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Deng J, Li W, Li X, Liu D, Liu G. A Fast, Efficient, and Tissue-Culture-Independent Genetic Transformation Method for Panax notoginseng and Lilium regale. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2509. [PMID: 39273994 PMCID: PMC11397655 DOI: 10.3390/plants13172509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
The Agrobacterium-based transgenic technique is commonly used for gene function validation and molecular breeding. However, it is not suitable for plants with a low regeneration capacity or a low transformation rate, such as Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen and Lilium regale Wilson. In this study, a novel Agrobacterium transformation method based on injection in the meristems was developed using P. notoginseng and L. regale as experimental models. PCR analysis confirmed the successful integration of the reporter gene DsRed2 (Discosoma striata red fluorescence protein 2) into the genome of two experimental models. QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated the transcriptional and translational expression of DsRed2. Additionally, laser confocal microscopy confirmed the significant accumulation of the red fluorescent protein in the leaves, stems, and roots of transformed P. notoginseng and L. regale. Most importantly, in the second year after injection, the specific bright orange fluorescence from DsRed2 expression was observed in the transgenic P. notoginseng and L. regale plants. This study establishes a fast, efficient, and tissue-culture-independent transgenic technique suitable for plants with a low regeneration capacity or a low transformation rate. This technique may improve the functional genomics of important medicinal and ornamental plants such as P. notoginseng and L. regale, as well as their molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Deng
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Diqiu Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Guanze Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Yunnan Seed Laboratory, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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2
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Mei G, Chen A, Wang Y, Li S, Wu M, Hu Y, Liu X, Hou X. A simple and efficient in planta transformation method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100822. [PMID: 38243598 PMCID: PMC11009361 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Plant genetic transformation strategies serve as essential tools for the genetic engineering and advanced molecular breeding of plants. However, the complicated operational protocols and low efficiency of current transformation strategies restrict the genetic modification of most plant species. This paper describes the development of the regenerative activity-dependent in planta injection delivery (RAPID) method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants. In this method, Agrobacterium tumefaciens is delivered to plant meristems via injection to induce transfected nascent tissues. Stable transgenic plants can be obtained by subsequent vegetative propagation of the positive nascent tissues. The method was successfully used for transformation of plants with strong regeneration capacity, including different genotypes of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), potato (Solanum tuberosum), and bayhops (Ipomoea pes-caprae). Compared with traditional transformation methods, RAPID has a much higher transformation efficiency and shorter duration, and it does not require tissue culture procedures. The RAPID method therefore overcomes the limitations of traditional methods to enable rapid in planta transformation and can be potentially applied to a wide range of plant species that are capable of active regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoguo Mei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuquan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Minyi Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yilong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xingliang Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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3
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Yaschenko AE, Alonso JM, Stepanova AN. Arabidopsis as a model for translational research. THE PLANT CELL 2024:koae065. [PMID: 38411602 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Arabidopsis thaliana is currently the most-studied plant species on earth, with an unprecedented number of genetic, genomic, and molecular resources having been generated in this plant model. In the era of translating foundational discoveries to crops and beyond, we aimed to highlight the utility and challenges of using Arabidopsis as a reference for applied plant biology research, agricultural innovation, biotechnology, and medicine. We hope that this review will inspire the next generation of plant biologists to continue leveraging Arabidopsis as a robust and convenient experimental system to address fundamental and applied questions in biology. We aim to encourage lab and field scientists alike to take advantage of the vast Arabidopsis datasets, annotations, germplasm, constructs, methods, molecular and computational tools in our pursuit to advance understanding of plant biology and help feed the world's growing population. We envision that the power of Arabidopsis-inspired biotechnologies and foundational discoveries will continue to fuel the development of resilient, high-yielding, nutritious plants for the betterment of plant and animal health and greater environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Yaschenko
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Jose M Alonso
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Anna N Stepanova
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Gao L, Kantar MB, Moxley D, Ortiz-Barrientos D, Rieseberg LH. Crop adaptation to climate change: An evolutionary perspective. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:1518-1546. [PMID: 37515323 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The disciplines of evolutionary biology and plant and animal breeding have been intertwined throughout their development, with responses to artificial selection yielding insights into the action of natural selection and evolutionary biology providing statistical and conceptual guidance for modern breeding. Here we offer an evolutionary perspective on a grand challenge of the 21st century: feeding humanity in the face of climate change. We first highlight promising strategies currently under way to adapt crops to current and future climate change. These include methods to match crop varieties with current and predicted environments and to optimize breeding goals, management practices, and crop microbiomes to enhance yield and sustainable production. We also describe the promise of crop wild relatives and recent technological innovations such as speed breeding, genomic selection, and genome editing for improving environmental resilience of existing crop varieties or for developing new crops. Next, we discuss how methods and theory from evolutionary biology can enhance these existing strategies and suggest novel approaches. We focus initially on methods for reconstructing the evolutionary history of crops and their pests and symbionts, because such historical information provides an overall framework for crop-improvement efforts. We then describe how evolutionary approaches can be used to detect and mitigate the accumulation of deleterious mutations in crop genomes, identify alleles and mutations that underlie adaptation (and maladaptation) to agricultural environments, mitigate evolutionary trade-offs, and improve critical proteins. Continuing feedback between the evolution and crop biology communities will ensure optimal design of strategies for adapting crops to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexuan Gao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Michael B Kantar
- Department of Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Dylan Moxley
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
- School of Biological Sciences and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Loren H Rieseberg
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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5
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Zhang Z, Huang Y, Dong Y, Ren Y, Du K, Wang J, Yang M. Effect of T-DNA Integration on Growth of Transgenic Populus × euramericana cv. Neva Underlying Field Stands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12952. [PMID: 37629133 PMCID: PMC10454723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multigene cotransformation has been widely used in the study of genetic improvement in crops and trees. However, little is known about the unintended effects and causes of multigene cotransformation in poplars. To gain insight into the unintended effects of T-DNA integration during multigene cotransformation in field stands, here, three lines (A1-A3) of Populus × euramericana cv. Neva (PEN) carrying Cry1Ac-Cry3A-BADH genes and three lines (B1-B3) of PEN carrying Cry1Ac-Cry3A-NTHK1 genes were used as research objects, with non-transgenic PEN as the control. Experimental stands were established at three common gardens in three locations and next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify the insertion sites of exogenous genes in six transgenic lines. We compared the growth data of the transgenic and control lines for four consecutive years. The results demonstrated that the tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of transgenic lines were significantly lower than those of the control, and the adaptability of transgenic lines in different locations varied significantly. The genotype and the experimental environment showed an interaction effect. A total of seven insertion sites were detected in the six transgenic lines, with B3 having a double-site insertion and the other lines having single copies. There are four insertion sites in the gene region and three insertion sites in the intergenic region. Analysis of the bases near the insertion sites showed that AT content was higher than the average chromosome content in four of the seven insertion sites within 1000 bp. Transcriptome analysis suggested that the differential expression of genes related to plant hormone transduction and lignin synthesis might be responsible for the slow development of plant height and DBH in transgenic lines. This study provides an integrated analysis of the unintended effects of transgenic poplar, which will benefit the safety assessment and reasonable application of genetically modified trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Zhang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yali Huang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yachao Ren
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Kejiu Du
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Jinmao Wang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Minsheng Yang
- Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Forestry College, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Tree Genetic Resources and Forest Protection, Baoding 071000, China
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6
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Worakan P, Gujjar RS, Supaibulwatana K. Stable and reproducible expression of bacterial ipt gene under the control of SAM-specific promoter (pKNOX1) with interference of developmental patterns in transgenic Peperomia pellucida plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:984716. [PMID: 36237510 PMCID: PMC9551203 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.984716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reproducible and stable transgene expression is an important goal in plant basic research and applications. Hence, we report the first stable expression of bacterial transgenes in medicinal plant, Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth. Two key elements relevant to the dynamic expression of the bacterial cytokinin biosynthesis gene, ipt (isopentenyltransferase) were examined. First, by designing a specific expression cassette driven by a tissue-specific promoter for the required levels of gene expression in the particular function of development, and second by using P. pellucida as a model plant due to its short developmental cycle that supported expedient tracking of transgene expression in the progeny. Transgenic frequencies of ipt gene obtained from different expression cassettes of pKNOX1 for tissue-specific promoter in shoot apical meristem were compared with the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV35S) promoter (p35S), a constitutive promoter investigated for T3 generation. It was clearly shown that transgenic plants with pKNOX1 showed percentage of survivals in T3 at about 2.2 folds more than those of p35S-transgenic. Transgenic P. pellucida under controllable expression of pKNOX1 showed increased leaf and seed size with a high percentage of fertile seed, whereas transgenic plants with p35S showed phenotypic features of bushy and small leaves, sterile pollen and lower reproductive fitness. Quantitative examination of ipt-positive gene expression in T3 generation of transformants with pKNOX1 were 100% (line k-14) and 50% (line k-20), while 33.3% was observed in transgenic line c-11 with p35S. Interestingly, the endogenous cytokinin biosynthesis gene (ipt3) was significantly upregulated (2-3 folds higher) in pKNOX1-transformants. The overall relative mRNA expression of bacterial ipt gene and overproducing of cytokinin contents (t-ZR and 2-iP) detected in p35S-transformants caused abnormality and low percentages of transgene reproducible Interestingly, pKNOX1-transgenic plants tended to maintain chlorophyll contents 4-5 folds and extending the developmental cycle to 12.4 weeks (wk), which was 2 folds more than wildtype (5.8 wk) and p35S-transformants (7.4 wk). The promotor effect on stable and reproducible transgene-expressions demonstrated prominent features of P. pellucida and also empowered further omics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phapawee Worakan
- Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ranjit Singh Gujjar
- Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Crop Improvement, Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
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7
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Zhang W, Wang Y, Zhang T, Zhang J, Shen L, Zhang B, Ding C, Su X. Transcriptomic Analysis of Mature Transgenic Poplar Expressing the Transcription Factor JERF36 Gene in Two Different Environments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:929681. [PMID: 35774064 PMCID: PMC9237257 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.929681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last several decades, a number of transgenic or genetically modified tree varieties with enhanced characteristics and new traits have been produced. These trees have become associated with generally unsubstantiated concerns over health and environmental safety. We conducted transcriptome sequencing of transgenic Populus alba × P. berolinensis expressing the transcription factor JERF36 gene (ABJ01) and the non-transgenic progenitor line (9#) to compare the transcriptional changes in the apical buds. We found that 0.77% and 1.31% of the total expressed genes were significant differentially expressed in ABJ01 at the Daqing and Qiqihar sites, respectively. Among them, 30%–50% of the DEGs contained cis-elements recognized by JERF36. Approximately 5% of the total number of expressed genes showed significant differential expression between Daqing and Qiqihar in both ABJ01 and 9#. 10 DEGs resulting from foreign gene introduction, 394 DEGs that resulted solely from the environmental differences, and 47 DEGs that resulted from the combination of foreign gene introduction and the environment were identified. The number of DEGs resulting from environmental factors was significantly greater than that resulting from foreign gene introduction, and the combined effect of the environmental effects with foreign gene introduction was significantly greater than resulting from the introduction of JERF36 alone. GO and KEGG annotation showed that the DEGs mainly participate in the photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, plant hormone signaling, ribosome, endocytosis, and plant-pathogen interaction pathways, which play important roles in the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses ins plant. To enhance its adaptability to salt-alkali stress, the transgenic poplar line may regulate the expression of genes that participate in the photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, MAPK, and plant hormone signaling pathways. The crosstalk between biotic and abiotic stress responses by plant hormones may improve the ability of both transgenic and non-transgenic poplars to defend against pathogens. The results of our study provide a basis for further studies on the molecular mechanisms behind improved stress resistance and the unexpected effects of transgenic gene expression in poplars, which will be significant for improving the biosafety evaluation of transgenic trees and accelerating the breeding of new varieties of forest trees resistant to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
- Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang, China
| | - Tengqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Le Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Changjun Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Changjun Ding, ; Xiaohua Su,
| | - Xiaohua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Changjun Ding, ; Xiaohua Su,
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Hannachi S, Werbrouck S, Bahrini I, Abdelgadir A, Siddiqui HA, Van Labeke MC. Obtaining Salt Stress-Tolerant Eggplant Somaclonal Variants from In Vitro Selection. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:2539. [PMID: 34834902 PMCID: PMC8617975 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
An efficient regeneration protocol was applied to regenerate shoots on salt stress-tolerant calli lines of aubergine (Solanum melongena). These NaCl-tolerant cell lines were obtained by two different methods. On the one hand, the developed callus tissue was transferred to a medium with a continuous salt content of 40, 80, 120, or 160 mM NaCl. On the other hand, the callus tissue was subjected to a stepwise increasing salinity to 160 mM NaCl every 30 days. With the second method, calli which could be selected were characterized by compact growth, a greenish color, and absence of necrotic zones. When grown on salt-free medium again, NaCl-tolerant calli showed a decline in relative growth rate and water content in comparison to the control line. This was more obvious in the 120 mM NaCl-tolerant callus. Lipid peroxidase activity increased in 40 and 80 mM NaCl-tolerant calli; yet did not increase further in 120 mM-tolerant callus. An increase in ascorbic acid content was observed in 80 and 120 mM NaCl-tolerant calli compared to the 40 mM NaCl-tolerant lines, in which ascorbic acid content was twice that of the control. All NaCl-tolerant lines showed significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) (208-305-370 µmol min-1 mg-1 FW) and catalase (CAT) (136-211-238 µmol min-1 mg-1 FW) activities compared to control plants (231 and 126 µmol min-1 mg-1 FW). Plants were regenerated on the calli lines that could tolerate up to 120 mM NaCl. From the 32 plants tested in vitro, ten plants with a higher number of leaves and root length could be selected for further evaluation in the field. Their high salt tolerance was evident by their more elevated fresh and dry weight, their more increased relative water content, and a higher number and weight of fruits compared to the wild-type parental control. The presented work shows that somaclonal variation can be efficiently used to develop salt-tolerant mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Hannachi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Hail 81451, Saudi Arabia; (I.B.); (A.A.); (H.A.S.)
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.W.); (M.C.V.L.)
| | - Stefaan Werbrouck
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.W.); (M.C.V.L.)
| | - Insaf Bahrini
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Hail 81451, Saudi Arabia; (I.B.); (A.A.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Abdelmuhsin Abdelgadir
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Hail 81451, Saudi Arabia; (I.B.); (A.A.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Hira Affan Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Hail 81451, Saudi Arabia; (I.B.); (A.A.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Marie Christine Van Labeke
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.W.); (M.C.V.L.)
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9
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Savadi S, Mangalassery S, Sandesh MS. Advances in genomics and genome editing for breeding next generation of fruit and nut crops. Genomics 2021; 113:3718-3734. [PMID: 34517092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fruit tree crops are an essential part of the food production systems and are key to achieve food and nutrition security. Genetic improvement of fruit trees by conventional breeding has been slow due to the long juvenile phase. Advancements in genomics and molecular biology have paved the way for devising novel genetic improvement tools like genome editing, which can accelerate the breeding of these perennial crops to a great extent. In this article, advancements in genomics of fruit trees covering genome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, genome editing technologies (GET), CRISPR-Cas system based genome editing, potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in fruit tree crops improvement, the factors influencing the CRISPR-Cas editing efficiency and the challenges for CRISPR-Cas9 applications in fruit tree crops improvement are reviewed. Besides, base editing, a recently emerging more precise editing system, and the future perspectives of genome editing in the improvement of fruit and nut crops are covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddanna Savadi
- ICAR- Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR), Puttur 574 202, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
| | | | - M S Sandesh
- ICAR- Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR), Puttur 574 202, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India
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10
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Maximiano MR, Távora FTPK, Prado GS, Dias SC, Mehta A, Franco OL. CRISPR Genome Editing Technology: A Powerful Tool Applied to Developing Agribusiness. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:6379-6395. [PMID: 34097395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c01062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The natural increase of the world's population implies boosting agricultural demand. In the current non-optimistic global scenario, where adverse climate changes come associated with substantial population growth, the main challenge in agribusiness is food security. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas system has emerged as a friendly gene editing biotechnological tool, enabling a precise manipulation of genomes and enhancement of desirable traits in several organisms. This review highlights the CRISPR/Cas system as a paramount tool for the improvement of agribusiness products and brings up-to-date findings showing its potential applications in improving agricultural-related traits in major plant crops and farm animals, all representing economic-relevant commodities responsible for feeding the world. Several applied pieces of research have successfully demonstrated the CRISPR/Cas ability in boosting interesting traits in agribusiness products, including animal productivity and welfare, crop yield growth, and seed quality, reflecting positive impacts in both socioeconomics and human health aspects. Hence, the CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized bioscience and biotechnology, and its concrete application in agribusiness goods is on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rocha Maximiano
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79117-900, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Fabiano T P K Távora
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70770-917, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Imunologia e DIP/Genética e Biotecnologia), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Souza Prado
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Embrapa Arroz e Feijão, Goiânia, Goiás 75375-000, Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Angela Mehta
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79117-900, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70790-160, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Imunologia e DIP/Genética e Biotecnologia), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil
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11
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Robinson KM, Möller L, Bhalerao RP, Hertzberg M, Nilsson O, Jansson S. Variation in non-target traits in genetically modified hybrid aspens does not exceed natural variation. N Biotechnol 2021; 64:27-36. [PMID: 34048978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified hybrid aspens (Populus tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.), selected for increased growth under controlled conditions, have been grown in highly replicated field trials to evaluate how the target trait (growth) translated to natural conditions. Moreover, the variation was compared among genotypes of ecologically important non-target traits: number of shoots, bud set, pathogen infection, amount of insect herbivory, composition of the insect herbivore community and flower bud induction. This variation was compared with the variation in a population of randomly selected natural accessions of P. tremula grown in common garden trials, to estimate how the "unintended variation" present in transgenic trees, which in the future may be commercialized, compares with natural variation. The natural variation in the traits was found to be typically significantly greater. The data suggest that when authorities evaluate the potential risks associated with a field experiment or commercial introduction of transgenic trees, risk evaluation should focus on target traits and that unintentional variation in non-target traits is of less concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Robinson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Linus Möller
- SweTree Technologies AB, P.O Box 4095, 904 03, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Rishikesh P Bhalerao
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden.
| | | | - Ove Nilsson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Stefan Jansson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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12
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Rajewski A, Carter-House D, Stajich J, Litt A. Datura genome reveals duplications of psychoactive alkaloid biosynthetic genes and high mutation rate following tissue culture. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:201. [PMID: 33752605 PMCID: PMC7986286 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Datura stramonium (Jimsonweed) is a medicinally and pharmaceutically important plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) known for its production of various toxic, hallucinogenic, and therapeutic tropane alkaloids. Recently, we published a tissue-culture based transformation protocol for D. stramonium that enables more thorough functional genomics studies of this plant. However, the tissue culture process can lead to undesirable phenotypic and genomic consequences independent of the transgene used. Here, we have assembled and annotated a draft genome of D. stramonium with a focus on tropane alkaloid biosynthetic genes. We then use mRNA sequencing and genome resequencing of transformants to characterize changes following tissue culture. RESULTS Our draft assembly conforms to the expected 2 gigabasepair haploid genome size of this plant and achieved a BUSCO score of 94.7% complete, single-copy genes. The repetitive content of the genome is 61%, with Gypsy-type retrotransposons accounting for half of this. Our gene annotation estimates the number of protein-coding genes at 52,149 and shows evidence of duplications in two key alkaloid biosynthetic genes, tropinone reductase I and hyoscyamine 6 β-hydroxylase. Following tissue culture, we detected only 186 differentially expressed genes, but were unable to correlate these changes in expression with either polymorphisms from resequencing or positional effects of transposons. CONCLUSIONS We have assembled, annotated, and characterized the first draft genome for this important model plant species. Using this resource, we show duplications of genes leading to the synthesis of the medicinally important alkaloid, scopolamine. Our results also demonstrate that following tissue culture, mutation rates of transformed plants are quite high (1.16 × 10- 3 mutations per site), but do not have a drastic impact on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rajewski
- Department of Botany and Plant Science, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA
| | - Derreck Carter-House
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA
| | - Jason Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA
| | - Amy Litt
- Department of Botany and Plant Science, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA
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13
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Brown AJ, Newhouse AE, Powell WA, Parry D. Comparative efficacy of gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) entomopathogens on transgenic blight-tolerant and wild-type American, Chinese, and hybrid chestnuts (Fagales: Fagaceae). INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:1067-1078. [PMID: 31339228 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
American chestnut (Castanea dentata [Marsh.] Borkh.) was once the dominant hardwood species in Eastern North America before an exotic fungal pathogen, Cryphonectria parasitica (Murrill) Barr, functionally eliminated it across its range. One promising approach toward restoring American chestnut to natural forests is development of blight-tolerant trees using genetic transformation. However, transformation and related processes can result in unexpected and unintended phenotypic changes, potentially altering ecological interactions. To assess unintended tritrophic impacts of transgenic American chestnut on plant-herbivore interactions, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) caterpillars were fed leaf disks excised from two transgenic events, Darling 54 and Darling 58, and four control American chestnut lines. Leaf disks were previously treated with an LD50 dose of either the species-specific Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) or the generalist pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk). Mortality was quantified and compared to water blank controls. Tree genotype had a strong effect on the efficacies of both pathogens. Larval mortality from Btk-treated foliage from only one transgenic event, Darling 54, differed from its isogenic progenitor, Ellis 1, but was similar to an unrelated wild-type American chestnut control. LdMNPV efficacy was unaffected by genetic transformation. Results suggest that although genetic modification of trees may affect interactions with other nontarget organisms, this may be due to insertion effects, and variation among different genotypes (whether transgenic or wild-type) imparts a greater change in response than transgene presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Brown
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Andrew E Newhouse
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - William A Powell
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Dylan Parry
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
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14
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Liu L, Guo R, Qin Q, Fu J, Liu B. Expression of Bt Protein in Transgenic Bt Cotton Plants and Ecological Fitness of These Plants in Different Habitats. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1209. [PMID: 32849750 PMCID: PMC7427126 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fitness is one of the key parameters to evaluate the effects of transgenic plants on the ecological environment. To evaluate the ecological risk of transgenic Bt cotton plants growing in different habitats, we determined the expression of the exogenous Bt gene and the fitness of transgenic and non-transgenic cotton plants in three habitats (farmland, grassland, and shrub). We observed that the expression of Bt protein in the farmland was significantly higher than that in the natural habitat, and when the growth environment was suitable, the Bt protein expression level showed a downward trend with the advancement of the growth. There were no significant differences in plant height, aboveground biomass, and seed yield between the Bt transgenic and non-transgenic cotton plants at the same growth stage under the same habitat. Nevertheless, in different habitats, the fitness of the same cotton line showed significant differences. In the farmland habitat, the plant height, aboveground biomass, and seed yield of both transgenic cotton and its non-transgenic isoline were significantly higher than that in the other two natural habitats. The results indicate that the expression of Bt protein does not increase the fitness of the parent plants and would not cause the weeding of the recipient cotton plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laipan Liu
- Key Laboratory on Biosafety of Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Ecology and Environment of Wuyi Mountains, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruqing Guo
- Key Laboratory on Biosafety of Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Qin
- Key Laboratory on Biosafety of Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianmei Fu
- Key Laboratory on Biosafety of Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
| | - Biao Liu
- Key Laboratory on Biosafety of Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Ecology and Environment of Wuyi Mountains, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
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15
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Effect of Transgenesis on mRNA and miRNA Profiles in Cucumber Fruits Expressing Thaumatin II. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030334. [PMID: 32245082 PMCID: PMC7140888 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgenic plants are commonly used in breeding programs because of the various features that can be introduced. However, unintended effects caused by genetic transformation are still a topic of concern. This makes research on the nutritional safety of transgenic crop plants extremely interesting. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a crop that is grown worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize differentially expressed genes and regulatory miRNAs in transgenic cucumber fruits that contain the thaumatin II gene, which encodes the sweet-tasting protein thaumatin II, by NGS sequencing. We compared the fruit transcriptomes and miRNomes of three transgenic cucumber lines with wild-type cucumber. In total, we found 47 differentially expressed genes between control and all three transgenic lines. We performed the bioinformatic functional analysis and gene ontology classification. We also identified 12 differentially regulated miRNAs, from which three can influence the two targets (assigned as DEGs) in one of the studied transgenic lines (line 224). We found that the transformation of cucumber with thaumatin II and expression of the transgene had minimal impact on gene expression and epigenetic regulation by miRNA, in the cucumber fruits.
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16
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Skarzyńska A, Pawełkowicz M, Pląder W. Genome-wide discovery of DNA variants in cucumber somaclonal lines. Gene 2020; 736:144412. [PMID: 32007586 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of somaclonal variability in in vitro cultures is undesirable during micropropagation, but this phenomenon may be a source of genetic variability sought by breeders. The main factors that affect the appearance of variability are known, but the exact mechanism has not yet been determined. In this paper, we used next-generation sequencing and comparative genomics to study changes in the genomes of cucumber lines resulting from in vitro regeneration and somaclonal mutation in comparison to a reference, the highly inbred B10 line. The total number of obtained polymorphisms differed between the three somaclonal lines S1, S2 and S3, with 8369, 7591 and 44510, respectively. Polymorphisms occurred most frequently in non-coding regions and were mainly SNPs. High-impact changes accounted for 1%-3% of all polymorphisms and most often caused an open reading frame shift. Functional analysis of genes affected by high impact variants showed that they were related to transport, biosynthetic processes, nucleotide-containing compounds and cellular protein modification processes. The obtained results indicated significant factors affecting somaclonal variability and the appearance of changes in the genome, and demonstrated a lack of dependence between phenotype and the number of genomic polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Skarzyńska
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw, University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Pawełkowicz
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw, University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Pląder
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw, University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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Raybould A, Burns A. Problem Formulation for Off-Target Effects of Externally Applied Double-Stranded RNA-Based Products for Pest Control. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:424. [PMID: 32373142 PMCID: PMC7179753 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Externally applied dsRNA-based biocontrol products may lead to off-target degradation of messenger RNA in target and non-target organisms. For the purposes of regulatory risk assessment of such products, producing a comprehensive catalog of any off-target effects using profiling methods is unnecessary and would be ineffective in supporting decision-making. Instead, problem formulation should derive criteria that indicate acceptable risk and devise a plan to test the hypothesis that the product meets those criteria. The key to effective risk assessment of dsRNA-based biocontrols is determining whether their properties indicate acceptable or unacceptable risk, not whether they arise from on- or off-target effects of dsRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Raybould
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, Old Surgeons’ Hall, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alan Raybould,
| | - Andrea Burns
- Product Safety, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, Durham, NC, United States
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18
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Xu Y, Bi L, Yu Z, Lin C, Gan L, Zhu L, Li H, Song Y, Zhu C. Comprehensive transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of rice stripe virus-resistant transgenic rice. J Biosci 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-019-9914-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Lebedev V. The Rooting of Stem Cuttings and the Stability of uidA Gene Expression in Generative and Vegetative Progeny of Transgenic Pear Rootstock in the Field. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E291. [PMID: 31430873 PMCID: PMC6724118 DOI: 10.3390/plants8080291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Adventitious rooting plays an important role in the commercial vegetative propagation of trees. Adventitious root formation is a complex biological process, but knowledge of the possible unintended effects induced by both the integration/expression of transgenes and in vitro conditions on the rooting is limited. The long-term stability of transgene expression is important both for original transformants of woody plants and its progeny. In this study, we used field-grown pear rootstock GP217 trees transformed with the reporter ß-glucuronidase (uidA) genes with and without intron and re-transformed with the herbicide resistance bar gene as model systems. We assessed the unintended effects on rooting of pear semi-hardwood cuttings and evaluated the stability of transgene expression in progeny produced by generative (seedlings) and vegetative (grafting, cutting) means up to four years. Our investigation revealed that: (1) The single and repeated transformations of clonal pear rootstocks did not result in unintended effects on adventitious root formation in cuttings; (2) stability of the transgene expression was confirmed on both generative and vegetative progeny, and no silenced transgenic plants were detected; (3) yearly variation in the gene expressions was observed and expression levels were decreased in extremely hot and dry summer; (4) the intron enhanced the expression of uidA gene in pear plants approximately two-fold compared to gene without intron. The current study provides useful information on transgene expression in progeny of fruit trees under natural environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Lebedev
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Science avenue 6, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
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20
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Hernández-Terán A, Wegier A, Benítez M, Lira R, Sosa Fuentes TG, Escalante AE. In vitro performance in cotton plants with different genetic backgrounds: the case of Gossypium hirsutum in Mexico, and its implications for germplasm conservation. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7017. [PMID: 31218120 PMCID: PMC6563797 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the best ex situ conservation strategies for wild germplasm is in vitro conservation of genetic banks. The success of in vitro conservation relies heavily on the micropropagation or performance of the species of interest. In the context of global change, crop production challenges and climate change, we face a reality of intensified crop production strategies, including genetic engineering, which can negatively impact biodiversity conservation. However, the possible consequences of transgene presence for the in vitro performance of populations and its implications for biodiversity conservation are poorly documented. In this study we analyzed experimental evidence of the potential effects of transgene presence on the in vitro performance of Gossypium hirsutum L. populations, representing the Mexican genetic diversity of the species, and reflect on the implications of such presence for ex situ genetic conservation of the natural variation of the species. We followed an experimental in vitro performance approach, in which we included individuals from different wild cotton populations as well as individuals from domesticated populations, in order to differentiate the effects of domestication traits dragged into the wild germplasm pool via gene flow from the effects of transgene presence. We evaluated the in vitro performance of five traits related to plant establishment (N = 300): propagation rate, leaf production rate, height increase rate, microbial growth and root development. Then we conducted statistical tests (PERMANOVA, Wilcoxon post-hoc tests, and NMDS multivariate analyses) to evaluate the differences in the in vitro performance of the studied populations. Although direct causality of the transgenes to observed phenotypes requires strict control of genotypes, the overall results suggest detrimental consequences for the in vitro culture performance of wild cotton populations in the presence of transgenes. This provides experimental, statistically sound evidence to support the implementation of transgene screening of plants to reduce time and economic costs in in vitro establishment, thus contributing to the overarching goal of germplasm conservation for future adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Hernández-Terán
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana Wegier
- Jardín Botánico, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariana Benítez
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Lira
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes, Mexico
| | | | - Ana E Escalante
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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21
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Eckerstorfer MF, Dolezel M, Heissenberger A, Miklau M, Reichenbecher W, Steinbrecher RA, Waßmann F. An EU Perspective on Biosafety Considerations for Plants Developed by Genome Editing and Other New Genetic Modification Techniques (nGMs). Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:31. [PMID: 30891445 PMCID: PMC6413072 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The question whether new genetic modification techniques (nGM) in plant development might result in non-negligible negative effects for the environment and/or health is significant for the discussion concerning their regulation. However, current knowledge to address this issue is limited for most nGMs, particularly for recently developed nGMs, like genome editing, and their newly emerging variations, e.g., base editing. This leads to uncertainties regarding the risk/safety-status of plants which are developed with a broad range of different nGMs, especially genome editing, and other nGMs such as cisgenesis, transgrafting, haploid induction or reverse breeding. A literature survey was conducted to identify plants developed by nGMs which are relevant for future agricultural use. Such nGM plants were analyzed for hazards associated either (i) with their developed traits and their use or (ii) with unintended changes resulting from the nGMs or other methods applied during breeding. Several traits are likely to become particularly relevant in the future for nGM plants, namely herbicide resistance (HR), resistance to different plant pathogens as well as modified composition, morphology, fitness (e.g., increased resistance to cold/frost, drought, or salinity) or modified reproductive characteristics. Some traits such as resistance to certain herbicides are already known from existing GM crops and their previous assessments identified issues of concern and/or risks, such as the development of herbicide resistant weeds. Other traits in nGM plants are novel; meaning they are not present in agricultural plants currently cultivated with a history of safe use, and their underlying physiological mechanisms are not yet sufficiently elucidated. Characteristics of some genome editing applications, e.g., the small extent of genomic sequence change and their higher targeting efficiency, i.e., precision, cannot be considered an indication of safety per se, especially in relation to novel traits created by such modifications. All nGMs considered here can result in unintended changes of different types and frequencies. However, the rapid development of nGM plants can compromise the detection and elimination of unintended effects. Thus, a case-specific premarket risk assessment should be conducted for nGM plants, including an appropriate molecular characterization to identify unintended changes and/or confirm the absence of unwanted transgenic sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marion Dolezel
- Department Landuse & Biosafety, Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marianne Miklau
- Department Landuse & Biosafety, Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfram Reichenbecher
- Department GMO Regulation, Biosafety, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Waßmann
- Department GMO Regulation, Biosafety, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, Germany
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22
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Eriksson D. The evolving EU regulatory framework for precision breeding. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2019; 132:569-573. [PMID: 30328510 PMCID: PMC6439135 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-018-3200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant breeding has always relied on progress in various scientific disciplines to generate and enable access to genetic variation. Until the 1970s, available techniques generated mostly random genetic alterations that were subject to a selection procedure in the plant material. Recombinant nucleic acid technology, however, started a new era of targeted genetic alterations, or precision breeding, enabling a much more targeted approach to trait management. More recently, developments in genome editing are now providing yet more control by enabling alterations at exact locations in the genome. The potential of recombinant nucleic acid technology fueled discussions about potentially new associated risks and, starting in the late 1980s, biosafety legislation for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has developed in the European Union. However, the last decade has witnessed a lot of discussions as to whether or not genome editing and other precision breeding techniques should be encompassed by the EU GMO legislation. A recent ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union indicated that directed mutagenesis techniques should be subject to the provisions of the GMO Directive, essentially putting many precision breeding techniques in the same regulatory basket. This review outlines the evolving EU regulatory framework for GMOs and discusses some potential routes that the EU may take for the regulation of precision breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Eriksson
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden.
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23
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Matuszkiewicz M, Koter MD, Filipecki M. Limited ventilation causes stress and changes in Arabidopsis morphological, physiological and molecular phenotype during in vitro growth. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2019; 135:554-562. [PMID: 30459082 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A huge number of experiments in plant biology are conducted in sterile, sealed containers, providing environmental stability and full control of factors influencing the plant system. With respect to roots the in vitro growth has another benefit - the ease of conducting visual observations when grown in transparent media. Moreover, straightforward measurements of in vitro grown root systems make them a sensitive and convenient sensor of multiple stresses which may occur during experiments. In order to optimize root nematode infection tests for Arabidopsis mutants with relatively mild phenotypes, two Petri dish sealing techniques were tested (permeable medical adhesive tape and a popular non-permeable plastic film). Using standard experimental settings applied for infection tests, the root architecture, nematode infections, ion leakage, efficiency of photosynthesis, ethylene (ET) production, and CO2 accumulation were monitored in Arabidopsis thaliana Ws-0 wild-type and lsd1 (lesion stimulating disease 1) plants, which is a conditional dependent programmed cell death mutant. All tested parameters gave statistically significant differences between the analyzed sealing tapes, indicating the importance of air exchange. This factor is quite obvious but often ignored in experiments performed in Petri dishes. The results clearly indicate that stress is greater in air-tight sealed plates. These observations were supported by the great expression variation of several marker genes associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), ET, salicylic (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling in two-week-old seedlings. These results are discussed in light of the observed changes in the ET and CO2 concentration. Our results clearly indicate the importance of culture parameters for monitoring of abiotic and biotic stress responses in laboratory conditions, including accurate mutant phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Matuszkiewicz
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska Str. 159, Warszawa, 02-776, Poland
| | - M D Koter
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska Str. 159, Warszawa, 02-776, Poland
| | - M Filipecki
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska Str. 159, Warszawa, 02-776, Poland.
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Taylor SC, Nadeau K, Abbasi M, Lachance C, Nguyen M, Fenrich J. The Ultimate qPCR Experiment: Producing Publication Quality, Reproducible Data the First Time. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:761-774. [PMID: 30654913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is one of the most common techniques for quantification of nucleic acid molecules in biological and environmental samples. Although the methodology is perceived to be relatively simple, there are a number of steps and reagents that require optimization and validation to ensure reproducible data that accurately reflect the biological question(s) being posed. This review article describes and illustrates the critical pitfalls and sources of error in qPCR experiments, along with a rigorous, stepwise process to minimize variability, time, and cost in generating reproducible, publication quality data every time. Finally, an approach to make an informed choice between qPCR and digital PCR technologies is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Taylor
- Bio-Rad Laboratories Canada Inc., 1329 Meyerside Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1C9, Canada.
| | - Katia Nadeau
- Bio-Rad Laboratories Canada Inc., 1329 Meyerside Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1C9, Canada
| | - Meysam Abbasi
- Bio-Rad Laboratories Canada Inc., 1329 Meyerside Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1C9, Canada
| | - Claude Lachance
- Bio-Rad Laboratories Canada Inc., 1329 Meyerside Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1C9, Canada
| | - Marie Nguyen
- Bio-Rad Laboratories, 255 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules, CA 94547, USA
| | - Joshua Fenrich
- Bio-Rad Laboratories, 255 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules, CA 94547, USA
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Ko DK, Nadakuduti SS, Douches DS, Buell CR. Transcriptome profiling of transgenic potato plants provides insights into variability caused by plant transformation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206055. [PMID: 30408049 PMCID: PMC6224046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Crop genetic engineering involves transformation in which transgenic plants are regenerated through tissue culture manipulations that can elicit somaclonal variation due to mutations, translocations, and/or epigenetic alterations. Here, we report on alterations in the transcriptome in a panel of transgenic potato plants engineered to be herbicide resistant. Using an inbred diploid potato clone (DMRH S5 28–5), ten single-insert transgenic lines derived from independent Agrobacterium-mediated transformation events were selected for herbicide resistance using an allelic variant of acetolactate synthase (mALS1). Expression abundances of the single-copy mALS1 transgene varied in individual transgenic lines was correlated with the level of phenotypic herbicide resistance, suggesting the importance of transgene expression in transgenic performance. Using RNA-sequencing, differentially expressed genes were identified with the proportion of genes up-regulated significantly higher than down-regulated genes in the panel, suggesting a differential impact of the plant transformation on gene expression activation compared to repression. Not only were transcription factors among the differentially expressed genes but specific transcription factor binding sites were also enriched in promoter regions of differentially expressed genes in transgenic lines, linking transcriptomic variation with specific transcription factor activity. Collectively, these results provide an improved understanding of transcriptomic variability caused by plant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Kwan Ko
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Satya Swathi Nadakuduti
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - David S. Douches
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- MSU AgBioResearch, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - C. Robin Buell
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- MSU AgBioResearch, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hernández-Terán A, Wegier A, Benítez M, Lira R, Escalante AE. Domesticated, Genetically Engineered, and Wild Plant Relatives Exhibit Unintended Phenotypic Differences: A Comparative Meta-Analysis Profiling Rice, Canola, Maize, Sunflower, and Pumpkin. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:2030. [PMID: 29259610 PMCID: PMC5723393 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.02030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Agronomic management of plants is a powerful evolutionary force acting on their populations. The management of cultivated plants is carried out by the traditional process of human selection or plant breeding and, more recently, by the technologies used in genetic engineering (GE). Even though crop modification through GE is aimed at specific traits, it is possible that other non-target traits can be affected by genetic modification due to the complex regulatory processes of plant metabolism and development. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis profiling the phenotypic consequences of plant breeding and GE, and compared modified cultivars with wild relatives in five crops of global economic and cultural importance: rice, maize, canola, sunflower, and pumpkin. For these five species, we analyzed the literature with documentation of phenotypic traits that are potentially related to fitness for the same species in comparable conditions. The information was analyzed to evaluate whether the different processes of modification had influenced the phenotype in such a way as to cause statistical differences in the state of specific phenotypic traits or grouping of the organisms depending on their genetic origin [wild, domesticated with genetic engineering (domGE), and domesticated without genetic engineering (domNGE)]. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that, given that transgenic plants are a construct designed to impact, in many cases, a single trait of the plant (e.g., lepidopteran resistance), the phenotypic differences between domGE and domNGE would be either less (or inexistent) than between the wild and domesticated relatives (either domGE or domNGE). We conclude that (1) genetic modification (either by selective breeding or GE) can be traced phenotypically when comparing wild relatives with their domesticated relatives (domGE and domNGE) and (2) the existence and the magnitude of the phenotypic differences between domGE and domNGE of the same crop suggest consequences of genetic modification beyond the target trait(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Hernández-Terán
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana Wegier
- Laboratorio de Genética de la Conservación, Jardín Botánico, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariana Benítez
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad (C3), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Lira
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana E. Escalante
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Nejat N, Mantri N. Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2017; 38:93-105. [PMID: 28423944 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2017.1312270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Spectacular progress in high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and expression profiling using next-generation sequencing technologies have recently revolutionized molecular biology and allowed massive advances in identifying the genomic regions and molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of growth, development, and stress response. Through recent research, non-coding RNAs, in particular long non-coding RNAs, have emerged as key regulators of transcription in eukaryotes. Long non-coding RNAs are vastly heterogeneous groups of RNAs that execute a broad range of essential roles in various biological processes at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. They modulate transcription through diverse mechanisms. Recently, numerous lncRNAs have been identified to be associated with defense responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. These have been suggested to perform indispensable roles in plant immunity and adaptation to environmental conditions. However, only a few lncRNAs have been functionally characterized in plants. In this paper, we summarize the present knowledge of lncRNAs, review the recent advances in understanding regulatory functions of lncRNAs, and highlight the emerging roles of lncRNAs in regulating immune responses in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Nejat
- a School of Science, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - Nitin Mantri
- a School of Science, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
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Affifi R. The Semiosis of "Side Effects" in Genetic Interventions. BIOSEMIOTICS 2016; 9:345-364. [PMID: 28066514 PMCID: PMC5179580 DOI: 10.1007/s12304-016-9274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic interventions, which include transgenic engineering, gene editing, and other forms of genome modification aimed at altering the information "in" the genetic code, are rapidly increasing in power and scale. Biosemiotics offers unique tools for understanding the nature, risks, scope, and prospects of such technologies, though few in the community have turned their attention specifically in this direction. Bruni (2003, 2008) is an important exception. In this paper, I examine how we frame the concept of "side effects" that result from genetic interventions and how the concept stands up to current perspectives of the role of organism activity in development. I propose that once the role of living systems in constructing and modifying the informational value of their various developmental resources is taken into account, the concept of a "side effect" will need to be significantly revised. Far from merely a disturbance brought about in a senseless albeit complex system, a biosemiotic view would take "side effects" as at least sometimes the organism's active re-organization in order to accommodate or make use of novelty. This insight is nascent in the work of developmental plasticity and niche construction theory (West-Eberhard 2003; Odling-Smee et al. 2003), but it is brought into sharper focus by the explicitly interpretive perspective offered by biosemiotics. Understanding the "side effects" of genetic interventions depends in part on being able to articulate when and where unexpected consequences are a result of semiotic activity at various levels within the system. While a semiotic interpretation of "side effects" puts into question the naive attitude that would see all unintended side effects as indications of disturbance in system functionality, it certainly does not imply that such side effects are of no concern for the viability of the organisms in the system. As we shall see, the fact that such interventions do not respect the translation of information that occurs in multi-level biological systems ensures that disruption is still likely. But it does unprivilege the human agent as the sole generator of meaning and information in the products of biotechnology, with important consequences on how we understand our relationship with other species.
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CONTRAILS: A tool for rapid identification of transgene integration sites in complex, repetitive genomes using low-coverage paired-end sequencing. GENOMICS DATA 2015; 6:175-81. [PMID: 26697366 PMCID: PMC4664744 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic crops have become a staple in modern agriculture, and are typically characterized using a variety of molecular techniques involving proteomics and metabolomics. Characterization of the transgene insertion site is of great interest, as disruptions, deletions, and genomic location can affect product selection and fitness, and identification of these regions and their integrity is required for regulatory agencies. Here, we present CONTRAILS (Characterization of Transgene Insertion Locations with Sequencing), a straightforward, rapid and reproducible method for the identification of transgene insertion sites in highly complex and repetitive genomes using low coverage paired-end Illumina sequencing and traditional PCR. This pipeline requires little to no troubleshooting and is not restricted to any genome type, allowing use for many molecular applications. Using whole genome sequencing of in-house transgenic Glycine max, a legume with a highly repetitive and complex genome, we used CONTRAILS to successfully identify the location of a single T-DNA insertion to single base resolution. We developed a pipeline for transgene identification using paired-end sequencing. This method requires little troubleshooting and is applicable to any genome. Identification of insertion sites is required for deregulation of modified food crops. This assists in identifying potential genomic disruptions in transgenic events.
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Fonseca C, Planchon S, Serra T, Chander S, Saibo NJM, Renaut J, Oliveira MM, Batista R. In vitro culture may be the major contributing factor for transgenic versus nontransgenic proteomic plant differences. Proteomics 2014; 15:124-34. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Fonseca
- National Health Institute; Lisboa Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica; Universidade Nova de Lisboa; Oeiras Portugal
| | - Sébastien Planchon
- Department of Environment and Agrobiotechnologies (EVA); Centre de Recherche Public; Gabriel Lippmann; Belvaux Luxembourg
| | | | - Subhash Chander
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica; Universidade Nova de Lisboa; Oeiras Portugal
| | - Nelson J. M. Saibo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica; Universidade Nova de Lisboa; Oeiras Portugal
| | - Jenny Renaut
- Department of Environment and Agrobiotechnologies (EVA); Centre de Recherche Public; Gabriel Lippmann; Belvaux Luxembourg
| | - M. Margarida Oliveira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica; Universidade Nova de Lisboa; Oeiras Portugal
- IBET; Oeiras Portugal
| | - Rita Batista
- National Health Institute; Lisboa Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica; Universidade Nova de Lisboa; Oeiras Portugal
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Lu BR, Snow AA, Yang X, Wang W. Using a single transgenic event to infer fitness effects in crop-weed hybrids: a reply to the Letter by Grunewald & Bury (2014). THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2014; 202:370-372. [PMID: 24645785 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Rong Lu
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Handan Road 220, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Allison A Snow
- Department of Evolution, Ecology & Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiao Yang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Handan Road 220, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Handan Road 220, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Telem RS, Wani SH, Singh NB, Nandini R, Sadhukhan R, Bhattacharya S, Mandal N. Cisgenics - a sustainable approach for crop improvement. Curr Genomics 2014; 14:468-76. [PMID: 24396278 PMCID: PMC3867722 DOI: 10.2174/13892029113146660013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The implication of molecular biology in crop improvement is now more than three decades old. Not surprisingly, technology has moved on, and there are a number of new techniques that may or may not come under the genetically modified (GM) banner and, therefore, GM regulations. In cisgenic technology, cisgenes from crossable plants are used and it is a single procedure of gene introduction whereby the problem of linkage drag of other genes is overcome. The gene used in cisgenic approach is similar compared with classical breeding and cisgenic plant should be treated equally as classically bred plant and differently from transgenic plants. Therefore, it offers a sturdy reference to treat cisgenic plants similarly as classically bred plants, by exemption of cisgenesis from the current GMO legislations. This review covers the implications of cisgenesis towards the sustainable development in the genetic improvement of crops and considers the prospects for the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Telem
- Department of Genetics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal-741252, India
| | - Shabir H Wani
- Department of Genetics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal-741252, India
| | - N B Singh
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, COA, CAU, Imphal, Manipur -795004, India
| | - R Nandini
- Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka -560065, India
| | - R Sadhukhan
- Department of Genetics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal-741252, India
| | - S Bhattacharya
- Department of Genetics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal-741252, India
| | - N Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, Instrumentation & Environmental Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal-741252, India
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Sun S, Zhong J, Li S, Wang X. Tissue culture-induced somaclonal variation of decreased pollen viability in torenia (Torenia fournieri Lind.). BOTANICAL STUDIES 2013; 54:36. [PMID: 28510883 PMCID: PMC5432822 DOI: 10.1186/1999-3110-54-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenotypic and genotypic variations, collectively called somaclonal variations, are induced during tissue culture. RESULTS We studied the phenotypic variation in pollen viability of regenerants of torenia after subculturing for one to nine generations. We found that pollen viability of regenerants continuously decreased with increasing subculture time. High concentrations of plant growth regulators applied to the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium also resulted in diminished pollen viability. Furthermore, antibiotic application during gene transformation also decreased pollen viability of the transformants. However, the process of long-term culture did not significantly change pollen viability. The mean methylation level of regenerants showed a 0.28% to 3.95% decrease in seedlings subcultured in vitro for nine generations. Moreover, when the ninth subcultured regenerants with reduced pollen vibility were recovered in soil to get seeds, the pollen viability of seed-derive plants was similar to that of the wild type. CONCLUSIONS The results show that plant growth regulators, antibiotics, and the number of subculture generations influence somaclonal variations in torenia. The somaclonal variations in torenia may results from epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShuLan Sun
- Guangdong Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510631 People’s Republic of China
| | - JianQiang Zhong
- Guangdong Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510631 People’s Republic of China
| | - ShuHua Li
- Guangdong Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510631 People’s Republic of China
| | - XiaoJing Wang
- Guangdong Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510631 People’s Republic of China
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Metabolic engineering of lipid catabolism increases microalgal lipid accumulation without compromising growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:19748-53. [PMID: 24248374 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1309299110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically derived fuels are viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, and microalgae are a particularly promising source, but improvements are required throughout the production process to increase productivity and reduce cost. Metabolic engineering to increase yields of biofuel-relevant lipids in these organisms without compromising growth is an important aspect of advancing economic feasibility. We report that the targeted knockdown of a multifunctional lipase/phospholipase/acyltransferase increased lipid yields without affecting growth in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Antisense-expressing knockdown strains 1A6 and 1B1 exhibited wild-type-like growth and increased lipid content under both continuous light and alternating light/dark conditions. Strains 1A6 and 1B1, respectively, contained 2.4- and 3.3-fold higher lipid content than wild-type during exponential growth, and 4.1- and 3.2-fold higher lipid content than wild-type after 40 h of silicon starvation. Analyses of fatty acids, lipid classes, and membrane stability in the transgenic strains suggest a role for this enzyme in membrane lipid turnover and lipid homeostasis. These results demonstrate that targeted metabolic manipulations can be used to increase lipid accumulation in eukaryotic microalgae without compromising growth.
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Bartholomaeus A, Parrott W, Bondy G, Walker K. The use of whole food animal studies in the safety assessment of genetically modified crops: limitations and recommendations. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 43 Suppl 2:1-24. [PMID: 24164514 PMCID: PMC3833814 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.842955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
There is disagreement internationally across major regulatory jurisdictions on the relevance and utility of whole food (WF) toxicity studies on GM crops, with no harmonization of data or regulatory requirements. The scientific value, and therefore animal ethics, of WF studies on GM crops is a matter addressable from the wealth of data available on commercialized GM crops and WF studies on irradiated foods. We reviewed available GM crop WF studies and considered the extent to which they add to the information from agronomic and compositional analyses. No WF toxicity study was identified that convincingly demonstrated toxicological concern or that called into question the adequacy, sufficiency, and reliability of safety assessments based on crop molecular characterization, transgene source, agronomic characteristics, and/or compositional analysis of the GM crop and its near-isogenic line. Predictions of safety based on crop genetics and compositional analyses have provided complete concordance with the results of well-conducted animal testing. However, this concordance is primarily due to the improbability of de novo generation of toxic substances in crop plants using genetic engineering practices and due to the weakness of WF toxicity studies in general. Thus, based on the comparative robustness and reliability of compositional and agronomic considerations and on the absence of any scientific basis for a significant potential for de novo generation of toxicologically significant compositional alterations as a sole result of transgene insertion, the conclusion of this review is that WF animal toxicity studies are unnecessary and scientifically unjustifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bartholomaeus
- Therapeutics Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of QueenslandQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of Health, School of Pharmacy, Canberra UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Wayne Parrott
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of GeorgiaAthens, GAUSA
| | - Genevieve Bondy
- Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, Health CanadaOttawa, OntarioCanada
| | - Kate Walker
- ILSI International Food Biotechnology CommitteeWashington, DCUSA
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Carter JD, Pereira A, Dickerman AW, Veilleux RE. An active ac/ds transposon system for activation tagging in tomato cultivar m82 using clonal propagation. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 162:145-56. [PMID: 23569107 PMCID: PMC3641199 DOI: 10.1104/pp.113.213876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a model organism for Solanaceae in both molecular and agronomic research. This project utilized Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation and the transposon-tagging construct Activator (Ac)/Dissociator (Ds)-ATag-Bar_gosGFP to produce activation-tagged and knockout mutants in the processing tomato cultivar M82. The construct carried hygromycin resistance (hyg), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the transposase (TPase) of maize (Zea mays) Activator major transcript X054214.1 on the stable Ac element, along with a 35S enhancer tetramer and glufosinate herbicide resistance (BAR) on the mobile Ds-ATag element. An in vitro propagation strategy was used to produce a population of 25 T0 plants from a single transformed plant regenerated in tissue culture. A T1 population of 11,000 selfed and cv M82 backcrossed progeny was produced from the functional T0 line. This population was screened using glufosinate herbicide, hygromycin leaf painting, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Insertion sites of transposed Ds-ATag elements were identified through thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR, and resulting product sequences were aligned to the recently published tomato genome. A population of 509 independent, Ds-only transposant lines spanning all 12 tomato chromosomes has been developed. Insertion site analysis demonstrated that more than 80% of these lines harbored Ds insertions conducive to activation tagging. The capacity of the Ds-ATag element to alter transcription was verified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR in two mutant lines. The transposon-tagged lines have been immortalized in seed stocks and can be accessed through an online database, providing a unique resource for tomato breeding and analysis of gene function in the background of a commercial tomato cultivar.
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Buyel JF, Kaever T, Buyel JJ, Fischer R. Predictive models for the accumulation of a fluorescent marker protein in tobacco leaves according to the promoter/5'UTR combination. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 110:471-82. [PMID: 22948957 DOI: 10.1002/bit.24715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The promoter and 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) play a key role in determining the efficiency of recombinant protein expression in plants. Comparative experiments are used to identify suitable elements but these are usually tested in transgenic plants or in transformed protoplasts/suspension cells, so their relevance in whole-plant transient expression systems is unclear given the greater heterogeneity in expression levels among different leaves. Furthermore, little is known about the impact of promoter/5'UTR interactions on protein accumulation. We therefore established a predictive model using a design of experiments (DoE) approach to compare the strong double-enhanced Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (CaMV 35SS) and the weaker Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti-plasmid nos promoter in whole tobacco plants transiently expressing the fluorescent marker protein DsRed. The promoters were combined with one of three 5'UTRs (one of which was tested with and without an additional protein targeting motif) and the accumulation of DsRed was measured following different post-agroinfiltration incubation periods in all leaves and at different leaf positions. The model predictions were quantitative, allowing the rapid identification of promoter/5'UTR combinations stimulating the highest and quickest accumulation of the marker protein in all leaves. The model also suggested that increasing the incubation time from 5 to 8 days would reduce batch-to-batch variability in protein yields. We used the model to identify promoter/5'UTR pairs that resulted in the least spatiotemporal variation in expression levels. These ideal pairs are suitable for the simultaneous, balanced production of several proteins in whole plants by transient expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Buyel
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, Worringer Weg 1, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany.
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Zeller SL, Kalinina O, Flynn DFB, Schmid B. Mixtures of genetically modified wheat lines outperform monocultures. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2012; 22:1817-26. [PMID: 23092018 DOI: 10.1890/11-0876.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity research shows that diverse plant communities are more stable and productive than monocultures. Similarly, populations in which genotypes with different pathogen resistance are mixed may have lower pathogen levels and thus higher productivity than genetically uniform populations. We used genetically modified (GM) wheat as a model system to test this prediction, because it allowed us to use genotypes that differed only in the trait pathogen resistance but were otherwise identical. We grew three such genotypes or lines in monocultures or two-line mixtures. Phenotypic measurements were taken at the level of individual plants and of entire plots (population level). We found that resistance to mildew increased with both GM richness (0, 1, or 2 Pm3 transgenes with different resistance specificities per plot) and GM concentration (0%, 50%, or 100% of all plants in a plot with a Pm3 transgene). Plots with two transgenes had 34.6% less mildew infection and as a consequence 7.3% higher seed yield than plots with one transgene. We conclude that combining genetic modification with mixed cropping techniques could be a promising approach to increase sustainability and productivity in agricultural systems, as the fitness cost of stacking transgenes within individuals may thus be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon L Zeller
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland.
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Pons E, Peris JE, Peña L. Field performance of transgenic citrus trees: assessment of the long-term expression of uidA and nptII transgenes and its impact on relevant agronomic and phenotypic characteristics. BMC Biotechnol 2012; 12:41. [PMID: 22794278 PMCID: PMC3462728 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-12-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The future of genetic transformation as a tool for the improvement of fruit trees depends on the development of proper systems for the assessment of unintended effects in field-grown GM lines. In this study, we used eight transgenic lines of two different citrus types (sweet orange and citrange) transformed with the marker genes β-glucuronidase (uidA) and neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) as model systems to study for the first time in citrus the long-term stability of transgene expression and whether transgene-derived pleiotropic effects occur with regard to the morphology, development and fruit quality of orchard-grown GM citrus trees. RESULTS The stability of the integration and expression of the transgenes was confirmed in 7-year-old, orchard-grown transgenic lines by Southern blot analysis and enzymatic assays (GUS and ELISA NPTII), respectively. Little seasonal variation was detected in the expression levels between plants of the same transgenic line in different organs and over the 3 years of analysis, confirming the absence of rearrangements and/or silencing of the transgenes after transferring the plants to field conditions. Comparisons between the GM citrus lines with their non-GM counterparts across the study years showed that the expression of these transgenes did not cause alterations of the main phenotypic and agronomic plant and fruit characteristics. However, when comparisons were performed between diploid and tetraploid transgenic citrange trees and/or between juvenile and mature transgenic sweet orange trees, significant and consistent differences were detected, indicating that factors other than their transgenic nature induced a much higher phenotypic variability. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that transgene expression in GM citrus remains stable during long-term agricultural cultivation, without causing unexpected effects on crop characteristics. This study also shows that the transgenic citrus trees expressing the selectable marker genes that are most commonly used in citrus transformation were substantially equivalent to the non-transformed controls with regard to their overall agronomic performance, as based on the use of robust and powerful assessment techniques. Therefore, future studies of the possible pleiotropic effects induced by the integration and expression of transgenes in field-grown GM citrus may focus on the newly inserted trait(s) of biotechnological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Pons
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Josep E Peris
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Leandro Peña
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
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A 90-day subchronic feeding study of genetically modified maize expressing Cry1Ac-M protein in Sprague-Dawley rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:3215-21. [PMID: 22709787 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The cry1Ac-M gene, coding one of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal proteins, was introduced into maize H99 × Hi IIB genome to produce insect-resistant GM maize BT-38. The food safety assessment of the BT-38 maize was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats by a 90-days feeding study. We incorporated maize grains from BT-38 and H99 × Hi IIB into rodent diets at three concentrations (12.5%, 25%, 50%) and administered to Sprague-Dawley rats (n=10/sex/group) for 90 days. A commercialized rodent diet was fed to an additional group as control group. Body weight, feed consumption and toxicological response variables were measured, and gross as well as microscopic pathology were examined. Moreover, detection of residual Cry1Ac-M protein in the serum of rats fed with GM maize was conducted. No death or adverse effects were observed in the current feeding study. No adverse differences in the values of the response variables were observed between rats that consumed diets containing GM maize BT-38 and non-GM maize H99 × Hi IIB. No detectable Cry1Ac-M protein was found in the serum of rats after feeding diets containing GM maize for 3 months. The results demonstrated that BT-38 maize is as safe as conventional non-GM maize.
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Vaas LAI, Marheine M, Seufert S, Schumacher HM, Kiesecker H, Heine-Dobbernack E. Impact of pr-10a overexpression on the cryopreservation success of Solanum tuberosum suspension cultures. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2012; 31:1061-1071. [PMID: 22252543 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-011-1225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although many genes are supposed to be a part of plant cell tolerance mechanisms against osmotic or salt stress, their influence on tolerance towards stress during cryopreservation procedures has rarely been investigated. For instance, the overexpression of the pathogenesis-related gene 10a (pr-10a) leads to improved osmotic tolerance in a transgenic cell culture of Solanum tuberosum cv. Désirée. In this study, a cryopreservation method, consisting of osmotic pretreatment, cryoprotection with DMSO and controlled-rate freezing, was used to characterize the relation between cryopreservation success and pr-10a expression in suspension cultures of S. tuberosum wild-type cells and cells overexpressing pathogenesis-related protein 10a (Pr-10a). By varying the sorbitol concentration, thus modifying the strength of the osmotic stress during the pretreatment phase, it can be shown that the wild type can successfully be cryopreserved only in a relatively narrow range of sorbitol concentrations, while the pr-10a overexpression leads to an enhanced cryopreservation success over the whole range of applied sorbitol concentrations. Together with transcription data we show that the pr-10a overexpression causes an enhanced osmotic tolerance, which in turn leads to enhanced cryopreservability, but also indicates a role of pr-10a in signal transduction. An increased cryopreservability of the transgenic cell line occurs for pretreatments longer than 24 h. Since both genotypes, characterized by distinct baseline levels of expression, exhibited similar patterns of expression induction, the induction of pr-10a appears to be a key step in the stress signal transduction of plant cells under osmotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea A I Vaas
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstr. 7b, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
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Ziemienowicz A, Shim YS, Matsuoka A, Eudes F, Kovalchuk I. A novel method of transgene delivery into triticale plants using the Agrobacterium transferred DNA-derived nano-complex. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 158:1503-13. [PMID: 22291201 PMCID: PMC3320166 DOI: 10.1104/pp.111.192856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Genetic transformation of monocotyledonous plants still presents a challenge for plant biologists and biotechnologists because monocots are difficult to transform with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, whereas other transgenesis methods, such as gold particle-mediated transformation, result in poor transgene expression because of integration of truncated DNA molecules. We developed a method of transgene delivery into monocots. This method relies on the use of an in vitro-prepared nano-complex consisting of transferred DNA, virulence protein D2, and recombination protein A delivered to triticale microspores with the help of a Tat2 cell-penetrating peptide. We showed that this approach allowed for single transgene copy integration events and prevented degradation of delivered DNA, thus leading to the integration of intact copies of the transgene into the genome of triticale plants. This resulted in transgene expression in all transgenic plants regenerated from microspores transfected with the full transferred DNA/protein complex. This approach can easily substitute the bombardment technique currently used for monocots and will be highly valuable for plant biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Ziemienowicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4.
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Foetzki A, Quijano CD, Moullet O, Fammartino A, Kneubuehler Y, Mascher F, Sautter C, Bigler F. Surveying of pollen-mediated crop-to-crop gene flow from a wheat field trial as a biosafety measure. GM CROPS & FOOD 2012; 3:115-22. [PMID: 22538226 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.19512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Outcrosses from genetically modified (GM) to conventional crops by pollen-mediated gene flow (PMGF) are a concern when growing GM crops close to non-GM fields. This also applies to the experimental releases of GM plants in field trials. Therefore, biosafety measures such as isolation distances and surveying of PMGF are required by the regulatory authorities in Switzerland. For two and three years, respectively, we monitored crop-to-crop PMGF from GM wheat field trials in two locations in Switzerland. The pollen donors were two GM spring wheat lines with enhanced fungal resistance and a herbicide tolerance as a selection marker. Seeds from the experimental plots were sampled to test the detection method for outcrosses. Two outcrosses were found adjacent to a transgenic plot within the experimental area. For the survey of PMGF, pollen receptor plots of the conventional wheat variety Frisal used for transformation were planted in the border crop and around the experimental field up to a distance of 200 m. Although the environmental conditions were favorable and the donor and receptor plots flowered at the same time, only three outcrosses were found in approximately 185,000 tested seedlings from seeds collected outside the experimental area. All three hybrids were found in the border crop surrounding the experimental area, but none outside the field. We conclude that a pollen barrier (border crop) and an additional isolation distance of 5 m is a sufficient measure to reduce PMGF from a GM wheat field trial to cleistogamous varieties in commercial fields below a level that can be detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Foetzki
- Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station (ART); Zürich, Switzerland.
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Szwacka M, Burza W, Zawirska-Wojtasiak R, Gośliński M, Twardowska A, Gajc-Wolska J, Kosieradzka I, Kiełkiewicz M. Genetically Modified Crops Expressing 35S-Thaumatin II Transgene: Sensory Properties and Food Safety Aspects. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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45
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Scientific opinion addressing the safety assessment of plants developed through cisgenesis and intragenesis. EFSA J 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Kalinina O, Zeller SL, Schmid B. Competitive performance of transgenic wheat resistant to powdery mildew. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28091. [PMID: 22132219 PMCID: PMC3223217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) plants offer an ideal model system to study the influence of single genes that confer constitutive resistance to pathogens on the ecological behaviour of plants. We used phytometers to study competitive interactions between GM lines of spring wheat Triticum aestivum carrying such genes and control lines. We hypothesized that competitive performance of GM lines would be reduced due to enhanced transgene expression under pathogen levels typically encountered in the field. The transgenes pm3b from wheat (resistance against powdery mildew Blumeria graminis) or chitinase and glucanase genes from barley (resistance against fungi in general) were introduced with the ubiquitin promoter from maize (pm3b and chitinase genes) or the actin promoter from rice (glucanase gene). Phytometers of 15 transgenic and non-transgenic wheat lines were transplanted as seedlings into plots sown with the same 15 lines as competitive environments and subject to two soil nutrient levels. Pm3b lines had reduced mildew incidence compared with control lines. Chitinase and chitinase/glucanase lines showed the same high resistance to mildew as their control in low-nutrient treatment and slightly lower mildew rates than the control in high-nutrient environment. Pm3b lines were weaker competitors than control lines. This resulted in reduced yield and seed number. The Pm3b line with the highest transgene expression had 53.2% lower yield than the control whereas the Pm3b line which segregated in resistance and had higher mildew rates showed only minor costs under competition. The line expressing both chitinase and glucanase genes also showed reduced yield and seed number under competition compared with its control. Our results suggest that single transgenes conferring constitutive resistance to pathogens can have ecological costs and can weaken plant competitiveness even in the presence of the pathogen. The magnitude of these costs appears related to the degree of expression of the transgenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Kalinina
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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47
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Sorochinskii BV, Burlaka OM, Naumenko VD, Sekan AS. Unintended effects of genetic modifications and methods of their analysis in plants. CYTOL GENET+ 2011. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452711050124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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48
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Montero M, Coll A, Nadal A, Messeguer J, Pla M. Only half the transcriptomic differences between resistant genetically modified and conventional rice are associated with the transgene. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2011; 9:693-702. [PMID: 21040388 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00572.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Besides the intended effects that give a genetically modified (GM) plant the desired trait, unintended differences between GM and non-GM comparable plants may also occur. Profiling technologies allow their identification, and a number of examples demonstrating that unintended effects are limited and diverse have recently been reported. Both from the food safety aspect and for research purposes, it is important to discern unintended changes produced by the transgene and its expression from those that may be attributed to other factors. Here, we show differential expression of around 0.40% transcriptome between conventional rice var. Senia and Senia-afp constitutively expressing the AFP antifungal protein. Analysis of one-fifth of the regulated sequences showed that around 35% of the unintended effects could be attributed to the process used to produce GM plants, based on in vitro tissue culture techniques. A further ∼15% were event specific, and their regulation was attributed to host gene disruption and genome rearrangements at the insertion site, and effects on proximal sequences. Thus, only around half the transcriptional unintended effects could be associated to the transgene itself. A significant number of changes in Senia-afp and Senia are part of the plant response to stress conditions, and around half the sequences for which up-regulation was attributed to the transgene were induced in conventional (but not transgenic) plants after wounding. Unintended effects might, as such, putatively result in widening the self-resistance characteristics because of the transgene in GM plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Montero
- Institut de Tecnologia Agroalimentària (INTEA), Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, Girona, Spain
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Clarke JL, Daniell H. Plastid biotechnology for crop production: present status and future perspectives. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 76:211-20. [PMID: 21437683 PMCID: PMC3482339 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-011-9767-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The world population is expected to reach an estimated 9.2 billion by 2050. Therefore, food production globally has to increase by 70% in order to feed the world, while total arable land, which has reached its maximal utilization, may even decrease. Moreover, climate change adds yet another challenge to global food security. In order to feed the world in 2050, biotechnological advances in modern agriculture are essential. Plant genetic engineering, which has created a new wave of global crop production after the first green revolution, will continue to play an important role in modern agriculture to meet these challenges. Plastid genetic engineering, with several unique advantages including transgene containment, has made significant progress in the last two decades in various biotechnology applications including development of crops with high levels of resistance to insects, bacterial, fungal and viral diseases, different types of herbicides, drought, salt and cold tolerance, cytoplasmic male sterility, metabolic engineering, phytoremediation of toxic metals and production of many vaccine antigens, biopharmaceuticals and biofuels. However, useful traits should be engineered via chloroplast genomes of several major crops. This review provides insight into the current state of the art of plastid engineering in relation to agricultural production, especially for engineering agronomic traits. Understanding the bottleneck of this technology and challenges for improvement of major crops in a changing climate are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Liu Clarke
- Plant Health and Protection Division, Bioforsk- Norwegian, Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research, Hoegskoleveien 7, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 336 Biomolecular Science Building, Orlando, FL 32816-2364, USA
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Zeller SL, Kalinina O, Brunner S, Keller B, Schmid B. Transgene x environment interactions in genetically modified wheat. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11405. [PMID: 20635001 PMCID: PMC2902502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of transgenes into plants may cause unintended phenotypic effects which could have an impact on the plant itself and the environment. Little is published in the scientific literature about the interrelation of environmental factors and possible unintended effects in genetically modified (GM) plants. METHODS AND FINDINGS We studied transgenic bread wheat Triticum aestivum lines expressing the wheat Pm3b gene against the fungus powdery mildew Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici. Four independent offspring pairs, each consisting of a GM line and its corresponding non-GM control line, were grown under different soil nutrient conditions and with and without fungicide treatment in the glasshouse. Furthermore, we performed a field experiment with a similar design to validate our glasshouse results. The transgene increased the resistance to powdery mildew in all environments. However, GM plants reacted sensitive to fungicide spraying in the glasshouse. Without fungicide treatment, in the glasshouse GM lines had increased vegetative biomass and seed number and a twofold yield compared with control lines. In the field these results were reversed. Fertilization generally increased GM/control differences in the glasshouse but not in the field. Two of four GM lines showed up to 56% yield reduction and a 40-fold increase of infection with ergot disease Claviceps purpurea compared with their control lines in the field experiment; one GM line was very similar to its control. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that, depending on the insertion event, a particular transgene can have large effects on the entire phenotype of a plant and that these effects can sometimes be reversed when plants are moved from the glasshouse to the field. However, it remains unclear which mechanisms underlie these effects and how they may affect concepts in molecular plant breeding and plant evolutionary ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon L. Zeller
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (SLZ); (BK)
| | - Olena Kalinina
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Brunner
- Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Keller
- Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (SLZ); (BK)
| | - Bernhard Schmid
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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