Génomique de la légumineuse modèle Medicago truncatula : état des lieux et perspectives

The legume species Medicago truncatula is now a model plant used world-wide, and in particular for molecular genetic studies of the endomycorrhizal and nitrogen-fixing root symbioses, associations which do not occur with Arabidopsis. Large-scale projects for M. truncatula genomics have been initiated within the international community and essential tools are being currently developed for structural genomics (genome mapping, BAC libraries, genome sequencing) and functional genomics (ESTs, microarrays, mutant collections), along with the development of bioinformatics resources. Comparative genomics studies suggest a relatively high level of synteny between legume genomes. It can therefore be anticipated that M. truncatula will be used as a nodal legume species to help in the identification of agronomically important genes in crop legumes, e.g. genes for root symbioses, disease/pest resistance, plant architecture, seed quality, and production of specific secondary metabolites.