Gendall laboratory research
Our laboratory uses genetic and molecular approaches to study aspects of plant development and physiology. I am currently using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, but am also developing research areas using the model legume Medicago truncatula.
Our current work is aimed at understanding two important aspects of plant development - flowering time and response to abiotic stresses. I am particularly interested in using the natural variation present between different varieties (or accessions) of a species to identify genes that regulate particular characteristics. These methods initially use genetic approaches (mapping of segregating traits) to determine how many genes are responsible for a particular trait, and molecular techniques to eventually clone the genes. This work is at quite an advanced stage for two projects in Arabidopsis, and is under development in Medicago.
We currently have an ARC-funded project to use genetic and genomic approaches to characterize a novel flowering time locus (FLH) that enhances the vernalization response in Arabidopsis. We hope to identify the FLH gene using a combination of map-based cloning and micro-array expression analysis. We will also investigate how FLH fits into the current model of flowering time control in Arabidopsis.
The Arabidopsis plant on the right has a tiny modification to it's genetic code which causes it to flower earlier in response to cold conditions.
Other work involves the analysis of sodium/proton (Na+/H+) antiporter proteins (NHX proteins) in regulating intracellular homeostasis in model, crop and horticultural species. We are analysing the function of these proteins using T-DNA mutants and amiRNA inducible systemsto down-regulate gene expression, and protein fusions with GFP variant to determine where in the cell these proteins are required.
Our team
Dr Adrian Dinsdale (Post-doc) - FLH and vernalization in Arabidopsis (previously supported by the ARC).
Partha Das (PhD student): NHX genes in Arabidopsis (supported by the Government of India and LTU).
Sonia Fiorito (PhD student, from July 2008): NHX gene expression in carnation flower colour (in collaboration with Florigene).
Joseph De Maria (Honours student): Analysis of FLH candidates genes.
Brett Ford (Honours student): NHX genes in canola (supported by the GRDC).
Noorina Seedat (Honours student): FLH target genes.
Honours, PhD projects and post-doctoral opportunities currently available
- Genetic analysis of flowering time in Arabidopsis
- Function of NHX genes in Arabidopsis
- Flowering time in Legumes
If you have a background in and interest in molecular biology, genetics or physiology, please contact me (Dr Tony Gendall, E: t.gendall@latrobe.edu.au) for more information.
