A grant has been awarded to North Dakota State University (NDSU) under the direction of Shahryar Kianian, associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, for a central high-throughput genetic analysis facility at NDSU.

North Dakota ranks first nationally in the production of many crops and NDSU is the primary institution within the state conducting basic genetic/molecular research on the persistent biotic and abiotic stresses that affect production and on the effects of natural and introduced contaminants in the food processing stream.

"The advent of new tools and associated technologies in modern genetics/genomics has provided an exciting opportunity to integrate genetic findings and detection of minute DNA molecules to all aspects of plant genetics on a high-throughput scale," Kianian says. "This facility will form a powerful investigative high-throughput research tool and enhance the capability of NDSU researchers to understand the molecular genetic basis of these problems and address them in a timely manner."

Development of the NDSU high-throughput genetic analysis facility will allow researchers to:

• Screen large reverse genetic collections for identification and characterization of mutations in genes;

• Develop high-resolution maps of chromosomes or chromosomal regions for physical mapping and gene cloning;

• Conduct genetic testing and selection in large populations for characterization of gene action in different genetic backgrounds and environmental stresses;

• Apply association mapping techniques to gene discovery;

• Analyze plant pathogens in the environment or as they interact with their hosts;

• Detect biocontaminants in food samples and their impact on human health and nutrition.

"NDSU researchers are committed to incorporating the methodologies involved and data generated into the training and education of students at all levels, providing them with access to state-of-the-art science and skills needed to successfully compete in the job market," Kianian says. "The equipment will impact a very large (over 21 at the last count) group of projects from more than seven departments just on campus. Through numerous collaborations, this equipment can potentially impact a large number of projects in smaller, regional universities and colleges as well."

NDSU faculty and the Extension Service will train and educate traditional and nontraditional students, including high school students and teachers, undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, tribal college students, crop consultants, growers and members of various crop improvement associations.

Users of the center will go through a short training on the use and performance of the various instruments. Users also will be able to reserve instrument use time on the Web.

Kianian says the center should be available for use by the end of the year. The equipment for the center will be purchased through a grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Biological Infrastructure Major Research Instrumentation.