Structure, genetic variability and regulation of the transcriptome in relation to wood formation in forest trees

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Wood properties result from a genetically encoded program of development, known as secondary vascular growth or wood formation. Wood formation is a complex process because it is influenced by variations in environmental conditions over the growth season and the life of a tree. Gene expression is one of the mechanisms by which trees integrate genetic information and environmental cues in order to make wood. My program aims to identify and explore molecular links between genotypic variation and wood properties, through the study of genome-wide gene expression. The goal of my research is thus to provide insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits like wood. The transcriptome is comprised of the entire set of RNA transcripts present in a cell or tissue and represents the genes that may be expressed. We will use new microarrays to survey the expression of nearly all the genes present in the genomes of trees. The different subprojects will also rely on quantitative PCR and other methods to investigate the modulation and regulation of RNAs pools. Specific objectives are to (1) Develop reference profiles for conifer trees, comprised of diverse views of the dynamic transcriptome and provide a reference framework for our research and that of others; (2) Delineate the transcriptome modules that are linked to the processes underlying wood formation, as a function of daily and seasonal variation, spatial position in the tree and of environmental factors like drought; (3) Investigate the variability and genetic control of transcript abundance at the population level as a means to gain insights into the genetic architecture underlying complex traits; (4) Study mechanisms and networks underlying transcriptome regulation during wood formation in trees, through gain-of-function experiments with selected regulatory genes. The research will support the training of Ph. D. and M. Sc students. It will also result in applications in forestry, namely through the development of molecular breeding of forest trees.