Dr. András Kis - MATE Research
Overview
András Kis deals with the transgenesis and genome editing of monocotyledonous plants. He investigates RNA interference pathways in barley and wheat and works on the development of economically useful traits in these plants using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In addition, he examines the genome interactions of wheat x barley hybrid.
Research keywords:
Publications
1/ Mohammad Ali, Dávid Polgári, Adél Sepsi, Levente Kontra, Ágnes Dalmadi, Zoltán Havelda, László Sági and András Kis (2024), Rapid and cost-effective molecular karyotyping in wheat, barley, and their cross-progeny by chromosome-specific multiplex PCR, Plant Methods, 20: 37, doi: 10.1186/s13007-024-01162-x
2/ Edit Mihók, Dávid Polgári, Andrea Lenykó-Thegze, Diána Makai, Attila Fábián, Mohammad Ali, András Kis, Adél Sepsi, László Sági (2024), Plasticity of parental CENH3 incorporation into the centromeres in wheat × barley F1 hybrids, Frontiers in Plant Science, 15: 1324817, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1324817
3/ András Kis, Dávid Polgária, Ágnes Dalmadi, Imtiaz Ahmad, Marianna Rakszegi, László Sági, Tibor Csorba & Zoltán Havelda (2024), Targeted mutations in the GW2.1 gene conversely modulate grain quality and quantity in barley. Plant Science, 340, 111968., doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111968
4/ Kis, A., Hamar, É., Tholt, G., Bán, R., & Havelda, Z. (2019), Creating highly efficient resistance against Wheat dwarf virus in barley by employing CRISPR/Cas9 system. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 17, 1004 doi: 10.1111/pbi.13077
5/ Kis, A., Tholt, G., Ivanics, M., Várallyay, É., Jenes, B. and Havelda, Z. (2016), Polycistronic artificial miRNA-mediated resistance to Wheat dwarf virus in barley is highly efficient at low temperature. Molecular Plant Pathology. 17: 427–437. doi: 10.1111/mpp.12291
Projects
1/ Establishment of genome editing in barley and other crop species for research and crop improvement
The CRISPR/Cas9 system, a swift and precise genome editing tool, is poised for integration into Hungarian research. Our experiments focus on economically vital barley, utilizing established lab techniques to create CRISPR/Cas9-edited plants. Targets include RNA interference components, a key research area, exploring their role in barley development and stress response. CRISPR/Cas9 allows direct genome modifications in local cultivars, expediting trait introduction without traditional breeding delays. This system offers transgenic alternatives, sidestepping typical genetically modified organism concerns. We'll evaluate this aspect by targeting barley genes for trait improvement. Additionally, we'll extend genome editing efforts to wheat, a critical Hungarian crop.
2/ Investigation of heat stress linked RNAi and crop quality determining genes by genome editing technology in barley
Genome editing revolutionizes site-directed mutagenesis in molecular biology. Our lab pioneers barley genome editing, expanding experiments. Using bioinformatics, we'll pinpoint RNA interference factors (DCL, AGO, RDR) in barley. Heat stress-related factors will be identified via gene expression analysis in treated plants, followed by genome editing to understand their role in stress response. We'll also target the SIX-ROWED SPIKE (VRS) gene for enhanced grain characteristics. To bolster reliability, we'll develop a high-fidelity, plant-specific Cas9 construct based on published functional studies.
3/ Investigation of the regulation and activity of RNA interference executor complexes in model and crop plants
RNA interference (RNAi), a small non-coding RNA (smRNA) system, regulates gene expression, development, stresses, epigenetics, and defense. Micro (mi) RNAs and small interfering (si) RNAs control target RNAs through degradation or repression. The RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) features ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1), pivotal in siRNA and miRNA pathways. AGO1 regulation, influenced by miR168, exhibits unique aspects compared to canonical miRNA control. Our goal is to explore fine-tuned, tissue-specific AGO1 activity, unveiling specific regulatory processes and its role in development. Utilizing size separation, we'll analyze RISC-bound smRNAs through next-generation sequencing, shedding light on loading regulation. A novel gain-of-function mutant screen will identify factors modulating the RNA interference pathway. Results will be applied to economically crucial crops like pepper and wheat.
