Update:
We are ahead of the milestones. The manuscript reporting the QTL on Chr15 was officially published by a prestigious journal in genetics (PLos Genetics). Having applied a combination of quantitative and population genetics, molecular biology, genomics, systems biology and big-data approach, the study cloned the gene underlying the QTl that was discovered almost 30 years ago and had been used to develop high protein cultivars by breeders. We also illustrated the causative DNA variant/allele in the gene. The gene variation/allelic variation has been selected by ancient farmers and modern breeding. It is one of the major genetic components causing low protein in US soybean. In addition, we proposed a strategy for utilize the discovery to increase protein content through biotech and breeding. In addition, we discovered a collection of soybean accessions/germplasm containing the high protein allele for breeders to use to develop high protein cultivars. In the quarter, we also conducted molecular and big-data analysis of the genes that we discovered to validate their function in regulating protein and develop new approaches to improve meal quality traits in current soybean cultivars to increase competitiveness of US soybean in the world market and the profitability of US soybean farming.