Development of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediate transformation system for somatic embryos and transcriptome analysis of LcMYB1’s inhibitory effect on somatic embryogenesis in Litchi chinensis.1

Abstract

Litchi holds paramount economic significance as a global fruit crop. However, the advancement of litchi functional genomics encounters substantial obstacles due to its recalcitrance to stable transformation. Here, we present an efficacious A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation system in somatic embryo of ‘Heiye’ litchi. This system was developed through meticulous optimization of variables encompassing explant selection, A. tumefaciens strain delineation, bacterium concentration, infection duration, and infection methodology. The subsequent validation of the transformation technique in litchi was realized through the ectopic expression of LcMYB1, resulting in the generation of transgenic calli. However, it was discerned that the differentiation of transgenic calli into somatic embryos encountered substantial challenges. To delve into the intricate molecular underpinnings of LcMYB1’s inhibitory role in somatic embryo induction, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was conducted encompassing embryogenic calli (C), globular embryos (G), and transgenic calli (TC). A total of 1166 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between C-vs-G and C-vs-TC. Gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that these common DEGs were most related to plant hormone signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, RT-qPCR corroborated pronounced down-regulation of numerous genes intricately associated with somatic embryos induction within the transgenic calli. The development of this transformation system has provided valuable support for functional genomics research in litchi.