About Eu-Sol
Find out more about this project.
An introduction to the aims of EU-SOL and how we plan to achieve them. Plus read about the organisations and people working on this project.
NL: Keygene N.V.
A peek inside KeyGene's labs.
Photographer: Unknown. Copyright free
Location: Wageningen, Holland
About Us
Keygene N.V. is a research company with the mission to be the leading company in developing and applying DNA expertise in the field of molecular genetics. By looking at the DNA content of plants our scientists can predict the growth and phenotype of these plants. To be able to look at the DNA content KeyGene invested recently in so-called next generation sequencing platforms such as the Roche GS-FLX system (454 technology) and the Illumina Genome Analyzer (Solexa technology). These platforms allow us to sequence DNA of plants faster than ever before and at lower cost.
Together with DNA fingerprint technologies, like the AFLP® technology, invented in the early nineties, KeyGene now has the capability to search the DNA of plants for markers we know are associated with genes we are interested in. A plant breeder can then follow these DNA markers in the breeding process instead of looking at sometimes difficult to score phenotypic characteristics. To follow many DNA markers at the same time in a breeding program, KeyGene developed the SNPWave® technology. KeyGene exploits its technologies, databases and know-how through contract research for breeding companies and more specifically in innovative breeding applications with the vision for the future of sequence-based breeding.
KeyGene's four shareholder companies ENZA Zaden, Rijk Zwaan, Vilmorin & Cie and Takii & Co. are major vegetable seed companies. KeyGene has around 125 researchers and staff in Wageningen and app. 5 in the USA.
KeyGene and Eu-Sol
KeyGene’s work in EU-SOL is to help in the genotyping of the Core Collection in order to make sub-populations for studying particular interesting traits such as drought resistance or taste. In addition, KeyGene is involved in the translation of genes that we think might be important in controlling particular traits into new varieties for the breeding industry. Finally, KeyGene is involved in management of IP protection and valorisation for the whole EU-Sol program.
Staff (working on EU-SOL)
- Mark van Haaren
- Marco van Schriek
- Marianne van den Bergh
