CRISPIT

In the CRISPit project we will conduct studies with ten partner labs distributed all over the world, in order to achieve a better understanding of the reproductive processes that leads to seed formation under heat stress conditions. These studies will provide valuable scientific knowledge of the molecular networks controlling reproduction in rice, and thus seed set establishment. This network is highly multidisciplinary (bioinformatics, plant physiology, developmental biology, genetics and molecular biology), providing interdisciplinary methodological training and wide scientific perspectives.

Why the CRISPit project & WHAT IS it about?

Feeding the ever-growing population is a major challenge, especially in light of rapidly changing climate conditions. Genome editing is set to transform plant breeding and help secure the global food supply. Advances in genome editing technologies provide new opportunities for crop improvement by employing precision genome engineering for targeted crop traits.

CRISPit, which addresses critical stages of the reproductive development, integrates several approaches to comprehensively investigate sexual reproduction in Rice under heat stress conditions with the aim of using the novel knowledge generated to improve rice production. The model plant system Arabidopsis thaliana will be used as proof of concept, to generate quick knowledge that can be readily translated into concrete outcomes in rice, specie of high importance to the European agricultural sector.

CRISPit main goal is to understand the mechanisms that regulate heat stress tolerance during the reproductive process in rice. CRISPit will provide answers to the following questions: how plant reproductive cells and tissues are affected by heat stress? What are the molecular mechanisms underlying rice plants resilience to HS during reproduction? To answer these, CRISPit proposes to achieve three main objectives:

1) Define heat stress features and marker genes in Nagina22 rice variety.

2) Obtain and fully characterize mutants from the chosen genes in order to deliver rice lines tolerant to heat stress, produced by CRISPR technology.

How will CRISPIT be implemented?

All experimental partners work on different aspects of a common biological problem: the efforts are focused to understand the genetic and molecular control of the reproductive process under heat stress conditions. All the consortium groups are interested in shedding light into this theme. The fundamental objective of this proposal is to strengthen research partnerships through short/long period staff exchanges and networking activities between all the partners, at international and intercontinental levels.