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The INCT PlantStress Biotech develops technologies to overcome climatic barriers. The INCT network is formed by national and international research groups, developing biotechnological assets applied to hidric stress and pest control relevant crops for agribusiness. PlantStress Biotech INCT Biotechnological Assets Applied to Drought and Pests in Relevant Crops for Agribusiness About Us Main biotic and abiotic stresses we work Boll weevil Anthomonus grandis Nematode Meloidogyne incognita Meloidogyne javanica Drought Drought tolerance genes Caterpillars Helicoverpa armigera Spodoptera frugiperda What We Do The National Institute of Science and Technology, PlantStress Biotech INCT, integrates various Brazilian research groups and international partners, experts in plant physiology, transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic, bioinformatic and functional genomics analyses. The integrative research group represents a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional network with national and international excellence to generate innovative biotechnologies applied to corn, soybean and cotton focused on the tolerance to deficit hydric and pest control (Meloidogyne spp, H. armigera and S. frugiperda ). The project includes bioprospection, isolation, characterization, and functional validation of genes/molecules involved in plant pest resistance and drought tolerance. Read More Our Goals Focusing on agribusiness, the INCT PlantStress Biotech has significantly contributed to boosting productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in the sector. Its research spans from improvements in agricultural practices to the development of innovative technologies. Beyond drought stress and pest control, the generated biotechnological assets hold the potential to influence other critical traits like seed and fruit quality, nutritional value enhancement, and more. This holistic approach positions the INCT as a cornerstone for the advancement of the Brazilian agribusiness, promising a future where innovation and sustainability coalesce for the benefit of society at large. Read More A high-impact program for Brazilian Agriculture 400+ Published Scientific Papers 30+ Researchers Involved 24+ Dev eloped Paten ts 10 Brazilian Research Units 25 Abroad Instituition 60+ Master's 80+ Ph.Ds trained NEWS 8th Brazilian Biotechnology Congress 13/02/2025 Read Ver mais INCT PlantStress Biotech research shines at PAG32. 28/01/2024 Read Ver mais O Tomate Roxo GM - rico em antocioninas 28/01/2024 Read Ver mais Read All SCIENTIFIC EVENTS Simpósio Brasileiro de Genética Molecular de Plantas 27 - 30 May 2025 More information 8th Brazilian Biotechnology Congress 19 - 22 October 2025 More information See All WHERE ARE WE? Associate laboratories Partnerships PlantStress Biotech INCT Contact

< Back Coordinator of the INCT PlantStress Biotech participated in the RNAi Discussion Forum during the Brazilian Congress of Entomology The researcher and coordinator of INCT PlantStress Biotech, Maria Fatima Grossi de Sa, participated in the RNAi Discussion Forum held on September 24, 2024, during the XXIX Brazilian Congress of Entomology in Uberlândia. At the event, she presented a talk titled 'RNAi Approach for Insect Pest Control: Advances, Applications, and Challenges.' Professors Diogo Manzano Galdeano from UFV and José Dijair Antonino from UFRPE also participated in the forum. The discussions addressed various aspects of using RNAi technology for controlling insect pests, combating insect vectors of phytopathogens, and the potential application of biocontrol and RNAi technologies in insect pest management.

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech Coordinator Receives World’s Top Entomology Award The coordinator of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa, was awarded the prestigious researcher Certificate of Distinction by the Council of the International Congress of Entomology on August 25 in Kyoto, Japan. The esteemed accolade is recognized as the highest honor in entomology worldwide and was presented during the XXVII International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2024). This distinguished award is bestowed every four years to researchers or research groups that have made remarkable contributions to advancing the understanding of entomology. Dr. Grossi-de-Sa’s recognition highlights her profound impact on the field, showcasing her innovative research and unwavering commitment to overcoming critical challenges in biotechnology pest control. As a leader in research, Dr. Grossi-de-Sa utilizes advanced genetic engineering technologies, including RNA interference (RNAi) and genome editing, to develop plants resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Her research focuses on creating transgenic cotton plants that withstand the cotton boll weevil, significantly benefiting the Brazilian cotton industry. Additionally, she is developing genetically modified soybean and cotton crops resistant to caterpillars, root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp), and tolerant to drought.

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech research shines at PAG32. The groundbreaking research conducted at INCT PlantStress Biotech was highlighted during the PAG32 conference held in San Diego, USA, from January 10-15. Nayara Sabrina, a postdoctoral researcher under Dr. Fatima Grossi’s supervision, was invited as a speaker to present her compelling work entitled “An ex-vitro soybean hairy root system for screening target molecules and CRISPR strategies applied in biotech approaches". Nayara introduced an innovative soybean hairy root system developed in partnership with Corteva Agriscience, which is now patented as of 2024. She detailed the system’s applications for validating genes associated with root-knot nematode resistance and CRISPR strategies. Her presentation culminated in stunning data on genome editing in stable plants, highlighting the hairy root approach's significance as a foundational step prior to extensive studies on soybean plants. The PAG32 conference stood out with 7 plenary talks, over 220 scientific workshops, and around 3,200 attendees, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists from public and private universities and companies worldwide. PAG was designed to disclose the most recent findings and developments in plant and animal genome research. The PAG32 program can be found at https://intlpag.org/PAG32/.

< Back CAPES Thesis Award 2021 Tese premiada pela Capes valida sistema de melhoramento por edição de genoma e apresenta novo protocolo para transformação da soja O interesse pela genética de plantas sempre conduziu a vida acadêmica do bioquímico Bruno Paes de Melo, que se dedicou a ela na graduação na UFV, como bolsista de iniciação científica, no mestrado e no doutorado, esses realizados no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Aplicada . Foi em sua última experiência como estudante da UFV que Bruno desenvolveu a tese Transcriptional modulation and characterization of plant-specific transacting factors , defendida em 2020. O trabalho rendeu a ele destaque na 16ª edição do Prêmio Capes de Tese, cujo resultado foi divulgado no dia 3 de setembro. Orientada pela professora Elizabeth Pacheco Batista Fontes – sua orientadora desde a iniciação científica -, a tese ficou entre as 49 selecionadas das 1.376 avaliadas de todo o país. Na pesquisa premiada pela Capes na área de Ciências Agrárias I, Bruno explorou a funcionalidade de alguns fatores de transcrição (reguladores centrais da expressão gênica nas células) em plantas submetidas a diferentes situações de estresse. Sua exploração acabou revelando à comunidade científica novos alvos e, consequentemente, novas metodologias para o melhoramento genético moderno ou biotecnológico. Com seu estudo, o pesquisador apresentou maneiras inovadoras de se fazer plantas com performances melhores diante de diferentes desafios. A tese tem quatro capítulos que Bruno define como “diferentes entre si, mas com dois focos”: a validação de um sistema de melhoramento biotecnológico por edição de genoma e a otimização de um protocolo para transformação genética da soja e a caracterização de novos genes-alvo para esse fim. No que diz respeito à validação do sistema de melhoramento, a proposta do Bruno foi explorar a funcionalidade de AREB-1, um fator de transcrição, da planta do gênero Arabidopsis , que descende de um ancestral comum de algumas hortaliças, como a couve e a mostarda. A opção em explorar a Arabidopsis se deu pelo fato de que, no universo das plantas, ela é considerada modelo, já que tem todo um genoma muito bem descrito e as vias metabólicas e de sinalização celular bem elucidadas. “É uma planta em que a transformação genética é muito fácil”, explica Bruno. Segundo ele, quando se faz um trabalho em Arabidopsis , sabe-se o que esperar. “Como eu precisava testar uma nova estratégia, isso precisaria ser feito num sistema que eu conhecesse a resposta, para saber se havia ou não dado certo”. Bruno descreveu uma nova estratégia de modulação da transcrição de AREB-1 por CRISPR/dCas9 em Arabidopsis para tolerância à seca. O AREB-1 é extensivamente caracterizado nas adaptações fisiológicas ao estresse hídrico. Ou seja, a função desse gene é conferir à planta maior tolerância ao estresse hídrico. Assim, plantas que têm a expressão deste gene aumentada são mais tolerantes à seca. Em sua pesquisa, Bruno aumentou a transcrição deste gene utilizando CRISPR/dCas9, uma estratégia de modulação transcricional baseada em edição de genoma que ainda é muito nova, tendo despontado na biotecnologia há menos de 10 anos. Ele fez isso a partir de uma alteração na cromatina (complexo de DNA e proteínas que se encontra dentro do núcleo celular) de modo a facilitar o acesso da maquinaria de transcrição ao local onde o gene AREB-1 se encontra. Essa abordagem usada para modular a expressão de um gene foi inovadora. O pesquisador explica que, geralmente, quando se quer fazer a modulação de um gene ou se coloca um promotor de vírus, que fica expressando todo o tempo na planta, ou se faz um silenciamento para inibir aquele gene. “O que fiz foi uma alteração do genoma em nível estrutural. Eu alterei a forma do genoma e isso fez com que a expressão desse gene aumentasse”, conta o pesquisador. Por isso, justifica, “escolhi a Arabidopsis , porque se a expressão do gene aumentasse, eu já sabia tudo o que iria acontecer com a planta”. Segundo Bruno, a superexpressão do gene AREB-1 mediada por CRISPR promoveu uma melhora no desempenho fisiológico das plantas transgênicas em 30 dias de privação de água. Os resultados revelam, portanto, uma estratégia molecular que permite a ativação racional de genes endógenos em plantas por meio de modulação da atividade da cromatina direcionada a um interesse agronômico. “Com essa edição do genoma, eu consegui obter plantas que, mesmo em déficit severo de água, tiveram boa performance, ou seja, não morreram e permaneceram verdes e produtivas. Eu validei uma estratégia que pode ser aplicada em grandes e quaisquer culturas, como a soja. A estratégia é universal”. Funções da família NAC na soja Durante o doutorado, Bruno também aprofundou seus estudos em fatores de transcrição NAC, genes que ele pesquisa desde 2013, que foi, inclusive, objeto de sua dissertação de mestrado. NAC é uma superfamília com 180 membros de genes, número atualizado em sua pesquisa de mestrado. Até então, apenas 132 genes eram descritos como pertencentes à família NAC na soja. Na pesquisa premiada pela Capes, o objetivo foi explorar as funções de dois genes NAC no controle de respostas a estresses e à senescência na soja. A proposta era elencar possíveis alvos para o melhoramento molecular, pois a partir do momento em que se conhece o gene e a função dele, se sabe como manipulá-lo dentro da planta com as características que se deseja. Bruno conta que os fatores de transcrição da família NAC têm o que se chama de plasticidade funcional: “alguns deles conferem tolerância a estresses múltiplos”. Tal característica permitiu que o pesquisador explorasse genes que tinham papéis contrastantes: um deles conferia resistência ou tolerância a vários tipos de estresse e atenuava a senescência e outro fazia justamente o contrário, aumentava a suscetibilidade da planta a estes mesmos estresses e acelerava a senescência. Bruno fez a transformação de Arabidopsis com estes genes para conferir se o efeito sobre a planta era o que se desejava para uma característica agronômica, visando transformar a soja. “Como a transformação da soja é difícil, o que se constitui num aspecto limitante para o seu melhoramento, eu desenvolvi um protocolo para facilitar a transformação desta planta e melhorar a eficiência deste processo”, conta o pesquisador. Para isso, ele combinou duas técnicas na metodologia para a transformação genética da soja: a biolística (transferência direta de DNA em uma célula para criação de organismos transgênicos) e a transformação mediada por Agrobacterium tumefaciens (bactéria do solo bastante utilizada na geração de plantas transgênicas). Na prática, Bruno fez microferidas em células do eixo embrionário da soja aumentando a infectividade da bactéria, que é capaz de transferir um DNA exógeno para a planta. Em geral, os protocolos atuais que empregam a Agrobacterium tumefaciens ou a biolística exibem baixa eficiência e exigem etapas sucessivas de cultivo e regeneração de plantas in vitro , com extensas perdas por contaminação e escurecimento do tecido. No protocolo desenvolvido por Bruno, a soja é transformada e regenerada in vitro em um único passo, reduzindo, assim, o tempo de geração das plantas transgênicas. De acordo com o pesquisador, num melhoramento convencional, este tempo pode chegar a até 12 meses. Com o seu protocolo, o processo de regeneração da soja é finalizado em até seis semanas. Além disso, a alta capacidade regenerativa do eixo embrionário permite alongamento do caule, desenvolvimento radicular e regeneração da planta. Durante a sua investigação, Bruno também identificou 32 novos genes NAC putativos, ou seja, genes que, apesar de terem as mesmas características dos NAC já descritos, não podem ser assim considerados plenamente pelo fato de que nem todos foram validados. Com essa descoberta, o pesquisador atualizou a superfamília no genoma da soja que já tinha 180 membros. “Já era uma família bem descrita, com muitos membros já caracterizados. Com a descoberta de 32 novos genes-alvo, abrem-se mais possibilidades para o melhoramento biotecnológico explorar suas diferentes funções na resistência a estresses específicos”. Importância O pesquisador que atua numa multinacional do mercado de sementes lembra que, atualmente, grande parte das cultivares produzidas no Brasil é transgênica. Em sua opinião, os transgênicos vieram para, dentre outras possibilidades, melhorar a produção, a resistência à praga e o desempenho das plantas, especialmente em momentos como o que estamos vivendo de grandes mudanças climáticas. Por essa razão, considera que seu trabalho traz uma importante contribuição à agricultura. “Estou mostrando novos métodos de se fazer transgênicos e um melhoramento muito mais associado à biotecnologia do que ao melhoramento clássico”. Nesse último, de acordo com Bruno, se cruza, por exemplo, uma planta resistente com uma outra que produz muito para se obter uma planta resistente e produtiva. “Agora, com o melhoramento biotecnológico, se consegue colocar as duas características ao mesmo tempo na planta”. A pesquisa de Bruno teve o apoio da Capes e foi realizada no Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Plantas do Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária (Bioagro) da UFV. Esse laboratório é associado ao Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT) em Interações Planta-Praga, coordenado pela professora Elizabeth Fontes. O estudo gerou a publicação de artigos em periódicos importantes, dentre eles a Frontiers in Plant Science, referência na área de biologia molecular de plantas, e a Scientific Reports, que integra o grupo Nature. Além disso, virou capítulo de livros e recebeu menção honrosa no International Symposium on Plant Molecular Genetics, promovido pela Sociedade Brasileira de Genética. Source: UFV and CAPES

< Back 8th Brazilian Biotechnology Congress We are honored to invite you to participate in the 8th Brazilian Biotechnology Congress , which will be held from October 19 to 22, 2025, in Natal, RN, Brazil. This prestigious conference will offer a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts, exchange valuable insights, and foster collaboration among researchers, professionals, and academics from both the academic and industrial sectors. We expect participants from around the globe. Over the course of four days, attendees will have the chance to attend plenary sessions, keynote speeches, poster exhibitions, and oral presentations. The preliminary program promises a series of in-depth discussions on cutting-edge developments and innovative strategies in Plant, Industrial, Environmental, Animal, and Human Biotechnology. Additionally, it will provide an outstanding overview of the latest biotechnology initiatives and networks across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. The conference will take place at the Praiamar Natal Hotel in Natal, RN, which is fully equipped with all the necessary facilities. Natal, the captivating capital of Rio Grande do Norte, is renowned for its stunning coastal sand dunes and the Forte dos Reis Magos, a 16th-century Portuguese star-shaped fortress at the mouth of the Potengi River. We eagerly anticipate your participation and look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional event. Registration: https://www.even3.com.br/biotecnologia2025/

< Back More efficient maize growth Maize has a significantly higher productivity rate compared with many other crops. The particular leaf anatomy and special form of photosynthesis (referred to as 'C4') developed during its evolution allow maize to grow considerably faster than comparable plants. As a result, maize needs more efficient transport strategies to distribute the photoassimilates produced during photosynthesis throughout the plant. Researchers at HHU have now discovered a phloem loading mechanism that has not been described before -- the bundle sheath surrounding the vasculature as the place for the actual transport of compounds such as sugars or amino acids. The development of this mechanism could have been the decisive evolutionary step towards the higher transport rate that has made maize plants especially successful and useful. It is also likely linked to the more effective C4 photosynthesis used by maize compared with other plants, which only use C3 photosynthesis. The study was led by Dr. Ji Yun Kim and Prof. Dr. Wolf B. Frommer from the Institute of Molecular Physiology at HHU. Plant leaves have different structures on the upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) sides, and each side performs different tasks. In maize, for example, sucrose transporters (SWEET) act in the `bundle sheath cells' (which frame the vascular bundle like a wreath) on the abaxial side of the leaf. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, sugars released via SWEETs from phloem parenchyma cells are transported directly into the neighbouring companion cells via active transport. In maize, sugar is released in the direction of phloem by two large bundle sheath cells. The large surface of the bundle sheath cells compared to phloem parenchyma allows much higher transport rates. Compared to Arabidopsis, maize could transport sugar more effectively. Doctoral student and first author Margaret Bezrutczyk from HHU emphasize: "The bundle sheath cells arranged in a wreath look the same at first glance. The single cell sequencing approach we used made it possible for the first time to distinguish between different types of bundle sheath cells in a maize leaf. With this technology, we expect that more cell types, especially those in the vascular bundles will be discovered in the future." Institute Head Prof. Frommer emphasizes the significance of the finding, saying: "Maize plants are extremely productive due to their C4 photosynthesis. It is conceivable that the productivity of rice or other crops can be increased by transferring the loading mechanism from maize to these crops." Source: Materials provided by Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf . Original written by Arne Claussen. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Margaret Bezrutczyk, Nora R. Zöllner, Colin P. S. Kruse, Thomas Hartwig, Tobias Lautwein, Karl Köhrer, Wolf B. Frommer and Ji-Yun Kim. Evidence for phloem loading via the abaxial bundle sheath cells in maize leaves . The Plant Cell , 2021 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaa055

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech: Disseminating Knowledge in Educational Institutions Dr. Ana Cristina Miranda Brasileiro from Embrapa – Cenargen, a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, has transfered and disseminated knowledge and technological innovations generated by INCT PlantStress Biotech to society through her participation in science education programs for elementary and high school students from public and private schools in the Distrito Federal (DF) and by welcoming these students for visits to Embrapa. Some of these actions include lectures on the topic “Biotechnology and Transgenics in our daily lives” in the following public schools in the DF: Centro de Ensino Médio Elefante Branco (Cemeb); Centro de Ensino Fundamental No. 01 do Cruzeiro and Centro de Ensino Fundamental 04 – Planaltina, and also Colégio Pódium, a private high school. Other actions included her participation in lectures and visits to Embrapa-Cenargen by students from Escola Polivalente, a public high school within Embrapa’s “Programa Portas Abertas”. These knowledge-transference actions to society are an important component of the INCT PlantStress Biotech and aim to bring science and biotechnology to the general public, mainly elementary and high school students and teachers. The ultimate goal is to integrate science and technology into the everyday lives of the citizens, contributing to the formation through enhanced perception, awareness, and the demystification of scientific subjects.

< Back Pesquisa do INCT PlantStress Biotech é destaque em encontro estudantil A pesquisa realizada no INCT PlantStress Biotech foi destaque durante o XXVII Encontro do Talento Estudantil, ocorrido na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia (Cenargen), em Brasília, entre 28 e 30 de agosto. Sara Vitorino da Rocha Lemes e Bruna Medeiros Pereira receberam a premiação de melhor trabalho na categoria Biotecnologia, em nível de graduação e pós-graduação, respectivamente. Sara Rocha é estudante de graduação em Biotecnologia na Universidade de Brasília (UnB) e bolsista de Iniciação Científica do programa PIBIC/CNPq/Embrapa, sob orientação das pesquisadoras Carolina Morgante e Fatima Grossi de Sá. Em seu trabalho, “Plantas de algodão geneticamente modificadas com redução da suscetibilidade a nematoides formadores de galhas e à seca”, Sara apresentou a estratégia combinada de superexpressão de um gene de tolerância à seca e de silenciamento de um gene vital do nematoide Meloidogyne incognita , usando a tecnologia do RNA interferente, para a obtenção de plantas menos suscetíveis a esses dois estresses, simultaneamente. Já Bruna Medeiros, mestre em Agronomia pela UnB e bolsista DTI-B/CNPq na Embrapa Cenargen, apresentou o trabalho “Uma abordagem trans-espécies para validação funcional in root e seleção de genes candidatos para resistência a fitopatógenos em leguminosas”. Sob orientação das pesquisadoras Ana Brasileiro e Patrícia Guimarães, Bruna destacou os resultados promissores de um sistema para rápida validação funcional de genes de resistência em raízes de soja, amendoim, grão de bico, feijão comum, feijão caupi, guandu e alfafa. Mais detalhes sobre esta pesquisa podem ser acessados nas recentes publicações nos periódicos PlosOne e Planta e na patente depositada pela equipe. As bolsistas Bruna Medeiros e Luanna Pinheiro recebendo a premiação de membros da comissão organizadora. Neste mesmo evento, receberam menção honrosa as estudantes Nayara Sabrina de Freitas Alves, doutoranda na Universidade Federal do Paraná, pelo trabalho “Modulação transcricional e traducional via CRISPR-Cas visando a tolerância da soja à nematoides de galhas” e Luanna Pinheiro A. F. Bezerra, doutoranda na Universidade Católica de Brasília, pelo trabalho “Plantas de soja tolerantes ao déficit hídrico por meio da modulação da via de controle de morte celular programada induzida por estresses utilizando CRISPR/dCas9”. As duas estudantes são orientadas pela pesquisadora Dra. Maria Fátima Grossi de Sá. O XXVII Encontro do Talento Estudantil contou com 150 participantes inscritos, entre estudantes de graduação, pós-graduação e pós-doutores. Teve como objetivos a divulgação dos trabalhos realizados na Embrapa Cenargen nas áreas temáticas de Biotecnologia; Controle Biológico, Quarentena e Recursos Genéticos e o incentivo científico a jovens estudantes e bolsistas. Texto: Dra. Carolina Morgante

Learn more about AL05, its main goals within the project and meet the laboratory's work team. AL 05 - Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory Activities - PlantStress Biotech INCT Sequencing transcriptomes associated with the response to drought of native species in Brazil (wild peanuts, pitangueira, Clúsia; and cashew) by large-scale sequencing. Identify and select in silico candidate genes related to drought tolerance of native species (wild peanuts, pitangueira, Clúsia, and cashew). Identify InDels and SNPs in candidate genes of native species associated with the drought response (wild peanuts, pitangueira, and cashew). Validate in vitro the expression profile of candidate genes for tolerance to drought obtained from native species in Brazil (wild peanuts, pitangueira, Clúsia, and cashew). Select vital genes/molecules for gall nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) by analyzing their genome. Select potential genes involved in resistance from contrasting genotypes (peanuts, soybean, rice, cotton and coffee). Integrate legume transcriptome data (beans, soybean, and peanuts) submitted to water deficit, generated by mass sequencing (Illumina – HiSeq) in previous projects. Integrate transcriptome data from resistant genotypes (beans, soybean, rice, coffee, and peanuts) infected by nematodes, generated by mass sequencing (Illumina – HiSeq) in previous projects. Sequencing and integrating transcriptome of drought tolerant genotypes of Musa spp., Arachis spp., and cowpea subjected to water deficit combined with biotic stress (Meloidogyne spp. or Mycosphaerella ) in bioassays. Validate the expression of key genes in the metabolic pathways of plants' response to combined stresses (biotic-biotic; biotic-biotic; abiotic-biotic) by qRT-PCR. Sequencing on the Illumina platform a fraction of small RNAs, and their target mRNAs, and circular RNAs of plants (Arachis ; Musa ; soybean; pitangueira; cashew tree) subjected to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Analyze sequencing data to check methylation status of gene promoters in the metabolic pathways of interest. Validate the function of plant genes potentially involved in the mechanisms of drought tolerance in Arabidopsis , rice or sepia plants via overexpression or silencing strategies. Validate the function of plant genes potentially involved in nematode resistance mechanisms via overexpression or silencing strategies. Validate the function of nematode genes potentially involved in the parasitism mechanisms, via gene silencing strategies in model systems. Assess the potential of biotechnological assets generated for the purpose of intellectual protection. Patent the use of genes and gene elements validated during the project Organize, maintain and share an in vivo bank of the innovation assets obtained in the project shared by INCT members. Laboratory Description The Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory conducts studies on the interaction of plants with biotic and abiotic stresses, aiming at elucidating the changes in the cellular, biochemical, physiological and molecular machinery of plants, which occur in response to different stresses, combined or not. In addition to prospecting and identifying genes, regulatory sequences and molecules involved in plant tolerance/resistance responses to one or more stresses, research group performs the validation of function of these assets in model plants and methods are developed and improved for the validation of these assets in target plants, which will enable the development of cultivars more adapted to different environmental conditions. Research Lines Prospecting for genes/molecules or peptides of interest for the control of drought and pests in wild peanut germplasm (Arachis spp.). Prospecting of target molecules in phytoparasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) for pest control. Prospecting for small RNAs in plant genotypes that are resistant/tolerant to pests and drought that may be involved in these stresses. Prospecting for molecules and peptides that are efficient in controlling pests and tolerating water deficit simultaneously (cross-stress). Vallidation of assets due to their overexpression or gene silencing in model plants for analysis and validation of their function. Our Team Patrícia Messemberg Guimarães Team Leader Graduated in Agronomy from the University of Brasília (1985), master's degree in Phytopathology from the University of Brasília (1987) and doctorate in Molecular Biology - University of London (1997). She did post-doctorate in plant genomics at CIRAD (France) in 2006. She is currently a collaborator at the University of Brasilia (Unb) and Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB) and researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation since 1989. The main research areas include Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant-pathogen interaction, and works mainly on the following themes: structural and functional genomics of legumes, Arachis genomics, plant resistance, plant tolerance to water stress, genetic maps, and molecular characterization of plants. She is coordinator of several national and international projects in the field of genetics and genomics of legumes and plant-pest interaction. Ana Cristina Miranda Brasileiro Graduated in Forestry Engineering from the University of Brasília (1986), Master in Molecular and Plant Cell Biology - Universite de Paris XI (Paris-Sud) (1988) and PhD in Molecular and Plant Cell Biology - Universite de Paris XI (Paris-Sud ) (1992). He is currently a researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. From 2002 to 2006 she worked as a researcher at Labex-Europa at Cirad (France). He has experience in the field of Genetics, with an emphasis on Plant Genetics, working mainly on the following themes: genetic transformation, plant biotechnology, Agrobacterium biology, gene expression and genomics. Since 2006, she has been coordinator in Brazil of the International Consortium in Advanced Biology (CIBA), an initiative of Agropolis (France) and Embrapa (Brazil), whose objective is to create and consolidate an efficient strategy of international scientific and technical cooperation, to study and explore the diversity in genetic resources of plants and to identify important genes and characteristics essential for genetic improvement programs in Tropical and Mediterranean agriculture. From 2008 to 2014 he participated as an external member of the Scientific Council of the Department of Biological Systems (BIOS) of Cirad/France and since 2016 he has been an external member of the Scientific and Strategic Council of Cirad/France. Ana Claudia Guerra de Araújo Researcher Ana Claudia Guerra de Araujo has a degree in Biology from the University of Brasília (1987), a PhD in Biological Sciences (Biophysics) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (1994). Since 1994 she is a Researcher at Embrapa, at Cenargen, where she has been working with the interface between cellular and plant molecular biology at the Microscopy Laboratory. He has a post-doctorate in Australia (CSIRO, 2001) where he worked with molecular and cellular techniques in plant reproduction and in England (University of Leicester, 2011), where he worked with plant molecular cytogenetics using the microscopy tool. At Embrapa, he develops research in the area of plant reproduction, through studies of morphology, cell biology and ultrastructure of developmental biology, involving techniques of cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry, cytogenetics, in situ hybridization associated with microscopy. It is also involved in studies on the plant-pathogen interaction, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses and quality in Arachis, determining factors for the success of a productive and sustainable agriculture. André Southernman Teixeira Irsigler Graduated in Biological Sciences (2000), Master (2002) and Doctorate (2007) in Genetics and Breeding from Universidade Federal de Viçosa, with a sandwich period at North Carolina State University, and Post-doctorate at Florida State University. He is a researcher at Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, and is involved in the areas of regulation of gene expression and developmental biology. Contact Patricia Messenberg Guimarães EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology W5 Norte Avenue (end) - P.O. Box 02372 - Postal Code 70770-917 - Brasília, DF - Brazil E-mail: patricia.guimaraes@embrapa.br Phone:+55 61 3448-4787

< Back Antonio Costa de Oliveira, researcher at INCT PlantStress Biotech, participated in international scientific events Professor Antonio Costa de Oliveira (UFPEL), a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, attended the 4th BIOIBEROAMERICA conference in Monterrey, Mexico, from September 3 to 6, 2024. He delivered a keynote lecture titled Climate Change Ready Rice: Lessons from Abiotic Stresses . The meeting was organized by FIAMBIOT (Federación Iberoamericana de Biotecnología), which includes the Brazilian Society of Biotechnology (SBBIOTEC) as a member. The event attracted approximately 250 participants from various countries in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, fostering discussions on advancing biotechnology for a sustainable future. Following this, Professor Costa de Oliveira participated in the ISRFG2024 (International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics) in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, from September 9 to 11, 2024. He presented a talk and a poster on The Collection and Characterization of Wild Rice in Brazil . This symposium also focused on sustainability and strategies for feeding the growing population without compromising the planet's health.

< Back The 2023 Annual LIMPP Workshop: Focus on Student Engagement The LIMPP Workshop takes place annually and aims to train students and discuss results with them. The LIMPP Workshop , an annual event organized by the Laboratory of Molecular Plant-Pest Interactions of Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (Embrapa Cenargen) , centered its 2023 edition on students engagement , emphasizing their training and active participation in the discussion of research outcomes . Held on November 17 th and 20 th, the LIMPP Workshop provided a platform for m aster’s and undergraduate students, and technical professionals to present the progress and outcomes of their projects conducted throughout 2023. This year's workshop was skilfully coordinated by Master's student Náttany Souza Costa and Undergraduate student Sara Rocha. Their leadership was complemented by the guidance of postdoctoral researcher Francisco Humberto Henrique and researcher Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa. As well as presenting the results, the workshop was designed to equip students with essential presentation skills, including slide preparation and the ability to respond to questions from both a review panel and the attending audience. A total of 12 engaging presentations took place over the two days of the event. Below are the photographs capturing moments from each presentation: The master's students Gabriele Louise Trindade Araújo and Náttany Souza Costa. The technical training André Campos Soares and Mateus Meira dos Santos presenting your results in the LIMPP Workshop. The master's students Naiara Cordeiro Santos and João Pedro Abreu Sousa.The technical training Mariana Hildebrand and Gustavo Ruffo presenting your results in the LIMPP Workshop. The master's students Julia Moura do Rosário Santana and Lays Antunes Teixeira. The technical training Raíre Cavalcante and undergraduate student Sara Rocha presenting your results in the LIMPP Workshop.