Dr Huw Jones

Research Leader Dr Huw Jones

Cereal Transformation Group
Plant Science Department
Rothamsted Research
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 2JQ
Tel. +44 (0) 1582 763133 ext 2722
Fax. +44 (0)1582 763010
email Dr Huw Jones

The work of my group is focused in two main areas: the development of cereal transformation systems, and the application of transgenic approaches to isolate novel genes and study gene function in cereals. We have developed enabling technologies for transforming wheat, barley and tritordeum using DNA-delivery via Agrobacterium and particle bombardment and the regeneration of transgenic plants through somatic embrygenesis. These methods have allowed transformation of a range of germplasm including eleven UK elite bread wheat varieties, four durum wheat varieties, barley and tritordium. We are currently using these methods to investigate the functions of a number of genes that may be involved in conferring agronomic, food quality or other characteristics in small-grained cereals. We are also interested in the development of methods for diploid wheat transformation; the targeting or tagging of transgenes using transit peptide sequences or epitope tags; the application or RNAi technologies in polyploidy cereals; the effect of transgene position and matrix attachment regions on the stability and heritability of transgene expression and the use of heterologous or native transposons for promoter-trap and gene tagging applications. I collaborate with many scientists, both within Rothamsted Research and elsewhere, who use transformation-based approaches in their research. We have experience of field-testing transgenic wheat modified for improved end-use quality.

Current members

Publications

Publications using transformation

Selected research projects