High-throughput genotyping system

• Subject Area: Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 437098084

The characterization of nucleotide variation in specific candidate genes (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-genotyping) is a standard method for the study of adaptive genetic variation in ecological genetics and breeding. Specifically, the analysis of genetic variation in key regulatory genes along environmental gradients is the prerequisite to understand how populations can adapt to changing and variable environmental conditions in the face of climate change. In addition to DNA polymorphisms, epigenetic variation related to changes in gene expression seems to facilitate long-term evolutionary adaptations enabling a rapid and plastic response to environmental changes. For state of the art publications, large-scale analyses with a continuously increasing number of gene markers are necessary. Mass spectrometry to accurately measure PCR-derived amplicons is a standard procedure for the targeted analysis of genetic and epigenetic markers. It would enable us to analyse genetic well as epigenetic variation and their role in local adaptation in natural and breeding populations with a cost effective approach and to offer this service to other university institutions. For example, we will be able to develop, test and design assays for a variety of plant and animal species and to perform large-scale monitoring of neutral and adaptive genetic diversity as well as epigenetic diversity at a landscape level.The use of the system by Departments of different Faculties (Forestry, Biology, Agricultural Sciences) and within the Center of Integrated Breeding Research at the University of Göttingen would further stimulate interdisciplinary collaborations within the University.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hochdurchsatz-Genotypisierungssystem
• Instrumentation Group: 3150 DNA-Sequenzer
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Leader: Professor Dr. Oliver Gailing