Skip to main content

ABOUT

The Crop Transformation and Genome Editing Unit has a long history of wheat transformation research and has developed optimised protocols for both particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, successfully transforming over 40 different wheat and wheat-related varieties. Both internal projects and external contracts can be supported with costs being dependent on the service required.

Advice is available on all aspects of transformation from the design stages such as suggesting promoters to drive transgene expression or providing appropriate cloning constructs for either overexpression of genes or their down-regulation by RNAi, to assistance with crossing transgenic plants or taking transgenic lines to field trial.

Recently we have expanded our range of transformed species which now includes rice (Oryza sativa, both indica and japonica cultivars), oilseed rape (Brassica napus), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and soybean (Glycine max) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We are currently developing the transformation procedure for broad bean (Vicia faba) and black-grass.

We are also at the cutting edge of genome editing, a technology which offers the possibility to generate highly targeted mutations in the host genome. Success has already been achieved in modifying specific target genes in wheat, rice, and tomato, and we are delighted to add this method to the range of services offered.

BOOKING THE FACILITY

BOOKING

Please complete the booking form for any transformation work and/or speak to Mark Wilkinson to discuss.

DOWNLOAD FORM

 

COSTINGS

Please contact Mark Wilkinson to discuss requirements and costs. For internal projects, transformation is included in the online costing form.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Provided the gene to be introduced is not classed as a significant risk, a simple risk assessment form can be completed to describe the gene and its effects. Otherwise, please provide a full risk assessment by registering a new GM project - please email Mark Wilkinson for more information.

GUIDED TOUR

A tour and explanation of the facility is available if required. Please e-mail Mark Wilkinson.

CROP TRANSFORMATION & GENOME EDITING TEAM

Dr Vladimir Nekrasov

Dr Vladimir Nekrasov

Genome Editing Specialist

Dr Mark Wilkinson

Dr Mark Wilkinson

Wheat Molecular Biologist

Dr Sirisha Kaniganti

Dr Sirisha Kaniganti

Crop Transformation and Genome Editing Specialist

Dr Sergio Cerezo-Medina

Dr Sergio Cerezo-Medina

Energy Crop Biotechnologist

CONTACT CROP TRANSFORMATION

Crop Transformation and Genome Editing Unit
Rothamsted Research
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 2JQ

Tel: +44 (0)1582 938 292
Email: vladimir.nekrasov@rothamsted.ac.uk