Southern blot analysis. In this study, we examine a typical GM soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] line and demonstrate that this new method provides molecular characterization equivalent to the current Southern blot‐based method. We also examine an event containing in vivo DNA rearrangement of multiple transfer DNA inserts to demonstrate that the new method is effective at identifying complex cases. Next generation sequencing and bioinformatics offers certain advantages over current approaches, most notably the simplicity, efficiency, and consistency of the method, and provides a viable alternative for efficiently and robustly achieving molecular characterization of GM crops.

Co-regulation Of ear growth and internode elongation in corn

Ear is the harvest part of corn (Zea mays L.) and we are interested in studying its growth and development in our effort in corn yield improvement. In our current study, we examined the relationship between ear growth and internode characteristics using different approaches. Correlations between stem growth rate and number of ears per plant (prolificacy) were assessed among several genotypes. Internode elongation of 2 genotypes was modified by plant hormones and by population density manipulations. Among the 7 genotypes examined that have different prolificacy levels, there was a general correlation of slower stem elongation at middle growth stages and larger ear number. When the internode elongation was enhanced by application of gibberellic acid (GA), ear growth was suppressed; and when a GA synthesis inhibitor uniconazole was applied at early stages, internode length was reduced and ear growth was promoted in terms of both ear size and visible ear number at silking stage. Higher population density caused longer internodes and fewer ears per plant and the effect of lower density was the opposite. Our results suggested that internode elongation in the middle section of corn plants was linked to suppression of ear development in corn.