Current Research Projects

NCB has supported the following research projects:

1. Project Title:
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Infectious Bronchitis Virus serotypes from commercial chickens in Jordan.

Aim:
Dr. Saad Gharaibeh is developing in cooperation with Jordan Biological Vaccine Company JOVAC a vaccine against the prevelant and endemic among chickens infectious bronchitis virus (not infectious to man).

2. Project Title:
Expression of bioactive human interferon –gamma in transgenic tobacco plant.

Aim:
Dr. Munther Al-Sadder is developing a genetical transform the recombinant human INF-y into tobacco plant cells using both Agrobacterium and electroporation protocols, and to patent the protocol.

3. Project Title:
Drought resistant palm trees.

Aim:
To identify and assess the drought tolerance to a strain of desert palm trees.

Researchers:
Dr. Raed Tubaini/Jordan Badia Research and Development Centre
Dr. Jamal Sawwan/University of Jordan
Dr. Muhanad Akash/University of Jordan

4. Project Title:
Derivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae baker’s yeast mutants with lysine overproduction properties.

Aim:
Flours obtained from cereals and used as human are deficient in several amino acids essential for humans. Such amino acids include threonine, methionine, tryptophan, and lysine. Following fermentation, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is incorporated into food; hence, a cheap and practical way of enriching cereal flours in essential amino acids could be attained through the addition/use of yeast mutants that overproduce and accumulate these amino acids. Unfortunately, baker's yeast strains currently in use in the food industry produce lysine and most other essential amino acids at much lower quantities than desired. Therefore, this study aims at deriving lysine overproducing S. cerevisiae mutants.

Investigator:
Dr. Mawieh Hamad, Department of Biology & Biotechnology, Hashemite University

Phases of the project:
    - Semi-Culture of different strains of the yeast following UV- & hopefully g-irradiation.
    - Continuous testing for lysine by yeast cells while in culture.
    - Subculture and propagation of lysine overproducers, further testing for lysine production.
    - Selection of the most potent lysine overproducers for long term maintenance.

5. Project Title:
Induction of genetic mutation in Akub (Gundeia Tournefortii) from Jordan.

Aim:
Mutation breeding of Akub using radiation to develop a new plant variety, To:
    - Test the possibility of growing Akub out of season; and
    - Attempt to select for a spineless mutant.

Researchers:
Dr. Mohamad Awad Shatanawi; Al-Balqa Applied University.

Duration:
2 Years, starting date: 1/7/2006.

Phases of the project:
Phases 1:
    - Seed collection.
    - Storage of seeds.
Phases 2: Mutation experiment.
Phases 3: Growth + evaluation experiment.
Phases 4: Evaluation stage.