Structural and functional genomics

Description

Develop diagnostic markers of genes responsible for specific physiological functions in conifers. The discovery of such markers will help reduce the length of improvement cycles through marker-assisted early selection or will expand our knowledge of important genes from an adaptive standpoint for conservation purposes:

1. Gene discovery: Identify genes that are potentially involved in the control of adaptive traits (e.g., growth and lignification) or silvicultural traits (e.g., wood quality).
2. Structural genomics: Sequence and position selected candidate genes on the chromosomes of white and black spruce, two economically important species in Canada. The assembled genomic maps will be used to identify chromosome regions (QTLs and eQTLs) involved in the variation of sought-after traits.
3. Comparative evolutionary genomics : Inventory the genetic diversity present in candidate genes within natural populations of the two spruce species and compare the species within the genusPiceaand between thePinaceaein order to elucidate the mechanisms resulting in the divergence and adaptation of coniferous species.

Collaborators

• Bertrand, Annick (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Bousquet, Jean (Université Laval)
• Castonguay, Yves (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Cooke, Janice (University of Alberta)
• Labbe, Aurélie (Université Laval)
• Mackay, John (Université Laval)
• Ritland, Kermit (University of Bristish Columbia)