Award details

The virtual seed (vSEED)

Reference	BB/G02488X/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Michael Holdsworth
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Nicola Everitt, Professor John King, Professor Andrew Wood
Institution	University of Nottingham
Department	Sch of Biosciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	479,058
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	21/09/2009
End date	20/09/2012
Duration	36 months

Abstract

The aim of the vSEED project is to provide a dynamic mathematical description of seed dormancy, after-ripening and germination focussing on the key seed compartments the radicle and endosperm. This interdisciplinary project will analyse the comparative biology of the closely related Brassicaceae species Arabidopsis thaliana and Lepidium sativum, using engineering, imaging, modelling and post-genomics approaches to develop a virtual germinating seed. We propose that germination is an ideal exemplary subject for the integration of new technologies and for developing molecular plant biomechanics in conjunction with dynamic mathematical modelling. The research programme will be achieved through five inter-related work packages: WP1: Identification and mathematical modelling of key transcriptome networks associated with radicle and endosperm function. WP2: Analysis of cell wall biology during embryo growth and endosperm weakening. WP3: Provision of tissue/seed scale biomechanical modelling through the use of novel engineering and imaging approaches. WP4: Multi-scale modelling, integrating cross-species analysis, from transcriptomic networks though tissue biomechanical models to physiological seed behaviour (including abiotic stresses). WP5: Resource development and model validation through use of unique, and development of novel, genetic resources.

Summary

Committee	Research Committee B (Plants, microbes, food & sustainability)
Research Topics	Crop Science, Plant Science, Systems Biology
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	European Research Area Network in Plant Genomics (ERA-PG) [2006-2009]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

BB/G024898/1 The virtual seed (vSEED)

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