SEXSEED

UNIMIL is the coordinator of WP2 (STK ChIP-sequencing data (vs RNA-sequencing)) and WP3 (Functional Characterization of the selected target genes involved in early stages of ovule development).

UNIMIL is one of the prime centers in Italy for plant molecular genetics and houses more than 60 research groups working in fields of biology ranging from human genetics to plant biodiversity, allowing researchers to exchange techniques and ideas with people working in different fields.

The Biosciences Department organizes regularly seminars inviting national and international speakers, which allows the development of a broader view on science and stimulates collaboration with other research institutes.

The Department of Biosciences of UMIL is highly active in outreach activities and organizes several activities like the FoPD in Milan.

In addition, in the department there is the Interdepartmental Center of Advanced Microscopy (CIMA) which has experts in all kinds of microscopes (optical, scanning electron, laser microdissection and confocal). The Plant development group has a wide experience in all types of histological and morphological analysis, as well as in qualitative and quantitative gene expression analysis. Moreover, has access to Affymetrix microarray, deep sequencing and proteomics and metabolomics platforms.

The Plant Development research group, headed by Lucia Colombo, is focusing on regulatory networks that control female gametophyte and seed development and differentiation in the model species Arabidopsis, having a particular focus on hormonal (phytohormones), transcription factors and epigenetic regulation pathways. The group is well trained in performing genetics approaches combined with molecular biology, biochemistry and large-scale genomics strategies.