Genomic sequencing in sugarcane; first insight into the physical organisation of the genome and microsynteny with other grasses.

• Grant number: 00/14258-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2001
• End date: May 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Arruda
• Grantee: Nazeema Jaunoo
• Host Institution: Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sequencing long stretches of genomic DNA is becoming more and more accessible in plants. Comparison of homologous sequences for related genomes give access to the evolutionary history of the sequences. When colinearity, ie microsynteny, between genomic sequences is highly conserved, transfer of genetic 'Information from one species to another becomes possible, giving all its strength to the concept of model genome'. Sugarcane has a complex polyploidy genome. The project presented here is targeted towards the sequencing of around 100 kb of sugarcane genomic sequence in a region where the counterpart already exist in sorghum and maize, two related more simple diploid species. As sugarcane cultivars are interspecific hybrids, we plan to sequence the targeted region for each of the two ancestral species, Saccharum officinarum and S. spontaneum. The data obtained will give access for the first time to a piece of sugarcane genomic sequence, allowing comparison at the Family level with more simple diploid genomes, and at the Genus level between the species involved in current cultivars. (AU)