Updated October 27, 2017:
Significant progress has been made on some objectives, very little in others (or at least it has not been recorded). Certainly, much data has been generated in a number of areas but how that all ties into fulfilling the main purpose of the project is often unclear. Meanwhile, experimental work has been added during the FY10 year beyond the original set of objectives which is admirable but doesn’t always directly relate to the project’s stipulated purpose.
A major accomplishment of the project thus far has been to further develop the RNA transcript library for soybean, which can potentially lead to understanding gene expression including for oil/fatty acid content. This molecular tool, whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), has been applied to collect data across 14 growth stages and apparently across different tissue, realizing that the expression of any one gene may vary across time and place in the plant’s development. This RNA-seq data has led the researchers to identify seven candidate genes that may regulate oil content: MOV, CYCLOIDEA, CON GLYCININ, MATE, MDH, FRO, and AMT. Transgene constructs have been created for five of these genes. Most recently, the transgene constructs of two genes, MOV and CYCLOIDEA, have been transformed into soybean, in collaboration with Robert Stupar, also of the University of Minnesota. The data and end result of these transformations are forthcoming. Additionally, the cellular location of these two genes (their transcripts) has been found in the cotyledon and embryo, through an in situ hybridization technique.
Initial progress has been made to identify several genes responsible for controlling the manufacture of oil content in soybean. Additional work will be required to effectively be able to modify oil content in soybean.