Visualization of mitochondrial dynamics in tomato based on green fluorescent protein

Abstract

This study aimed to visualize the morphological features and dynamic changes of tomato mitochondria to provide a basis for the study of its mitochondrial functions. In this study, transgenic tomatoes expressing mitochondria-localized green fluorescent protein (mitochondria-GFP, Mt-GFP) were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The color, hardness, soluble solids, acidity content, respiration rate, and ethylene production of the transgenic Mt-GFP tomato fruits were determined at the stage of mature green, breaker, and 3, 6, 9 days after breaker, while the wild-type tomato fruits were used as a control. As expected, Mt-GFP recombinant protein did not affect the ripening process, but induced the increased acidity of tomato fruits. The accumulations of Mt-GFP protein in tomato leaves and fruits were successfully verified by Western blotting. The morphological characteristics of mitochondria in flower, leaf and fruit cells as well as the dynamic changes of mitochondria in flower cells were clearly observed and studied under confocal laser microscope. The development of transgenic Mt-GFP tomato plants helps the visualization of tomato mitochondria and provides good research materials for the study of mitochondrial function during tomato development and fruit ripening.