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Thesis Defence: Genotyping of Cannabis Sativa and Analysis of (E)-Nerolidol/Linalool Synthase Transcriptional Regulators
June 26, 2023 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Savanna Maddock, supervised by Dr. Michael Deyholos, will defend their thesis titled “Genotyping of Cannabis Sativa and Analysis of (E)-Nerolidol/Linalool Synthase Transcriptional Regulators” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biology.
An abstract for Savanna Maddock’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in person defences.
ABSTRACT
Cannabis sativa (cannabis) is rich in phytochemicals, including the terpenoids (E)-nerolidol and linalool, which affect the fragrance and potential medicinal properties of cannabis products. The objective of the first project of this thesis was to identify candidate transcription factors for an (E)-nerolidol/linalool terpenoid synthase gene from cannabis. A promoter-GUS assay was used to determine if an intergenic fragment from upstream of the (E)-nerolidol/linalool terpenoid synthase locus could support transcription. This was followed by a yeast one-hybrid assay to identify proteins that bind this intergenic region. A single candidate transcription factor, LOB domain-containing protein 37, was found to bind to the intergenic region.
Many cannabis producers lack accurate knowledge of the genetic diversity represented in their germplasm collections. This information is useful in selecting accessions for breeding and further development. The second project in this thesis applied single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping to a collection of 25 drug-type, 39 hemp-type and 14 landrace accessions. This method used a reduced representation genotype by sequencing approach (nano-GBS) and identified 91,478 (SNPs). Population structure analyses identified two distinct clusters within the collection, including uniquely divergent individuals. These SNPs have the potential for future use in genome-wide association studies, marker-assisted breeding, and identity preservation.
