Evaluation of selectable markers for rice transformation

Rapid and Highly Efficient Genetic Transformation and Application of Interleukin-17B Expressed in Duckweed as Mucosal Vaccine Adjuvant

Molecular farming utilizes plants as a platform for producing recombinant biopharmaceuticals. Duckweed, the smallest and fastest growing aquatic plant, is a promising candidate for molecular farming. However, the efficiency of current transformation methods is generally not high in duckweed. Here, we developed a fast and efficient transformation procedure in Lemna minor ZH0403, requiring 7-8 weeks from screening calluses to transgenic plants with a stable transformation efficiency of 88% at the DNA level and 86% at the protein level. We then used this transformation system to produce chicken interleukin-17B (chIL-17B). The plant-produced chIL-17B activated the NF-κB pathway, JAK-STAT pathway, and their downstream cytokines in DF-1 cells. Furthermore, we administrated chIL-17B transgenic duckweed orally as an immunoadjuvant with mucosal vaccine against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chickens. Both IBV-specific antibody titer and the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were significantly higher in the group fed with chIL-17B transgenic plant. This indicates that the duckweed-produced chIL-17B enhanced the humoral and mucosal immune responses. Moreover, chickens fed with chIL-17B transgenic plant demonstrated the lowest viral loads in different tissues among all groups. Our work suggests that cytokines are a promising adjuvant for mucosal vaccination through the oral route. Our work also demonstrates the potential of duckweed in molecular farming.

Developing Portulaca oleracea as a model system for functional genomics analysis of C4/CAM photosynthesis

Previously regarded as an intriguing photosynthetic curiosity, the occurrence of C4 and Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis within a single organism has recently emerged as a source of information for future biotechnological use. Among C4/CAM facultative species, Portulaca oleracea L. has been used as a model for biochemical and gene expression analysis of C4/CAM under field and laboratory conditions. In the present work, we focussed on developing molecular tools to facilitate functional genomics studies in this species, from the optimisation of RNA isolation protocols to a method for stable genetic transformation. Eleven variations of RNA extraction procedures were tested and compared for RNA quantity and quality. Also, 7 sample sets comprising total RNA from hormonal and abiotic stress treatments, distinct plant organs, leaf developmental stages, and subspecies were used to select, among 12 reference genes, the most stable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of each experimental condition. Furthermore, different explant sources, Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, and regeneration and antibiotic selection media were tested in various combinations to optimise a protocol for stable genetic transformation of P. oleracea. Altogether, we provide essential tools for functional gene analysis in the context of C4/CAM photosynthesis, including an efficient RNA isolation method, preferred reference genes for RT-qPCR normalisation for a range of experimental conditions, and a protocol to produce P. oleracea stable transformants using A. tumefaciens.

Maize transformation: history, progress, and perspectives

Maize functional genomics research and genetic improvement strategies have been greatly accelerated and refined through the development and utilization of genetic transformation systems. Maize transformation is a composite technology based on decades' efforts in optimizing multiple factors involving microbiology and physical/biochemical DNA delivery, as well as cellular and molecular biology. This review provides a historical reflection on the development of maize transformation technology including the early failures and successful milestones. It also provides a current perspective on the understanding of tissue culture responses and their impact on plant regeneration, the pros and cons of different DNA delivery methods, the identification of a palette of selectable/screenable markers, and most recently the development of growth-stimulating or morphogenic genes to improve efficiencies and extend the range of transformable genotypes. Steady research progress in these interdependent components has been punctuated by benchmark reports celebrating the progress in maize transformation, which invariably relied on a large volume of supporting research that contributed to each step and to the current state of the art. The recent explosive use of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has heightened the demand for higher transformation efficiencies, especially for important inbreds, to support increasingly sophisticated and complicated genomic modifications, in a manner that is widely accessible. These trends place an urgent demand on taking maize transformation to the next level, presaging a new generation of improvements on the horizon. Once realized, we anticipate a near-future where readily accessible, genotype-independent maize transformation, together with advanced genomics, genome editing, and accelerated breeding, will contribute to world agriculture and global food security.

Contrasting root traits and native regulation of aquaporin differentially determine the outcome of overexpressing a single aquaporin (OsPIP2;4) in two rice cultivars

Overexpressing OsPIP2;4 in the two rice cultivars Giza178 and IR64 resulted in contrasting cultivar-dependent physiological attributes under control and drought conditions in the field. In the T3 plants, PIP2;4 expression was significantly higher in the leaves and roots of Giza178 under control but only in the roots under drought condition and higher in the leaves and roots of IR64 under control but not under drought condition compared with that in the corresponding wild types. The transgene improved the plant growth in Giza178 under both growth conditions but had no significant effect in IR64 under either condition. The transgenic lines of Giza178 recovered their leaf relative water content faster than those of the wild type in the afternoon and showed improved gas exchange parameters, water use efficiency, and grain yield, as a result of improved root hydraulic conductivity (Lp_r) and xylem sap flow. No comparable responses were found in IR64 although Lp_r and xylem sap flow were enhanced in the transgenic lines under the control condition only, suggesting that the positive effect of PIP2;4 on the well-watered leaves of IR64 was offset by the low root/shoot ratio and the inherent expression of other aquaporins. In the transgenic plants of IR64 under drought, PIP2;4 expression was not induced in the roots presumably due to an overriding post-transcription regulatory mechanisms, leading to the lack of changes in the Lp_r and xylem sap flow and consequently, the plant growth, water relations, gas exchange, and grain yield were similar to the wild type. The data suggest that the outcome of overexpressing a single aquaporin gene depends on the plant architecture, internal responses to drought, and native expression of other aquaporins.

H2O2-Based Method for Rapid Detection of Transgene-Free Rice Plants from Segregating CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Edited Progenies

Genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 have been widely used in crop functional genomics and improvement. To efficiently deliver the guide RNA and Cas9, most studies still rely on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, which involves a selection marker gene. However, several limiting factors may impede the efficiency of screening transgene-free genome-edited plants, including the time needed to produce each life cycle, the response to selection reagents, and the labor costs of PCR-based genotyping. To overcome these disadvantages, we developed a simple and high-throughput method based on visual detection of antibiotics-derived H₂O₂ to verify transgene-free genome-edited plants. In transgenic rice containing hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), H₂O₂ content did not change in the presence of hygromycin B (HyB). In contrast, in transgenic-free rice plants with 10-h HyB treatment, levels of H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde, indicators of oxidative stress, were elevated. Detection of H₂O₂ by 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining suggested that H₂O₂ could be a marker to efficiently distinguish transgenic and non-transgenic plants. Analysis of 24 segregating progenies of an HPT-containing rice plant by RT-PCR and DAB staining verified that DAB staining is a feasible method for detecting transformants and non-transformants. Transgene-free genome-edited plants were faithfully validated by both PCR and the H₂O₂-based method. Moreover, HyB induced overproduction of H₂O₂ in leaves of Arabidopsis, maize, tobacco, and tomato, which suggests the potential application of the DAB method for detecting transgenic events containing HPT in a wide range of plant species. Thus, visual detection of DAB provides a simple, cheap, and reliable way to efficiently identify transgene-free genome-edited and HPT-containing transgenic rice.

Frond transformation system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens for Lemna minor

The Lemnaceae, known as duckweed, the smallest flowering aquatic plant, shows promise as a plant bioreactor. For applying this potential plant bioreactor, establishing a stable and efficient genetic transformation system is necessary. The currently favored callus-based method for duckweed transformation is time consuming and genotype limited, as it requires callus culture and regeneration, which is inapplicable to many elite duckweed strains suitable for bioreactor exploitation. In this study, we attempted to establish a simple frond transformation system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens for Lemna minor, one of the most widespread duckweed species in the world. To evaluate the feasibility of the new transformation system, the gene CYP710A11 was overexpressed to improve the yield of stigmasterol, which has multiple medicinal purposes. Three L. minor strains, ZH0055, D0158 and M0165, were transformed by both a conventional callus transformation system (CTS) and the simple frond transformation system (FTS). GUS staining, PCR, quantitative PCR and stigmasterol content detection showed that FTS can produce stable transgenic lines as well as CTS. Moreover, compared to CTS, FTS can avoid the genotype constraints of callus induction, thus saving at least half of the required processing time (CTS took 8-9 months while FTS took approximately 3 months in this study). Therefore, this transformation system is feasible in producing stable transgenic lines for a wide range of L. minor genotypes.

Overexpression of the Tibetan Plateau annual wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) HsCIPKs enhances rice tolerance to heavy metal toxicities and other abiotic stresses

BACKGROUND

The calcineurin B-like protein (CBL) and CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) signaling system plays a key regulatory role in plant stress signaling. The roles of plant-specific CIPKs, essential for CBL-CIPK functions, in the response to various abiotic stresses have been extensively studied so far. However, until now, the possible roles of the CIPKs in the plant response to heavy metal toxicities are largely unknown.

RESULTS

In this study, we used bioinformatic and molecular strategies to isolate 12 HsCIPK genes in Tibetan Plateau annual wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch) and subsequently identified their functional roles in the response to heavy metal toxicities. The results showed that multiple HsCIPKs were transcriptionally regulated by heavy metal toxicities (e.g., Hg, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu) and other abiotic stresses (e.g., salt, drought, aluminum, low and high temperature, and abscisic acid). Furthermore, the ectopic overexpression of each HsCIPK in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv Nipponbare) showed that transgenic plants of multiple HsCIPKs displayed enhanced tolerance of root growth to heavy metal toxicities (Hg, Cd, Cr, and Cu), salt and drought stresses. These results suggest that HsCIPKs are involved in the response to heavy metal toxicities and other abiotic stresses.

CONCLUSIONS

Tibetan Plateau annual wild barley HsCIPKs possess broad applications in genetically engineering of rice with tolerance to heavy metal toxicities and other abiotic stresses.

Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of commercially elite rice restorer line using nptII gene as a plant selection marker

Transformation of commercially important indica cultivars remains challenging for the scientific community even though Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocols for a few indica rice lines have been well established. We report successful transformation of a commercially important restorer line JK1044R of indica rice hybrid JKRH 401. While following existing protocol, we optimized several parameters for callusing, regeneration and genetic transformation of JK1044R. Calli generated from the rice scutellum tissue were used for transformation by Agrobacterium harboring pCAMBIA2201. A novel two tire selection scheme comprising of Geneticin (G418) and Paramomycin were deployed for selection of transgenic calli as well as regenerated plantlets that expressed neomycin phosphotransferase-II gene encoded by the vector. One specific combination of G418 (30 mg l(-1)) and Paramomycin (70 mg l(-1)) was very effective for calli selection. Transformed and selected calli were detected by monitoring the expression of the reporter gene uidA (GUS). Regenerated plantlets were confirmed through PCR analysis of nptII and gus genes specific primers as well as dot blot using gus gene specific as probe.

Hygromycin B-induced cell death is partly mediated by reactive oxygen species in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The aminoglycoside antibiotic hygromycin B (Hyg) inhibits prokaryotic, chloroplast and mitochondrial protein synthesis. Because of the toxic effect of Hyg on plant cells, the HPT gene, encoding hygromycin phosphotransferase, has become one of the most widely used selectable markers in plant transformation. Yet the mechanism behind Hyg-induced cell lethality in plants is not clearly understood. In this study, we aimed to decipher this mechanism. With Hyg treatment, rice calli exhibited cell death, and rice seedlings showed severe growth defects, leaf chlorosis and leaf shrinkage. Rice seedlings also exhibited severe lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, for oxidative stress damage at the cellular level. The production of reactive oxygen species such as O2(·-), H2O2 and OH(·) was greatly induced in rice seedlings under Hyg stress, and pre-treatment with ascorbate increased resistance to Hyg-induced toxicity indicating the existence of oxidative stress. Overexpression of mitochondrial Alternative oxidase1a gene without HPT selection marker in rice enhanced tolerance to Hyg and attenuated the degradation of protein content, whereas the rice plastidial glutathione reductase 3 mutant showed increased sensitivity to Hyg. These results demonstrate that Hyg-induced cell lethality in rice is not only due to the inhibition of protein synthesis but also mediated by oxidative stress.

High-throughput transformation pipeline for a Brazilian japonica rice with bar gene selection

The goal of this work was to establish a transformation pipeline for upland Curinga rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) with bar gene selection employing bialaphos and phosphinothricin as selection agents. The following genes of interest: AtNCED3, Lsi1, GLU2, LEW2, PLD-alpha, DA1, TOR, AVP1, and Rubisco were cloned into the binary vector p7i2x-Ubi and were transferred into Agrobacterium strain EHA 105. Embryogenic calli derived from the mature embryos were transformed, and transgenic cells and shoots were selected on the medium supplemented with bialaphos or phosphinothricin (PPT) using a stepwise selection scheme. Molecular analyses were established using polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot for the bar gene and the NOS terminator. Overall, 273 putative transgenic plants were analyzed by Southern blot with 134 events identified. In total, 77 events had a single copy of the transgene integrated in the plant genome while 29 events had two copies. We tested backbone integration in 101 transgenic plants from all constructs and found 60 transgenic plants having no additional sequence integrated in the plant genome. The bar gene activity was evaluated by the chlorophenol red test and the leaf painting test using phosphinothricin with several transgenic plants. The majority of T0 plants carrying the single copy of transgene produced T1 seeds in the screen house.

A maize α-zein promoter drives an endosperm-specific expression of transgene in rice

An alpha-zein promoter isolated from maize containing P-box, E motif sequence TGTAAAGT, opaque-2 box and TATA box was studied for its tissue-specific expression in rice. A 1,098 bp promoter region of alpha-zein gene, fused to the upstream of gusA reporter gene was used for transforming rice immature embryos (ASD 16 or IR 64) via the particle bombardment-mediated method. PCR analysis of putative transformants demonstrated the presence of transgenes (the zein promoter, gusA and hpt). Nineteen out of 37 and two out of five events generated from ASD 16 and IR 64 were found to be GUS-positive. A histological staining analysis performed on sections of mature T1 seeds revealed that the GUS expression was limited to the endosperm and not to the pericarp or the endothelial region. GUS expression was observed only in the following seed development stages : milky (14-15 DAF), soft dough (17-18 DAF), hard dough (20-23 DAF), and mature stages (28-30 DAF) of zein-gusA transformed (T0) plants. On the contrary a constitutive expression of GUS was evident in CaMV35S-gusA plants. PCR and Southern blotting analyses on T1 plants demonstrated a stable integration and inheritance of transgene in the subsequent T1 generation. GUS assay on T2 seeds revealed that the expression of gusA gene driven by alpha-zein promoter was stable and tissue-specific over two generations. Results suggest that this alpha-zein promoter could serve as an alternative promoter to drive endosperm-specific expression of transgenes in rice and other cereal transformation experiments.

Efficient selection and evaluation of transgenic lines of Crambe abyssinica

Crambe abyssinica is a dedicated oilseed crop suitable for production of industrial feedstocks. Genetic modification of crambe has progressed substantially in the last few years, but the transformation efficiency needs to be further improved. Meanwhile, developing a reliable molecular system including Southern blot and qRT-PCR analyses is desired for effectively evaluating transgenic lines and gene expression levels of both endogenous and transgenes. In this study, we have developed an efficient transformation protocol with hygromycin as the selective agent for crambe transformation. In the regeneration test, addition of hygromycin at concentration of 5 mg L(-1) resulted in 18% of shoot regeneration using crambe hypocotyls as explants, while no regeneration occurred when the hygromycin concentration reached 10 mg L(-1). Based on this result, the hygromycin concentration up to 10 mg L(-1) was used in the subsequent transformations. The results showed that the transformation efficiency under constant low selection pressure (H3-H3) was similar to that under higher selection pressure first, followed by transfer to lower selection pressure (H10-H3). The PCR, Southern blot and fatty acid composition analyses confirmed the integration of transgenes in the crambe genome. We have also optimized the Southern and qRT-PCR methods for future studies on crambe or related species. For Southern blot analysis on crambe, more than 50 μg DNA is required for a clear band. The choice of enzymes for DNA digestion was not rigid for confirmation of the T-DNA integration, while for determining the copy number of transgenes, suitable enzymes should be chosen. Increasing the enzyme concentration could improve the digestion and 20 μl enzyme was recomended for a complete digestion of up to 80 μg crambe DNA. For qRT-PCR analysis, around 20 days after flowering was observed to be the suitable sampling time for expresseion analysis of genes invovled in the seed oil biosynthesis.

Evaluating the influence of selection markers on obtaining selected pools and stable cell lines in human cells

Selection markers are common genetic elements used in recombinant cell line development. While several selection systems exist for use in mammalian cell lines, no previous study has comprehensively evaluated their performance in the isolation of recombinant populations and cell lines. Here we examine four antibiotics, hygromycin B, neomycin, puromycin, and Zeocin™, and their corresponding selector genes, using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter in two model cell lines, HT1080 and HEK293. We identify Zeocin™ as the best selection agent for cell line development in human cells. In comparison to the other selection systems, Zeocin™ is able to identify populations with higher fluorescence levels, which in turn leads to the isolation of better clonal populations and less false positives. Furthermore, Zeocin™-resistant populations exhibit better transgene stability in the absence of selection pressure compared to other selection agents. All isolated Zeocin™-resistant clones, regardless of cell type, exhibited GFP expression. By comparison, only 79% of hygromycin B-resistant, 47% of neomycin-resistant, and 14% of puromycin-resistant clones expressed GFP. Based on these results, we rank Zeocin™ > hygromycin B ∼ puromycin > neomycin for cell line development in human cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that selection marker choice does indeed impact cell line development.

Efficient transformation and regeneration of transgenic cassava using the neomycin phosphotransferase gene as aminoglycoside resistance marker gene

Cassava is one of the most important crops in the tropics. Its industrial use for starch and biofuel production is also increasing its importance for agricultural production in tropical countries. In the last decade cassava biotechnology has emerged as a valuable alternative to the breeding constraints of this highly heterozygous crop for improved trait development of cassava germplasm. Cassava transformation remains difficult and time-consuming because of limitations in selecting transgenic tissues and regeneration of transgenic plantlets. We have recently reported an efficient and robust cassava transformation protocol using the hygromycin phosphotransferase II (hptII) gene as selection marker and the aminoglycoside hygromycin at optimal concentrations to maximize the regeneration of transgenic plantlets. In the present work, we expanded the transformation protocol to the use of the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene as selection marker. Several aminoglycosides compatible with the use of nptII were tested and optimal concentrations for cassava transformation were determined. Given its efficiency equivalent to hptII as selection marker with the described protocol, the use of nptII opens new possibilities to engineer transgenic cassava lines with multiple T-DNA insertions and to produce transgenic cassava with a resistance marker gene that is already deregulated in several commercial transgenic crops.

A genome-wide gain-of function analysis of rice genes using the FOX-hunting system

The latest report has estimated the number of rice genes to be approximately 32,000. To elucidate the functions of a large population of rice genes and to search efficiently for agriculturally useful genes, we have been taking advantage of the Full-length cDNA Over-eXpresser (FOX) gene-hunting system. This system is very useful for analyzing various gain-of-function phenotypes from large populations of transgenic plants overexpressing cDNAs of interest and others with unknown or important functions. We collected the plasmid DNAs of 13,980 independent full-length cDNA (FL-cDNA) clones to produce a FOX library by placing individual cDNAs under the control of the maize Ubiquitin-1 promoter. The FOX library was transformed into rice by Agrobacterium-mediated high-speed transformation. So far, we have generated approximately 12,000 FOX-rice lines. Genomic PCR analysis indicated that the average number of FL-cDNAs introduced into individual lines was 1.04. Sequencing analysis of the PCR fragments carrying FL-cDNAs from 8615 FOX-rice lines identified FL-cDNAs in 8225 lines, and a database search classified the cDNAs into 5462 independent ones. Approximately 16.6% of FOX-rice lines examined showed altered growth or morphological characteristics. Three super-dwarf mutants overexpressed a novel gibberellin 2-oxidase gene,confirming the importance of this system. We also show here the other morphological alterations caused by individual FL-cDNA expression. These dominant phenotypes should be valuable indicators for gene discovery and functional analysis.

A fluorescent antibiotic resistance marker for rapid production of transgenic rice plants

Blasticidin S (BS) is an aminoacylnucleoside antibiotic used for the control of rice blast disease. To establish a new cereal transformation system, we constructed a visual marker gene designated gfbsd, encoding an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused to the N-terminus of BS deaminase (BSD). It was cloned into a monocot expression vector and introduced into rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Nipponbare) calluses by microprojectile bombardment. Three to five weeks after the bombardment, multicellular clusters emitting bright-green EGFP fluorescence were obtained with 10 microg/ml BS, which is not sufficient to completely inhibit the growth of non-transformed tissues. Fluorescent sectors (approximately 2mm in diameter) excised from the calluses regenerated into transgenic plantlets (approximately 10 cm in height) as early as 51 (average 77+/-11) days after the bombardment. The visual antibiotic selection was more efficient and required less time than the bialaphos selection with bar. In addition, the small size (1.1 kb) of gfbsd is preferable for construction of transformation vectors. This new marker gene will make a significant contribution in molecular genetic studies of rice plants.

Development of a non-lethal selection system by using the aadA marker gene for efficient recovery of transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The application of aminoglycoside-3"-adenyltransferase ( aadA) gene-mediated streptomycin resistance for non-lethal selection of transgenic rice resulted in plant regeneration frequencies under selection pressure as high as those in non-transformed controls without selection. Since streptomycin does not kill non-transgenic cells, and allows plant regeneration from them, a selection procedure was developed that made the visual identification of transgenic calli and regenerants possible. For callus-level selection, a vital pH indicator-Chlorophenol Red-was applied together with streptomycin, making use of the phenomenon that fast-growing cell lines lower the pH in the culture medium. Transgenic plants were selected according to their main distinctive features; their green colour (photomixotrophic assimilation), and more intense growth. At the same time, non-transgenic regenerants were bleached (heterotrophic assimilation), and growth was retarded in the presence of streptomycin and sucrose. The final efficiency of genetic transformation based on streptomycin resistance was found to be double that of transformations where the selective agent was l-phosphinothricin, and nearly three times more compared to transformations resulting in hygromycin-resistant regenerants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on producing nuclear transformed rice plants by using a non-lethal selection strategy based on the chimaeric aadA gene.

Selectable marker-free transgenic plants without sexual crossing: transient expression of cre recombinase and use of a conditional lethal dominant gene

Transgenic tobacco plants were produced that contained single-copy pART54 T-DNA, with a 35S-uidA gene linked to loxP-flanked kanamycin resistance (nptII) and cytosine deaminase (codA) genes. Retransformation of these plants with pCre1 (containing 35S transcribed cre recombinase and hygromycin (hpt) resistance genes) resulted in excision of the loxP-flanked genes from the genome. Phenotypes of progeny from selfed-retransformed plants confirmed nptII and codA excision and integration of the cre-linked hpt gene. To avoid integration of the hpt gene, and thereby generate plants totally free of marker genes, we attempted to transiently express the cre recombinase. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (pCre1) was cocultivated with leaf discs of two pART54-transformed lines and shoots were regenerated in the absence of hygromycin selection. Nineteen of 773 (0.25%) shoots showed tolerance to 5-fluorocytosine (5-fc) which is converted to the toxic 5-fluorouracil by cytosine deaminase. 5-fc tolerance in six shoots was found to be due to excision of the loxP-flanked region of the pART54 T-DNA. In four of these shoots excision could be attributed to cre expression from integrated pCre1 T-DNA, whereas in two shoots excision appeared to be a consequence of transient cre expression from pCre1 T-DNA molecules which had been transferred to the plant cells but not integrated into the genome. The absence of selectable marker genes was confirmed by the phenotype of the T1 progeny. Therefore, through transient cre expression, marker-free transgenic plants were produced without sexual crossing. This approach could be applicable to the elimination of marker genes from transgenic crops which must be vegetatively propagated to maintain their elite genotype.

Metabolic engineering of rice leading to biosynthesis of glycinebetaine and tolerance to salt and cold

Genetically engineered rice (Oryza sativa L.) with the ability to synthesize glycinebetaine was established by introducing the codA gene for choline oxidase from the soil bacterium Arthrobacter globiformis. Levels of glycinebetaine were as high as 1 and 5 micromol per gram fresh weight of leaves in two types of transgenic plant in which choline oxidase was targeted to the chloroplasts (ChlCOD plants) and to the cytosol (CytCOD plants), respectively. Although treatment with 0.15 M NaCl [corrected] inhibited the growth of both wild-type and transgenic plants, the transgenic plants began to grow again at the normal rate after a significantly less time than the wild-type plants after elimination of the salt stress. Inactivation of photosynthesis, used as a measure of cellular damage, indicated that ChlCOD plants were more tolerant than CytCOD plants to photoinhibition under salt stress and low-temperature stress. These results indicated that the subcellular compartmentalization of the biosynthesis of glycinebetaine was a critical element in the efficient enhancement of tolerance to stress in the engineered plants.

Transformation of haploid, microspore-derived cell suspension protoplasts of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

We compared the transient activity of three cereal gene-derived promoter-gus fusions and the efficiency of selection mediated by three different selectable genes in a polyethylene glycol transformation system with haploid cell suspension protoplasts of rice. The maize ubiquitin promoter was found to be the most active in transformed protoplasts, and selection on ammonium glufosinate mediated by the bar gene was the most efficient for producing resistant calluses. Cotransformation of protoplasts with two separate plasmids carrying the gus and the bar genes, at either a 2∶1 or 1∶1 ratio, led to 0.8 × 10(-5) and 1.6 × 10(-5) resistant callus recovery frequencies and 59.7 and 37.9 cotransformation efficiencies respectively. No escapes were detected in dot blot analyses of 100 resistant calluses with a probe consisting of the bar coding region. Cotransformation efficiency, based on resistance to basta and β-glucuronidase staining of the leaf tissue of 115 regenerated plants, was 47%. Resistance tests and Southern analysis of seed progenies of three diploid transgenic plants demonstrated homozygous integration of multiple copies of the transgene at one locus at least in the first plant, heterozygous integration at one locus in the second plant and heterozygous integration at two loci in the third plant.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.): an assessment of factors affecting regeneration of transgenic plants

We have previously developed a protocol for efficient gene transfer and regeneration of transgenic calli following cocultivation of apple (cv. Jonagold) explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (De Bondt et al. 1994, Plant Cell Reports 13: 587-593). Now we report on the optimization of postcultivation conditions for efficient and reproducible regeneration of transgenic shoots from the apple cultivar Jonagold. Factors which were found to be essential for efficient shoot regeneration were the use of gelrite as a gelling agent and the use of the cytokinin-mimicing thidiazuron in the selective postcultivation medium. Improved transformation efficiencies were obtained by combining the hormones thidiazuron and zeatin and by using leaf explants from in vitro grown shoots not older than 4 weeks after multiplication. Attempts to use phosphinothricin acetyl transferase as a selectable marker were not successful. Using selection on kanamycin under optimal postcultivation conditions, about 2% of the leaf explants developed transgenic shoots or shoot clusters. The presence and expression of the transferred genes was verified by β-glucuronidase assays and Southern analysis. The transformation procedure has also been succesfully applied to several other apple cultivars.

Glyphosate-tolerant CP4 and GOX genes as a selectable marker in wheat transformation

The lack of alternative selectable markers in crop transformation has been a substantial barrier for commercial application of agricultural biotechnology. We have developed an efficient selection system for wheat transformation using glyphosate-tolerant CP4 and GOX genes as a selectable marker. Immature embryos of the wheat cultivar Bobwhite were bombarded with two separate plasmids harboring the CP4/GOX and GUS genes. After a 1 week delay, the bombarded embryos were transferred to a selection medium containing 2 mM glyphosate. Embryo-derived calli were subcultured onto the same selection medium every 3 weeks consecutively for 9-12 weeks, and were then regenerated and rooted on selection media with lower glyphosate concentrations. Transgenic plants tolerant to glyphosate were recovered. ELISA assay confirmed expression of the CP4 and GOX genes in R0 plants. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the transgenes were integrated into the wheat genomes and transmitted to the following generation. The use of CP4 and GOX genes as a selectable marker provides an efficient, effective, and alternative transformation selection system for wheat.

Analysis of the involvement of ocs-like bZip-binding elements in the differential strength of the bidirectional mas1'2' promoter

The ocs-like elements of the bidirectional mas1'2' promoter of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, mas1' and mas2', were analyzed to elucidate their role in the expression conferred by this promoter. Tetramers of the elements were cloned upstream of the beta-glucuronidase-coding region linked to the 35S promoter deleted at -54. Transient expression assays with tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) protoplasts showed that tetramers of the mas1' element had 3- to 8-fold enhancing activity, respectively. Enhancement obtained by tetramers of the mas2' element was higher, suggesting that this element plays a role in the stronger promoter activity from the 2' side. Three cDNA clones with higher homology to the tobacco transcription factor TGA1a were isolated from a potato root expression library. Overexpression of the proteins encoded by these cDNA clones in Escherichia coli and analysis of DNA-binding activity in bacterial extracts showed that all three factors could bind strongly to the mas1' ocs-like element. In contrast, only two of the mas-binding factors exhibited significant binding to the mas2' element. Southern analysis revealed the presence of a small, multigene family encoding the mas-binding factors in potato.

A reporter gene under the control of tms or aux promoters is differentially expressed in tobacco and barley protoplasts

Agrobacterium tumefaciens and some Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains possess auxin biosynthesis genes (tms and aux genes respectively), responsible for a de novo auxin biosynthetic pathway in transformed plant cells. A comparison is presented of the potential expression of these genes in a monocotyledonous (barley) and a dicotyledonous plant (tobacco). The promoters of the genes were translationally fused to the β-glucuronidase reporter gene and analysed in transient expression experiments. The tms and aux fusions were highly expressed in tobacco, but not in barley. However, the aux enhancer active in tobacco, conferred low β-glucuronidase expression in barley when fused to a truncated cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. The results are discussed in relation to the differential responses to Agrobacterium infection in monocots and dicots.

Transient and stable expression of gusA fusions with rice genes in rice, barley and perennial ryegrass

Transcriptional and translational fusions were made between the reading frame coding for beta-D-glucuronidase and sequences of either a constitutively expressed rice gene (GOS2) involved in initiation of translation or a light-inducible rice gene (GOS5). The transient expression of the fusions was studied via particle bombardment of seedling tissues of rice, perennial ryegrass and barley. Furthermore, the results of transient and stable expression were compared for cell suspensions of four rice varieties, one barley variety and one perennial ryegrass variety. The GOS2-gusA fusions were active in all three monocots studied. Best results were obtained for a construct having both a transcriptional and a translational fusion as well as intron and exon sequences (PORCEHyg). The level of GUS activity was in the range of activities as obtained by the 35S CaMV promoter transcriptionally fused to gusA. The gusA fusion with the light-inducible gene (GOS5) was active in green seedling tissues of all monocots studied. Also a weak expression compared to the GOS2 constructs was found in stably transformed rice callus. The gusA fusions with the mannopine synthase promoters 1' and 2' of the TR-DNA were transiently expressed at lower levels in cell suspensions than PORCEHyg. For stably transformed rice callus the expression of the GOS2-gusA fusion often decreased during prolonged subculture. This decrease in GUS activity and the various GUS-staining phenotypes of transgenic calli are explained by the presence of different cell types in the suspensions used and in the calli. It is presumed that the nature of the cells and their relative contribution in the calli change drastically upon further subculture.

Transient and stable expression of gusA fusions with rice genes in rice, barley and perennial ryegrass

Transcriptional and translational fusions were made between the reading frame coding for beta-D-glucuronidase and sequences of either a constitutively expressed rice gene (GOS2) involved in initiation of translation or a light-inducible rice gene (GOS5). The transient expression of the fusions was studied via particle bombardment of seedling tissues of rice, perennial ryegrass and barley. Furthermore, the results of transient and stable expression were compared for cell suspensions of four rice varieties, one barley variety and one perennial ryegrass variety. The GOS2-gusA fusions were active in all three monocots studied. Best results were obtained for a construct having both a transcriptional and a translational fusion as well as intron and exon sequences (PORCEHyg). The level of GUS activity was in the range of activities as obtained by the 35S CaMV promoter transcriptionally fused to gusA. The gusA fusion with the light-inducible gene (GOS5) was active in green seedling tissues of all monocots studied. Also a weak expression compared to the GOS2 constructs was found in stably transformed rice callus. The gusA fusions with the mannopine synthase promoters 1' and 2' of the TR-DNA were transiently expressed at lower levels in cell suspensions than PORCEHyg. For stably transformed rice callus the expression of the GOS2-gusA fusion often decreased during prolonged subculture. This decrease in GUS activity and the various GUS-staining phenotypes of transgenic calli are explained by the presence of different cell types in the suspensions used and in the calli. It is presumed that the nature of the cells and their relative contribution in the calli change drastically upon further subculture.

Redox-activated expression of the cytosolic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase gene in Nicotiana

Superoxide dismutases (SODs; superoxide: superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) play a key role in protection against oxygen radicals, and SOD gene expression is highly induced during environmental stress. To determine the conditions of SOD induction, the promoter of the cytosolic copper/zinc SOD (Cu/ZnSODcyt) gene was isolated in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and fused to the beta-glucuronidase reporter gene. Oxidative stress is likely to alter the cellular redox in favor of the oxidized status. Surprisingly, the expression of the Cu/ZnSODcyt gene is induced by sulfhydryl antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, cysteine, and dithiothreitol, whereas the oxidized forms of glutathione and cysteine have no effect. It is therefore possible that reduced glutathione directly acts as an antioxidant and simultaneously activates the Cu/ZnSODcyt gene during oxidative stress.

Use of bar as a selectable marker gene and for the production of herbicide-resistant rice plants from protoplasts

We have used the bar gene in combination with the herbicide Basta to select transformed rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Radon) protoplasts for the production of herbicide-resistant rice plants. Protoplasts, obtained from regenerable suspension cultures established from immature embryo callus, were transformed using PEG-mediated DNA uptake. Transformed calli could be selected 2-4 weeks after placing the protoplast-derived calli on medium containing the selective agent, phosphinothricin (PPT), the active component of Basta. Calli resistant to PPT were capable of regenerating plants. Phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) assays confirmed the expression of the bar gene in plants obtained from PPT-resistant calli. The only exceptions were two plants obtained from the same callus that had multiple copies of the bar gene integrated into their genomes. The transgenic status of the plants was verified by Southern blot analysis. In our system, where the transformation was done via the protoplast method, there were very few escapes. The efficiency of co-transformation with a reporter gene gusA, was 30%. The T0 plants of Radon were self-fertile. Both the bar and gusA genes were transmitted to progeny as confirmed by Southern analysis. Both genes were expressed in T1 and T2 progenies. Enzyme analyses on T1 progeny plants also showed a gene dose response reflecting their homozygous and heterozygous status. The leaves of T0 plants and that of the progeny having the bar gene were resistant to application of Basta. Thus, the bar gene has proven to be a useful selectable and screenable marker for the transformation of rice plants and for the production of herbicide-resistant plants.

Expression of a Maize Ubiquitin Gene Promoter-bar Chimeric Gene in Transgenic Rice Plants

We have constructed a chimeric gene consisting of the promoter, first exon, and first intron of a maize ubiquitin gene (Ubi-1) and the coding sequence of the bar gene from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. This construct was transferred into rice (Oryza sativa L.) protoplasts via electroporation, and 10 plants were regenerated from calli that had been selected for resistance to exogenously supplied bialaphos. Transgenic plants grown in a greenhouse were resistant to both bialaphos and phosphinothricine at a dosage lethal to untransformed control plants. Evidence of stable integration of the transferred gene into the genome of the regenerated primary transformant plants was obtained from Southern blot analysis. In addition, northern blot analysis indicated expression and proper splicing of the maize ubiquitin gene first intron from the primary chimeric transcript in these transgenic rice plants, and western blot analysis and enzymic assays verified expression of the active bar gene product. Apparent mendelian segregation for bialaphos resistance in T(1) progeny of primary transformants was confirmed.

Effect of T-DNA configuration on transgene expression

T-DNA vectors were constructed which carry a beta-glucuronidase (gusA) gene fused to the promoter of the nopaline synthase (nos) gene and the 3' end of the octopine synthase (ocs) gene. This reporter gene was cloned at different locations and orientations towards the right T-DNA border. For each construct, between 30 and 60 stably transformed calli were analysed for beta-glucuronidase activity. Depending on the T-DNA configuration, distinct populations of gusA-expressing calli were obtained. Placing the reporter gene in the middle of the T-DNA results in relatively low expression levels and a limited inter-transformant variability. Placing the gene with its promoter next to the right border led to an increase in both the mean activity and the variability level. With this construct, some of the calli expressed the gusA gene at levels four to five times higher than the mean. In all these series, at least 30% of the calli contained reporter gene activities that were less than half of the mean expression level. Separating the gusA gene from the right T-DNA border by an additional 3'-untranslated region, derived from the nos gene, resulted in an increase in the mean expression to a level almost four times higher than that of constructions carrying the reporter gene in the middle of the T-DNA. Moreover, the number of transformants with extremely low activities decreased by at least 50% and this resulted in significantly lower inter-transformant variability independently of the orientation of the reporter gene on the T-DNA.

Herbicide-resistant Indica rice plants from IRRI breeding line IR72 after PEG-mediated transformation of protoplasts

The commercially important Indica rice cultivar Oryza sativa cv. IR72 has been transformed using direct gene transfer to protoplasts. PEG-mediated transformation was done with two plasmid constructs containing either a CaMV 35S promoter/HPH chimaeric gene conferring resistance to hygromycin (Hg) or a CaMV 35S promoter/BAR chimaeric gene conferring resistance to a commercial herbicide (Basta) containing phosphinothricin (PPT). We have obtained so far 92 Hgr and 170 PPTr IR72 plants from protoplasts through selection. 31 Hgr and 70 PPTr plants are being grown in the greenhouse to maturity. Data from Southern analysis and enzyme assays proved that the transgene was stably integrated into the host genome and expressed. Transgenic plants showed complete resistance to high doses of the commercial formulations of PPT.

A Sulfonylurea Herbicide Resistance Gene from Arabidopsis thaliana as a New Selectable Marker for Production of Fertile Transgenic Rice Plants

A mutant acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene, csr1-1, isolated from sulfonylurea herbicide-resistant Arabidopsis thaliana, was placed under control of a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (35S). Rice protoplasts were transformed with the 35S/ALS chimeric gene and regenerated into fertile transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) plants. The 35S/ALS gene was expressed effectively as demonstrated by northern blot hybridization analysis, and conferred to transformed calli at least 200-fold greater chlorsulfuron resistance than nontransformed control calli. Effective selection of 35S/ALS-transformed protoplasts was achieved at extremely low chlorsulfuron concentrations of 10 nm. The results demonstrated that the 35S/ALS gene is an alternative selectable marker for rice protoplast transformation and fertile transgenic rice production. The results also suggest that the mutant form of Arabidopsis ALS enzyme operates normally in rice cells. Thus, the mechanism of protein transport to chloroplast and ALS inhibition by chlorsulfuron is apparently conserved among plant species as diverse as Arabidopsis (dicotyledon) and rice (monocotyledon).

Regeneration of herbicide resistant transgenic rice plants following microprojectile-mediated transformation of suspension culture cells

Suspension cells of Oryza sativa L. (rice) were transformed, by microprojectile bombardment, with plasmids carrying the coding region of the Streptomyces hygroscopicus phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT) gene (bar) under the control of either the 5' region of the rice actin 1 gene (Act1) or the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Subsequently regenerated plants display detectable PAT activity and are resistant to BASTA(TM), a phosphinothricin (PPT)-based herbicide. DNA gel blot analyses showed that PPT resistant rice plants contain a bar-hybridizing restriction fragment of the expected size. This report shows that expression of the bar gene in transgenic rice plants confers resistance to PPT-based herbicide by suppressing an increase of ammonia in plants after spraying with the herbicide.

Transformation of Dendrobium orchid using particle bombardment of protocorms

Transformed dendrobium orchids (Dendrobium x Jaquelyn Thomas hybrids) were recovered from protocorms bombarded by particles coated with the plasmid pGA482GG/cpPRV4, which contains the plant expressible Nos-NPT II and papaya ringspot virus (PRV) coat protein (CP) genes. Approximately 280 protocorms from four crosses were bombarded and potentially transformed tissues were identified by growth and green color on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2% sucrose and 50-100 mg 1(-1) kanamycin sulfate. Kanamycin concentrations that prevented growth of nontransformed tissues could not be used for long-term selection because such levels suppressed the regeneration of potentially transformed tissues. PCR and restriction analysis 21 months after treatment found 13 of 13 plants from two crosses, which appeared kanamycin-tolerant, to contain the Nos-NPT II gene, while only one of these plants carried the vector-linked PRV CP-gene. These results support use of particle bombardment for transformation of this important ornamental monocot.

Maize polyubiquitin genes: structure, thermal perturbation of expression and transcript splicing, and promoter activity following transfer to protoplasts by electroporation

Two genomic clones (lambda Ubi-1 and lambda Ubi-2) encoding the highly conserved 76 amino acid protein ubiquitin have been isolated from maize. Sequence analysis shows that both genes contain seven contiguous direct repeats of the protein coding region in a polyprotein conformation. The deduced amino acid sequence of all 14 repeats is identical and is the same as for other plant ubiquitins. The use of transcript-specific oligonucleotide probes shows that Ubi-1 and Ubi-2 are expressed constitutively at 25 degrees C but are inducible to higher levels at elevated temperatures in maize seedlings. Both genes contain an intron in the 5' untranslated region which is inefficiently processed following a brief, severe heat shock. The transcription start site of Ubi-1 has been determined and a transcriptional fusion of 0.9 kb of the 5' flanking region and the entire 5' untranslated sequence of Ubi-1 with the coding sequence of the gene encoding the reporter molecule chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) has been constructed (pUBI-CAT). CAT assays of extracts of protoplasts electroporated with this construct show that the ubiquitin gene fragment confers a high level of CAT expression in maize and other monocot protoplasts but not in protoplasts of the dicot tobacco. Expression from the Ubi-1 promoter of pUBI-CAT yields more than a 10-fold higher level of CAT activity in maize protoplasts than expression from the widely used cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter of a 35S-CAT construct. Conversely, in tobacco protoplasts CAT activity from transcription of pUBI-CAT is less than one tenth of the level from p35S-CAT.

Transcriptional interference in transgenic plants

When a promoterless marker gene is transformed into the plant genome using the Agrobacterium vector system, on average 30% of the T-DNA inserts produce gene fusions. This suggests that the T-DNA is preferentially integrated into transcribed regions. Here, we proposed that this transcriptional activity is responsible for some of the variation in expression frequently observed among independent transformants. Using hybrid gene constructions, we show that transcriptional readthrough into a downstream gene with opposite orientation substantially reduces expression of this gene both in transient expression and in transgenic plants. Furthermore, a poly(A) signal/terminator can block readthrough and restore the expression of the gene. Finally, enzymatic analysis of calli suggests that less variation in neomycin phosphotransferase II synthesis is observed when the gene is separated from plant DNA by promoter and terminator elements.

Stable transformation of sorghum cell cultures after bombardment with DNA-coated microprojectiles

Cells from a suspension culture of Sorghum vulgare (sorghum) have been transformed to either hygromycin or kanamycin resistance following uptake of pBC1 or pNGI plasmids, respectively, introduced on DNA-coated high velocity microprojectiles. Hygromycin- and kanamycin-resistant transformants contained hygromycin B phosphotransferase- and neomycin phosphotransferasehybridizing restriction fragments of the expected size, respectively. A second introduced, but unselected for, reporter uidA gene which encodes ß-glucuronidase activity was also detected by DNA gel blot analysis in these transformants and shown to be expressed at low levels in two of the ten transformants analyzed. Transcripts from the introduced foreign genes accumulated to detectable levels in only these two transformants, both of which had a high copy number of genes integrated into their genome. This report further establishes the biolistic method as a useful route for delivery of DNA into the difficult-to-transform monocotyledonous plant species and represents the first stable transformation of this agronomically-important cereal grain.

Organ-dependent regulation of a plant promoter isolated from rice by 'promoter-trapping' in tobacco

A vector containing a transcriptionally inactive neomycin phosphotransferase II gene was used to select promoter sequences from a pool of random genomic DNA fragments. This paper describes how one such sequence (P4.7) isolated from Oryza sativa acts as a hormonally regulated promoter in Nicotiana tabacum. Relative expression ratios in leaf, root, midrib, callus, and stem tissue of tobacco plants are 1:5:4:10:17. Histochemical assays show that P4.7 activates the uidA reporter gene throughout the phloem and cortex of tobacco stems. Transcription from the P4.7 fragment is inducible in leaf tissue by low levels of alpha-naphthalene acetic acid or 6-benzyl-aminopurine, even when cell proliferation is inhibited by colchicine or hydroxyurea. Conversely, 1% DMSO was found to inhibit activation of P4.7 without interfering with callus formation. The fragment contains TATA and CAAT sequences normally found at the 5' end of many plant genes, and an additional region homologous to sequences located in similar positions in a variety of similarly regulated promoters. Promoter deletion and fusion experiments have indicated the location of a stem enhancer element in P4.7. The promoter trap system we have described may potentially be used to characterize transcriptional factors common to monocot and dicot species.