93358 - Agricultural and Industrial Biotechnologies

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Docente: Silvio Salvi
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: AGR/07
  • Language: Italian

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is familiar with the basics of gene structure in plants, the technical basis of genetic engineering for the genetic improvement of crops, the main aspects of the structure of the genome of a plant, the dynamics of gene expression at a global level, the main applications of genomics in the study and enhancement of genetic diversity, the applications of molecular markers to QTL and gene mapping and their use in genetic improvement programs. At the end of the course the student knows how to critically analyze the benefits and risks deriving from the cultivation and use of GM and gene edited crops.

Course contents

PREREQUISITES - The student who accesses this course must have a good basic knowledge of genetics. It is also advisable to have a good knowledge of English, as part of the teaching material will be in this language.

TEACHING UNIT 1. STRUCTURE AND ANALYSIS OF THE PLANT GENOMES

Genomes of cultivated plants: structure, composition and evolution. Genomes of the mitochondrion and chloroplast.

Plant genome sequencing: general strategies. Sequencing techniques (Sanger and Next-Generation-Sequencing, long-read and single-molecule sequencing), assembly, anchoring, annotation.

Study and evolution of gene families, homology, paralogy and orthology. Synteny and collinearity. Use of model species information (Arabidopsis, Brachypodium).

Transposable elements: biology, production mechanisms of genetic variability, their use in functional genomics.

Transcriptome analysis by microarray and RNA-seq. Gene expression database. Proteome analysis.

TEACHING UNIT 2. FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS IN PLANTS

Direct and reverse genetics strategies to associate a gene with a function. From phenotypic observation to gene mapping and cloning. Bulk-segregant analysis. Phenomics approaches.

Reverse genetics techniques: transposon tagging, TILLING, T-DNA insertion.

Transcriptomics in the analysis of gene function, co-expression network.

Applications of genomics for the study of the genetic basis of complex characters. QTL mapping via linkage and / or association (GWA). Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype.

TEACHING UNIT 3. BIOTECHNOLOGIES FOR GENETIC IMPROVEMENT AND FOR AGRO-INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Principles of crop genetic improvement. Insights into MAS - marker-assisted selection - (assisted backcrossing; gene pyramidation; breeding-by-design).

Recombination modification, the Ph gene in cereals. Molecular basis of heterosis. Mutagenesis. Synthesis of new species.

Study, protection and use of the genetic diversity of species of agricultural interest, concept of germplasm collection and core-collection.

In-vitro cultures of plant tissues. Genetic engineering through GMO approaches. Genome editing via CRISPR-CAS. Analysis of the cost/risk benefit ratio deriving from the cultivation and use of GMOs.

Molecular farming: plants as biofactories of high added-value molecules (recombinant proteins, vaccines, antibodies, biopolymers, etc.) and for the production of energy (crops for biomass).

Biotechnological applications for the production of innovative plant biostimulants and regulators (eg small RNAs, micro-organisms, etc.).

Case studies: biotechnological applications for a more productive, more sustainable agriculture (tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, reduction of chemical and energy inputs), for the improvement of nutritional profile - eg. golden rice, for the production of biomass and for the circular economy.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides, handouts, scientific articles and other material (eg indications of book chapters) distributed by the teacher in class. At the end of the course, students will be provided with a copy of the presentations made in the classroom by the teacher. The main reference texts are:

(In Italian)

Chrispeels MJ, Gepts P (2021), Agricoltura sostenibile attraverso le biotecnologie. PICCIN.

Lorenzetti et al. (2018) Miglioramento genetico delle piante agrarie. EDAGRICOLE.

Brown TA (2017) Biotecnologie molecolari – principi e tecniche. ZANICHELLI.

Some parts of the program refer to

Grotewold E et al (2015) Plant genes, genomes and genetics. WILEY BLACKWELL (THIS IS THE ONLY TEXT BOOK IN ENGLISH)

Russell PJ et al (2016) Genetica Agraria. EdiSES.

Students who wish to study or to make the oral exam in English can use the suggested textbook Grotewold E (see above) and contact the professor for further materials.

Teaching methods

The course is carried out by the professor through lectures accompanied by practical exercises. The latter will consist of both laboratory experiences and in-depth study of topics covered in lectures through short research carried out by the student on topics proposed by the professor. Additionally, the student will be invited to participate in seminars given by invited external specialists and professionals working in plant genetics research institutes, in seed industry and / or agrofarma.

Assessment methods

The learning of the contents of this course is verified through a final oral exam. During the exam, the teacher asks two questions relating to the topics covered during the lessons and exercises. The result of the in-depth study carried out by the student, starting from a scientific article proposed by the teacher during the course, will also be taken into consideration. The duration of the oral exam is approximately 30 minutes.

Students who wish to make the exam in English are allowed

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, availability of greenhouses and laboratories with related equipment.

Office hours

See the website of Silvio Salvi

SDGs

Zero hunger Responsible consumption and production Climate Action Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.