Transformation facility

Ruby plantThe CGEF operates a maize transformation platform available to VIB research groups, external academic institutions, and industry partners. In addition to transformation services, we provide expertise in related activities, including T-DNA copy number determination, construct design, cloning, and genotyping. In collaboration with the VIB Agro-Incubator, we also facilitate multi-generational project advancement and assist in seed upscaling for larger-scale applications.

Information

  • Genotype: B104
  • Transformation method: Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105
  • Events: 5-10 independent events. On average 13 T0 plants are obtained in each experiment of which 8 are independent.T0 plants hardening
  • Capacity: on average we transform 50 constructs each year

Pricing

For academic groups

Material: T1 seeds. On average 50 seeds of each event is sent. T0s are self-crossed and/or back-crossed depending on the experiment.

Time line: 8 months from receiving construct to sending seeds

Cost: 7500 € (August 2022)

Within the EU we can also ship T0 plantlets in plastic containers for a reduced cost.

For industry: contact us for more information.

Additional services include:

  • CRISPR/Cas experimental design
  • Genotyping of gene edits
  • T-DNA copy number determination using digital PCR
  • Upscaling at Agro-Incubator
  • Interactomics in collaboration with the De Jaeger Group.
  • Automated phenotyping in collaboration with Systems Biology Of Yield group or Agro-Incubator
  • More advanced genome editing techniques in collaboration with the Tom Jacobs lab.

REQUIREMENTSRUBY seeds

  • For movement within the European Union, whether for use in containment or for an experimental release, no specific import or export permits are necessary. The receiving party needs to have the necessary permits in place in order to be able to lawfully receive the GMO material. In addition, the material will be subject to an MTA.

Contact: Lennart Hoengenaert [email protected]

Key publication: 

Europe-wide collaborations

Vandeputte, W., Coussens, G., Aesaert, S., Haeghebaert, J., Impens, L., Karimi, M., … Pauwels, L. (2024). Use of GRF-GIF chimeras and a ternary vector system to improve maize (Zea mays L.) transformation frequency. The Plant Journal, 119(4), 2116–2132. 

Aesaert S.°, Impens L.°, Coussens G.°, Van Lerberge E., Vanderhaeghen R., Desmet L., Vanhevel Y., Bossuyt S., Wambua A.N., Van Lijsebettens M., Inzé D., De Keyser E., Jacobs T.B., Karimi M. and Pauwels L.* (2022). Optimized transformation and gene editing of the B104 public maize inbred by improved tissue culture and use of morphogenic regulators. Front. Plant Sci. 13, 883847.

Published examples from other universities: 

Learn more:

 

Phenovision