AL 01 - Genomics and Proteomics

Laboratory Activities - PlantStress Biotech INCT

Integration data from monocotyledon transcriptome (rice, corn, wheat, Musa and sorghum) submitted to water deficit, generated by mass sequencing (Illumina - HiSeq) in previous projects.
Integration of transcriptome data from drought-tolerant genotypes of Musa spp., Arachis spp. and cowpea subjected to water deficit combined with biotic stress (Meloidogyne spp. or Mycosphaerella) in bioassays.
Integration and sequencing of transcripts of fungus-tolerant genotypes in environments subjected to multiple stresses (Musa X Mycosphaerella musicola and Fusarium oxysporun).
Validation of key genes expression in the metabolic pathways of plants' response to combined stresses (biotic-biotic; biotic-biotic; abiotic-biotic) by qRT-PCR.
Small RNAs, mRNAs and circular plant RNAs sequencing from Arachis, Musa, soybean, pitangueira, and cashew, previously subjected to biotic and/or abiotic stresses, using the Illumina platform.
Validation of plant genes function potentially involved in drought tolerance mechanisms in Arabidopsis, rice or Setaria plants by overexpression or silencing strategies.
Organize, maintain and share an in vivo bank of the innovation assets obtained in the project shared by INCT members.

Laboratory Description

The Genomics and Proteomics Laboratory studies the prospection and identification of new genes, regulatory sequences and molecules involved with the resistance/tolerance responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses, aiming at the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of plants that occur in response to different stresses, combined or not. The research group also performs fucntion validation of these assets in model plants.

Research Lines

Prospecting genes/molecules of interest for pest and drought control in wild germplasm of Musa spp.
Prospecting target molecules in phytoparasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and phytopathogenic fungi (Pseudocercospora spp.) for pest control.
Prospecting for small RNAs in plant genotypes that are resistant/tolerant to pests and drought that may be involved in responding to these stresses.
Prospecting for genes/molecules that are efficient in pest control and tolerance to water deficit simultaneously (cross-stress).
Validation of prospective innovation assets by their overexpression or gene silencing in model plants for analysis and validation of their function.

Robert Neil Gerard Miller

Team Leader

Graduated in Biological Sciences - Manchester Metropolitan University, UK (1990), Master in Plant Protection - University Of Bath, UK (1991) and PhD in Molecular Biology and Phytopathology - University of Reading, UK (1995). He is currently Associate Professor I at the University of Brasilia (Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Department of Cellular Biology), supervising the Graduate Programs in Molecular Biology, Phytopathology and Microbial Biology. He worked between 2014 and 2016 as Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Molecular Biology (CAPES concept 6). He works as editor for the journals Annals of Botany and Tropical Plant Pathology, he is coordinator of national and international projects, mainly in the following themes: functional genomics of plants and microorganisms; search for genes for resistance to biotic stress in plants; and characterization of phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic fungi.