Interactive Series for Plant Transformation Protocols
Plant transformation protocols are often challenging to successfully reproduce. Small differences in experiments can result in failed transformations. This series will feature interactive talks from experts. Basic steps of transformation will be covered, do’s and don’ts, and helpful tips.
Sorghum Embryo Transformation
Sorghum is cultivated worldwide for feed, food, and fuel. It can be difficult to transform due to explant availability, phenolic compound accumulation, and genotype dependence. This protocol describes the transformation of sorghum embryos with a morphogene-assisted transformation (MAT) method that reduces time to regeneration and works in multiple genotypes.
Speakers will guide attendees through this protocol step-by-step, including practical tips and pitfalls to avoid. The “why” behind each step will also be discussed. Attendees are expected to read the protocol before the event and come prepared with questions. Expect lots of discussion in this interactive webinar!
Speakers
Kiflom Aregawi
Staff Research Associate
University of California, Berkeley
Biography
Kiflom Aregawi is a Staff Research Associate at the University of California, Berkeley. He received his MSc degree from Wageningen University and Research. His research focuses on developing transformation and genome-editing tools for cereal crops, with particular emphasis on Sorghum bicolor and Setaria viridis. Kiflom also has experience in gene function studies and in improving sorghum traits through genome engineering. His current research focuses on enhancing CO₂ assimilation and sequestration through genome engineering.
Jianqiang Shen
Assistant Project Scientist
University of California, Berkeley
Biography
Jianqiang Shen is an Assistant Project Scientist in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley. His interest in plant science began in Wuhan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Huazhong Agricultural University. Motivated by a strong interest in gene regulation, he pursued a Ph.D. focused on translational regulation responding to environmental stress in crops. Following his doctoral training, Jianqiang conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied epigenetic regulation. He later transitioned to UC Berkeley to focus on sorghum genetic transformation and genome editing. Since 2023, he has held his current position, where his research is developing high-efficiency genome editing strategy to engineering sorghum for soil organic carbon sequestration