Plant genome dynamics

We apply genomics, genetics, and cell biology to understand the processes of plant genome dynamics, and exploit genome structural knowledge to develop tools and know-how for plant breeding. We are particularly interested in the role of retrotransposons in genome structure and evolution and in their epigenetic interaction with genes. We identify and characterize genes for stress and disease resistance and resilience, as well as for end-use quality.

Research in the group forms several intertwined threads:

• analysis of the retrotransposon life cycle in the model system barley and its effect on genes and plant phenotype, particularly regarding abiotic stress response;
• understanding response and resilience to abiotic stresses, especially vapor-pressure deficit, early-season drought, and waterlogging;
• use of genetic and genomic means to identify and analyze disease- and stress-resistance genes
• collaborative genome sequencing and annotation as a tool for understanding the evolutionary role of retrotransposons as well as to reconstruct phylogenies.

Alan Schulman, PhD, Docent 
Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE 

Biocenter 3
P.O.Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
00014 University of Helsinki 
Finland  

Phone: +358 2 941 58867 
Email: alan.schulman@helsinki.fi 

Alan is a Principal Investigator/Group Leader at BI and Research Professor of Plant Biotechnology at LUKE Natural Resources Institute Finland (Alan's profile at Natural Resources Institute).