Swedish forest (photo: Anne Honsel)
Plants inherit and express traits based on their genes. Researchers at UPSC played a key role in sequencing the genomes of Populus, Scots pine and Norway spruce, and now use these resources to develop new tools for tree research and modern tree breeding.
With the help of bioinformatics, we are studying and improving the tree genome resources available. We use genome assembly, transcriptomics and co-expression network analyses to understand the genetic basis of complex traits such as leaf shape, wood formation and tree responses to abiotic and biotic stressors. To better understand the biology and evolution of different traits such as wood development, we compare the genomes of individuals within a species as well as comparing genomes across species. We are studying the function of repetitive DNA elements and non-coding RNA in different plant tissues and under stress conditions to discover how they influence genome three-dimensional structure and how this contributes to regulating which genes are activated under specific conditions. We also use metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to analyse the composition, diversity, activity and function of the microbes in and around tree roots. Along with our strong genomic and genetic research, we develop methods for genomic selection, genome wide association studies, seed orchard genetics and genome-wide population studies that are used for modern tree breeding.
Our goal is to gain comprehensive knowledge about genes, their regulation and genomic structures, and to use this knowledge for sustainable forestry.
