Interaction between genomes

One of our main focuses is the role of small RNAs in the interaction of genomes at different levels:

• In F1 hybrids, where paternal and maternal genomes interact to produce the phenomenon of heterosis, also called hybrid vigor (Dr. Johan Zicola, Yang Wang)
• In insects feeding on plants, where small RNAs can be transported and mediate defense responses (Dr. Di Ju)
• In maize pollen, where small RNAs derived from the paternal genome can influence the maternal genome upon fertilization (Dr. Miki Kawachi-Reuscher, Dr. Johan Zicola)
  

To identify the type and abundance of messenger and small RNAs found in our different samples, we use next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. We also perform experiments on the field and in the greenhouse to measure the level of heterosis of different traits in F1 hybrids of maize and rapeseed.

Our lab has expertise in:

• NGS libraries preparation for DNA, RNA, and small RNAs (Katharina Kubon, Dr. Johan Zicola)
• Bioinformatic analyses (RNA-seq, WGBS, GBS, ...) (Dr. Johan Zicola, Yang Wang)
• Dissection of embryos, ovules, and sperm cells of rapeseed and maize (Katharina Kubon, Jutta Schaper, Dr. Johan Zicola)
• Maize pollen vesicles isolation and separation by ultracentrifugation (Dr. Miki Kawachi-Reuscher)
• In Vitro culture, maize protoplast transformation, particle bombardment (Katharina Kubon, Jutta Schaper, Dr. Miki Kawachi-Reuscher)

Seed priming in rapeseed

One of our PhD student, Kingsley Ibeabuchi , is also working on seed priming in rapeseed and his work was recently featured on the Arte documentary "Gentechnik in der Biolandwirtschaft? | Agree to Disagree!" (2025).

Biotechnological Applications and Genetic Analyses of Trait Variation in Rapeseed

Research of Dr. Christian Möllers: