Annual Meeting
Please fill out this survey to support PlantGENE!
ABOUT THE MEETING |
|---|
PlantGENE members are invited to a 2-hour event for a review of past activities and an opportunity to guide future initiatives. Keynote speaker Dr. Steve Strauss will present “Altruistic transformation with novel Agrobacterium genes: A model for advancing transformation of recalcitrant plant species?”.
Altruistic transformation with novel Agrobacterium genes: A model for advancing transformation of recalcitrant plant species?
We have been studying the extent to which plant-derived developmental regulator (DEV) genes such as WUSCHEL can aid the regeneration of transgenic tissues from clonally propagated forest trees, with a focus on poplar and eucalypts. Generally the results have been disappointing, and vary widely with gene source, expression, and plant genotype. We have obtained better results with genes that directly affect hormone signaling, which are mostly derived from Agrobacterium. I will present results using plant growth regulator genes from a little used "shooty" strain in a cotransformation ("altruistic") system, which has both improved and sped the rate of transformation from selected poplar genotypes, and our ongoing search for additional Agrobacterium strains whose genes can be extracted or the strains rapidly domesticated.
Presentation Slides:
Related Articles
Our laboratory created and has directed the GREAT TREES university-industry consortium for 25 years. Its emphasis has been on genetic modification of flowering and field tests of flowering-modified trees. As of July 1st, 2019 the Research Cooperative previously known as TGERC/TBGRC changed its name to GREAT TREES and transitioned in its research focus to development of advanced gene editing and transformation methods. A key element of research is the application of development-controlling genes to promote regeneration of transformed or gene-edited plants (summary of GREAT TREES research goals).
Current members are SAPPI, Arauco, Futuragene/Suzano, Klabin, SweTree Technologies, and the University of Pretoria Forest Molecular Biology Program. Corteva Agrosciences is an Associate Member. Please contact Professor Steve Strauss, GREAT TREES Coop Director, to inquire about current studies and membership.
Questions from the Audience
Q: I have a question regarding the nature of the two genes that promote shoot induction on this agro strain. Do you any evidence on what they express?
A: They are PLAST genes distantly related to rolB. 6b seems to interfere with miRNA by binding AGO1. Namhai chia has the crystal structure out.
Q: Are the DEV genes expressed at all developmental stages or just at early stage of the transgenic plants?
A: For agro genes they are under native promoter control, most dev genes often over-expressed.
Q: How does constitutive expression of morphogenic regulators impact the overall growth performance of plants in in-vitro and ex-vitro conditions?
A: There can definitely be strong pleiotropic effects.
Q: Have you tried PVP in the media for browning?
A: Yep, no big effects for us.
Q: Have you tried with GRF-GIF-BBM combination?
A: Not yet, though excited to see work in other species.