Generation of marker-free transgenic maize with improved salt tolerance using the FLP/FRT recombination system

Application of cell culture technology and genetic engineering for production of future foods and crop improvement to strengthen food security

The growing population and the climate changes put a pressure on food production globally, therefore a fundamental transformation of food production is required. One approach to accelerate food production is application of modern biotechnology such as cell culture, marker assisted selection, and genetic engineering. Cell culture technology reduces the usage of arable land, while marker-assisted selection increases the genetic gain of crop breeding and genetic engineering enable to introduce a desired traits to crop. The cell culture technology has resulted in development of cultured meat, fungal biomass food (mycoprotein), and bioactive compounds from plant cell culture. Except cultured meat which recently begin to penetrate the market, the other products have been in the market for years. The marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering have contributed significantly to increase the resiliency against emerging pests and abiotic stresses. This review addresses diverse techniques of cell culture technology as well as advanced genetic engineering technology CRISPR Cas-9 and its application for crop improvement. The pros and cons of different techniques as well as the challenges and future perspective of application of modern biotechnology for strengthening food security are also discussed.

Systems metabolic engineering of Vibrio natriegens for the production of 1,3-propanediol

The economic viability of current bio-production systems is often limited by its low productivity due to slow cell growth and low substrate uptake rate. The fastest-growing bacterium Vibrio natriegens is a highly promising next-generation workhorse of the biotechnology industry which can utilize various industrially relevant carbon sources with high substrate uptake rates. Here, we demonstrate the first systematic engineering example of V. natriegens for the heterologous production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from glycerol. Systems metabolic engineering strategies have been applied in this study to develop a superior 1,3-PDO producer, including: (1) heterologous pathway construction and optimization; (2) engineering cellular transcriptional regulators and global transcriptomic analysis; (3) enhancing intracellular reducing power by cofactor engineering; (4) reducing the accumulation of toxic intermediate by pathway engineering; (5) systematic engineering of glycerol oxidation pathway to eliminate byproduct formation. A final engineered strain can efficiently produce 1,3-PDO with a titer of 56.2 g/L, a yield of 0.61 mol/mol, and an average productivity of 2.36 g/L/h. The strategies described in this study would be useful for engineering V. natriegens as a potential chassis for the production of other useful chemicals and biofuels.

Expression of Flp Protein in a Baculovirus/Insect Cell System for Biotechnological Applications

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Flp protein is a site-specific recombinase that recognizes and binds to the Flp recognition target (FRT) site, a specific sequence comprised of at least two inverted repeats separated by a spacer. Binding of four monomers of Flp is required to mediate recombination between two FRT sites. Because of its site-specific cleavage characteristics, Flp has been established as a genome engineering tool. Amongst others, Flp is used to direct insertion of genes of interest into eukaryotic cells based on single and double FRT sites. A Flp-encoding plasmid is thereby typically cotransfected with an FRT-harboring donor plasmid. Moreover, Flp can be used to excise DNA sequences that are flanked by FRT sites. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Flp protein and its step-arrest mutant, FlpH305L, recombinantly expressed in insect cells, can be used for biotechnological applications. Using a baculovirus system, the proteins were expressed as C-terminally 3 × FLAG-tagged proteins and were purified by anti-FLAG affinity selection. As demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), purified Flp and FlpH305L bind to FRT-containing DNA. Furthermore, using a cell assay, purified Flp was shown to be active in recombination and to mediate efficient insertion of a donor plasmid into the genome of target cells. Thus, these proteins can be used for applications such as DNA-binding assays, in vitro recombination, or genome engineering.

Effect of gene order in DNA constructs on gene expression upon integration into plant genome

Several plant biotechnology applications are based on the expression of multiple genes located on a single transformation vector. The principles of stable expression of foreign genes in plant cells include integration of full-length gene fragments consisting of promoter and transcription terminator sequences, and avoiding converging orientation of the gene transcriptional direction. Therefore, investigators usually generate constructs in which genes are assembled in the same orientation. However, no specific information is available on the effect of the order in which genes should be assembled in the construct to support optimum expression of each gene upon integration in the genome. While many factors, including genomic position and the integration structure, could affect gene expression, the investigators judiciously design DNA constructs to avoid glitches. However, the gene order in a multigene assembly remains an open question. This study addressed the effect of gene order in the DNA construct on gene expression in rice using a simple design of two genes placed in two possible orders with respect to the genomic context. Transgenic rice lines containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) genes in two distinct orders were developed by Cre-lox-mediated site-specific integration. Gene expression analysis of transgenic lines showed that both genes were expressed at similar levels in either orientation, and different transgenic lines expressed each gene within 1-2× range. Thus, no significant effect of the gene order on gene expression was found in the transformed rice lines containing precise site-specific integrations and stable gene expression in plant cells could be obtained with altered gene orders. Therefore, gene orientation and integration structures are more important factors governing gene expression than gene orders in the genomic context.

Immunity to tomato yellow leaf curl virus in transgenic tomato is associated with accumulation of transgene small RNA

Gene silencing is a natural defense response of plants against invading RNA and DNA viruses. The RNA post-transcriptional silencing system has been commonly utilized to generate transgenic crop plants that are "immune" to plant virus infection. Here, we applied this approach against the devastating DNA virus tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in its host tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). To generate broad resistance to a number of different TYLCV viruses, three conserved sequences (the intergenic region [NCR], V1-V2 and C1-C2 genes) from the genome of the severe virus (TYLCV) were synthesized as a single insert and cloned into a hairpin configuration in a binary vector, which was used to transform TYLCV-susceptible tomato plants. Eight of 28 independent transgenic tomato lines exhibited immunity to TYLCV-Is and to TYLCV-Mld, but not to tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus, which shares relatively low sequence homology with the transgene. In addition, a marker-free (nptII-deleted) transgenic tomato line was generated for the first time by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation without antibiotic selection, followed by screening of 1180 regenerated shoots by whitefly-mediated TYLCV inoculation. Resistant lines showed a high level of transgene-siRNA (t-siRNA) accumulation (22% of total small RNA) with dominant sizes of 21 nt (73%) and 22 nt (22%). The t-siRNA displayed hot-spot distribution ("peaks") along the transgene, with different distribution patterns than the viral-siRNA peaks observed in TYLCV-infected tomato. A grafting experiment demonstrated the mobility of 0.04% of the t-siRNA from transgenic rootstock to non-transformed scion, even though scion resistance against TYLCV was not achieved.

Characterization of four B-chromosome-specific RAPDs and the development of SCAR markers on the maize B-chromosome

Understanding the molecular organization of the maize B-chromosome is hindered by its high homology with A-chromosomes. Recently, various approaches have been employed to overcome this hindrance, and several B-chromosome-specific sequences have been identified. Here, we cloned and characterized four previously published B-chromosome-specific RAPD fragments in detail. The results of sequence analysis, Southern hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the four RAPD fragments are repetitive and present on both the B- and A-chromosomes, which supports an A-chromosome origin of the B-chromosome. We further developed four sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers derived from the four B-chromosome-specific RAPDs. These markers amplified PCR products exclusively in plants with B-chromosomes and were further mapped to definite distal heterochromatic regions of the B-chromosome by 15 B-A translocations. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase-PCR revealed that two of the four B-chromosome-specific RAPD fragments are transcriptionally active. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using B-chromosome-specific RAPD sequences to generate SCAR markers specific to the B-chromosome and might apply to other sequences of the maize B-chromosome.

Characterization of maize B-chromosome-related transcripts isolated via cDNA-AFLP

The maize B-chromosome consists mainly of heterochromatin and is considered to be genetically inert. However, the B-chromosome contains euchromatin that carries control elements that direct its behaviors during cell division, such as nondisjunction during the second pollen mitosis. To determine the transcriptional activity of the B-chromosome, complementary DNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis was applied to five inbred maize lines with and without B-chromosomes. Six putative B-chromosome-related transcripts were identified, four of which were cloned and characterized via Southern hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and sequence comparison to further confirm their B-chromosome origin. All the analyzed B-chromosome-related transcript sequences were repetitive and showed homology to A-chromosomes. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the B-chromosome-specific transcribed sequences B3547-179 and B3849-212 were transcribed in a B-chromosome-dosage-dependent manner. Expression of B3849-189 and B3849-147 was not specific to the B-chromosome; however, the former showed a transcriptional pattern with B-chromosome dosage compensation, and the latter displayed down-regulation of transcription due to higher B-chromosome numbers. Using four B-10L translocations, B3849-212 was mapped to the B-chromosome region that contains the nondisjunction control elements of the B-chromosome. Taken together, our results suggested that the maize B-chromosome harbors few transcriptionally active sequences and might influence the transcription of A-chromosomes.

Histone acetylation associated up-regulation of the cell wall related genes is involved in salt stress induced maize root swelling

BACKGROUND

Salt stress usually causes crop growth inhibition and yield decrease. Epigenetic regulation is involved in plant responses to environmental stimuli. The epigenetic regulation of the cell wall related genes associated with the salt-induced cellular response is still little known. This study aimed to analyze cell morphological alterations in maize roots as a consequence of excess salinity in relation to the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of the cell wall related protein genes.

RESULTS

In this study, maize seedling roots got shorter and displayed swelling after exposure to 200 mM NaCl for 48 h and 96 h. Cytological observation showed that the growth inhibition of maize roots was due to the reduction in meristematic zone cell division activity and elongation zone cell production. The enlargement of the stele tissue and cortex cells contributed to root swelling in the elongation zone. The cell wall is thought to be the major control point for cell enlargement. Cell wall related proteins include xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET), expansins (EXP), and the plasma membrane proton pump (MHA). RT-PCR results displayed an up-regulation of cell wall related ZmEXPA1, ZmEXPA3, ZmEXPA5, ZmEXPB1, ZmEXPB2 and ZmXET1 genes and the down-regulation of cell wall related ZmEXPB4 and ZmMHA genes as the duration of exposure was increased. Histone acetylation is regulated by HATs, which are often correlated with gene activation. The expression of histone acetyltransferase genes ZmHATB and ZmGCN5 was increased after 200 mM NaCl treatment, accompanied by an increase in the global acetylation levels of histones H3K9 and H4K5. ChIP experiment showed that the up-regulation of the ZmEXPB2 and ZmXET1 genes was associated with the elevated H3K9 acetylation levels on the promoter regions and coding regions of these two genes.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggested that the up-regulation of some cell wall related genes mediated cell enlargement to possibly mitigate the salinity-induced ionic toxicity, and different genes had specific function in response to salt stress. Histone modification as a mediator may contribute to rapid regulation of cell wall related gene expression, which reduces the damage of excess salinity to plants.

Development of selectable marker free, insect resistant, transgenic mustard (Brassica juncea) plants using Cre/lox mediated recombination

Background

Antibiotic/ herbicide resistant marker genes have been proven to be very useful in plant transformation for the initial selection of desired transgenic events. However, presence of these genes in the genetically modified crops may render the crop less acceptable to the consumers. Among several different approaches, the effectiveness of Cre/lox mediated recombination strategy for selectable marker gene (SMG) elimination has previously been demonstrated by different groups in several plants including Brassica. In the present study exploiting Cre/lox mediated recombination strategy, attempt has been made for selectable marker gene elimination from Allium sativum leaf agglutinin (ASAL) expressing Brassica plants with hemipteran insect resistant phenotype.

Results

Allium sativum leaf agglutinin (ASAL) linked with lox flanked hygromycin resistant (hpt) gene was introduced in mustard. Cre recombinase gene cassette was also integrated in separate event. A Cre/lox mediated recombination using crossing strategy was adopted to remove the hpt gene from the subsequent generation of selected hybrid events. Reciprocal crosses were made between T₁ASAL-lox-hpt-lox and cre-bar plants. Marker gene elimination was confirmed in the resulting F₁ hybrid progenies by PCR analysis, using hpt, cre and ASAL specific primers followed by Southern hybridization. In marker free plants, expression of ASAL was also confirmed by western blotting and ELISA analysis. Retention of functionality of expressed ASAL was investigated by agglutination assay using rabbit erythrocytes. Expressed ASAL was also found to be thermo-sensitive. In planta insect bioassay on F₁ hybrid progenies exhibited detrimental effect on the performance of devastating target pest, Lipaphis erysimi. The F₁ hybrid hpt negative, ASAL positive plants were allowed to self- fertilize to obtain F₂ progeny plants. In some of these plants cre gene was found to be segregated out of the ASAL gene by genetic segregation yielding completely marker free plants.

Conclusions

The present study establishes the efficient expression of the newly introduced insect resistant ASAL gene even after Cre/lox mediated recombination resulting in elimination of selectable marker gene.

A site-specific recombinase-based method to produce antibiotic selectable marker free transgenic cattle

Antibiotic selectable marker genes have been widely used to generate transgenic animals. Once transgenic animals have been obtained, the selectable marker is no longer necessary but raises public concerns regarding biological safety. The aim of this study was to prepare competent antibiotic selectable marker free transgenic cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). PhiC31 intergrase was used to insert a transgene cassette into a "safe harbor" in the bovine genome. Then, Cre recombinase was employed to excise the selectable marker under the monitoring of a fluorescent double reporter. By visually tracking the phenotypic switch from red to green fluorescence, antibiotic selectable marker free cells were easily detected and sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. For safety, we used phiC31 mRNA and cell-permeant Cre protein in this study. When used as donor nuclei for SCNT, these safe harbor integrated marker-free transgenic cells supported a similar developmental competence of SCNT embryos compared with that of non-transgenic cells. After embryo transfer, antibiotic selectable marker free transgenic cattle were generated and anti-bacterial recombinant human β-defensin-3 in milk was detected during their lactation period. Thus, this approach offers a rapid and safe alternative to produce antibiotic selectable marker free transgenic farm animals, thereby making it a valuable tool to promote the healthy development and welfare of transgenic farm animals.

Hybridization between crops and wild relatives: the contribution of cultivated lettuce to the vigour of crop-wild hybrids under drought, salinity and nutrient deficiency conditions

With the development of transgenic crop varieties, crop-wild hybridization has received considerable consideration with regard to the potential of transgenes to be transferred to wild species. Although many studies have shown that crops can hybridize with their wild relatives and that the resulting hybrids may show improved fitness over the wild parents, little is still known on the genetic contribution of the crop parent to the performance of the hybrids. In this study, we investigated the vigour of lettuce hybrids using 98 F(2:3) families from a cross between cultivated lettuce and its wild relative Lactuca serriola under non-stress conditions and under drought, salinity and nutrient deficiency. Using single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we mapped quantitative trait loci associated with plant vigour in the F(2:3) families and determined the allelic contribution of the two parents. Seventeen QTLs (quantitative trait loci) associated with vigour and six QTLs associated with the accumulation of ions (Na(+), Cl(-) and K(+)) were mapped on the nine linkage groups of lettuce. Seven of the vigour QTLs had a positive effect from the crop allele and six had a positive effect from the wild allele across treatments, and four QTLs had a positive effect from the crop allele in one treatment and from the wild allele in another treatment. Based on the allelic effect of the QTLs and their location on the genetic map, we could suggest genomic locations where transgene integration should be avoided when aiming at the mitigation of its persistence once crop-wild hybridization takes place.

FLP recombinase-mediated site-specific recombination in silkworm, Bombyx mori

A comprehensive understanding of gene function and the production of site-specific genetically modified mutants are two major goals of genetic engineering in the post-genomic era. Although site-specific recombination systems have been powerful tools for genome manipulation of many organisms, they have not yet been established for use in the manipulation of the silkworm Bombyx mori genome. In this study, we achieved site-specific excision of a target gene at predefined chromosomal sites in the silkworm using a FLP/FRT site-specific recombination system. We first constructed two stable transgenic target silkworm strains that both contain a single copy of the transgene construct comprising a target gene expression cassette flanked by FRT sites. Using pre-blastoderm microinjection of a FLP recombinase helper expression vector, 32 G3 site-specific recombinant transgenic individuals were isolated from five of 143 broods. The average frequency of FLP recombinase-mediated site-specific excision in the two target strains genome was approximately 3.5%. This study shows that it is feasible to achieve site-specific recombination in silkworms using the FLP/FRT system. We conclude that the FLP/FRT system is a useful tool for genome manipulation in the silkworm. Furthermore, this is the first reported use of the FLP/FRT system for the genetic manipulation of a lepidopteran genome and thus provides a useful reference for the establishment of genome manipulation technologies in other lepidopteran species.