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Remodelling pectin structure in potatoes
Reference
BBS/E/J/00001313
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Dr Maureen McCann
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution
John Innes Centre
Department
John Innes Centre Department
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
14,622
Status
Completed
Type
Institute Project
Start date
01/10/1997
End date
30/09/2000
Duration
36 months
Abstract
To prepare transgenic plants with modified composition or structure of pectic polysaccharides of the cell wall. These transgenic plants will allow us to investigate the relationship between synthesis and turn-over of pectins, and cell growth and development. To control functional properties (gelling ability and water binding capacity) of cell wall derived material, eg pectin obtained from pulp. To control functional properties of the intact plant producst such as shelf life or processing characteristics. Focussing on the model plant, potato, genes encoding enzymes involved in turn-over of galactans, arabinans and rhamnogalacturonans will be utilized for preparing the transgenic plants. Genens from potato will be used in an antisense approach for supressing activities in potato, tubers as they grow and mature. Fungal genes (from Aspergillus), already cloned by one of the partners, will be expressed in potato to modify wall structure at specific stages of tuber development. Attemps will be made to identify genes involved in thamnogalacturonan side chain biosynthesis. Success in this area will bring full control of pectin structure within reach and will mark a major breakthrough in plant biology and biotechnology as no such genes have been cloned from plants so far.
Summary
unavailable
Committee
Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics
X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority
X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative
X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme
X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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