P968Fostering Plant Science Research at MU Plant Transformation Core Facility
Since its establishment in 2000, the University of Missouri (MU) Plant Transformation Core Facility has been providing state-of-the-art research support services in genetic engineering of several major crops species. Located inside the new MU central campus greenhouse, the Sears Plant Growth Facility, the Plant Transformation Core Facility is aiming at promoting gene discovery, crop improvement, and funding opportunities for the plant science research community. Our staff is strongly dedicated to providing various types of transformation support services and conducting research in transgenic technology development with a focus on maize (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The facility service categories include both standard and customized transient as well as stable transformation for maize and soybean upon the user’s request. The transformation systems for all the above crops utilize Agrobacterium-mediated approaches and somatic embryogenesis processes except for soybean. We employ the Agrobacterium-mediated cot-node transformation system coupled with organogenesis regime for soybean transformation. We are now establishing efficient transformation system and soon will be ready for wheat transformation services. We are also advancing sorghum transformation system and soon will be offering very competitive price. In addition, we are ready to take on new service projects to transform new plant species as user’s requests. Current research activities are geared towards developing high-throughput transformation, improving the quality of transgene integration and sufficient gene regulation to meet the needs of crop improvement and functional genomics. Our specific interest in soybean genetic engineering is to regulate several economically important genes conditioning soybean seed traits, abiotic stress, virus resistance, etc. Some of these studies are conducted as collaborations with on- and off-campus researchers. More details of these activities will be presented at the conference.