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Development of Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) Populations in Small Grain Crops by Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis
Published on: July 16, 2019
TILLING: a shortcut in functional genomics
Marzena Kurowska1, Agata Daszkowska-Golec, Damian Gruszka
1Department of Genetics, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Journal of Applied Genetics
|September 14, 2011
Summary
Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) offers a powerful reverse genetics approach for discovering new plant alleles. This high-throughput method enables rapid, low-cost mutation discovery across diverse species.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Large-scale genome sequencing enables advanced genetic strategies.
- Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) emerged as a reverse genetics alternative to insertional mutagenesis.
- TILLING leverages classical mutagenesis, sequence data, and high-throughput screening for nucleotide polymorphisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advantages and applications of the TILLING strategy in plant genetics.
- To discuss the efficiency and versatility of TILLING across different species and ploidy levels.
- To outline recent advancements and future trends in TILLING methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes chemical mutagens to induce point mutations randomly throughout the genome.
- Employs high-throughput screening to identify induced mutations in targeted sequences.
- Incorporates advanced bioinformatics, mutation detection techniques, and next-generation sequencing.
Main Results:
- TILLING provides a high frequency of random point mutations, with densities of ~1 mutation/200-500 kb.
- Higher mutation densities are observed in polyploid species like wheat.
- Enables rapid and cost-effective discovery of induced alleles in plants.
Conclusions:
- TILLING is a versatile reverse genetics strategy applicable to any species, regardless of genome size or ploidy.
- Recent technological advancements enhance TILLING's efficiency and scope.
- The strategy has broad applications in functional genomics, basic research, and applied plant science, with modifications like Ecotilling and Deletion TILLING expanding its utility.
