Prof. M. Bahattin TANYOLAC'S Lab

Assoc. Prof. Duygu ATES's Lab

General Information

Our laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research in the fields of plant genetics and molecular genetics. The studies focus on revealing genetic variation in plants and identifying genes and genomic regions associated with economically important traits. At the molecular level, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR-based analyses, and high-resolution molecular characterization studies are routinely performed. Using various DNA marker systems, primarily SNPs, genome mapping, linkage map construction, and association mapping analyses are carried out. Through Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), the genetic basis of phenotypic variation is elucidated; candidate genes are predicted using bioinformatics approaches and validated at the molecular level. In our laboratory, statistical analysis of phenotypic variation, determination of correlations among traits, and investigation of population structure are supported by biostatistics and advanced data analysis methods. Additionally, pathogenicity tests are experimentally conducted to evaluate resistance mechanisms against disease agents. Genome and transcriptome analyses are performed using next-generation sequencing technologies, and interspecific and intergenotypic differences are examined in detail through comparative genomics approaches. Comprehensive analysis of genetic variation and population genetics studies constitutes the core research infrastructure of the laboratory. Our laboratory integrates multi-layered data from the molecular level to phenotype and establishes a scientific foundation for plant breeding, evaluation of genetic resources, and sustainable agricultural production.

Research Topics

• Identification of SNPs and gene regions associated with resistance to anthracnose in walnut (Juglans regia L.), as well as phenological, morphological, and nutrient element content traits
• Identification of SNPs and gene regions associated with resistance to Fusarium in lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.)
• Comparative transcriptome analysis via RNA-seq of resistance genes against Fusarium in wild and cultivated chickpea (Cicer)
• Identification of SNPs and gene regions associated with resistance to Fusarium in chickpea and determination of new genetic resources
• Identification of SNPs and gene regions associated with resistance to charcoal rot disease in maize (Zea mays L.)
• Sequencing of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Fusarium genomes using next-generation sequencing systems and conducting comparative genomic analyses

Major Projects

• TÜBİTAK 1001 – Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program, Project No: 222O091, Project Title: Identification of SNP markers associated with genes controlling resistance to Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis) in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) through Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and whole-exome sequencing, and determination of resistant genotypes, Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. M. Bahattin Tanyolaç
• TÜBİTAK 1001 – Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program, Project No: 118O840, Project Title: Identification of SNP markers associated with genes controlling resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) using association mapping and determination of new genetic resources related to resistance, Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. M. Bahattin Tanyolaç
• TÜBİTAK 1001 – Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program, Project No: 122O796, Project Title: Development of SNP markers associated with resistance genes against anthracnose (Ophiognomonia leptostyla) in walnut (Juglans regia) using Exome Capture Array and GWAS, Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duygu Ateş
• International EU-Supported Project, Project No: 144O866, Project Title: Determination of genetic diversity and evaluation of phylogenetic relationships of pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum isolates in tomato, pepper, and eggplant using DNA sequence-based comparative whole-genome analysis via next-generation sequencing, Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. M. Bahattin Tanyolaç
• EGE BAP – Scientific Research Projects, Multidisciplinary Priority Area Research Project, Project No: 23253, Project Title: Comparative transcriptome analysis via RNA-Seq of resistance genes against race 0 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris in wild (C. reticulatum) and cultivated chickpea (C. arietinum L.), Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duygu Ateş
• TÜBİTAK 1002 – A Short term Support Module , Project No: 122O658, Project Title: Identification of SNP markers associated with genes controlling the concentration levels of iron, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium elements in walnut (Juglans regia L.) using the GWAS method, Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duygu Ateş