Somatic Embryogenesis In Alfalfa Research Articles

Transient expression of a reporter gene changes significantly during somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa

Transient expression of the β -glucuronidase (GUS) gene driven by a 35S constitutive promoter was investigated during somatic embryo development in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) following micro-projectile bombardment. The level of gene expression varied with the different developmental stages and changed dramatically within the stages. During embryogenic callus induction (stage I), expression was low in explants freshly transferred to culture, but increased when cells started to divide and show competence for somatic embryogenesis. Gene expression, however, decreased when extensive callus formation began and reached the lowest observed level when callus was fully developed. Reporter gene expression was consistently low during embryogenic cell proliferation (stage II). In contrast, high levels of reporter gene expression were detected in non-embryogenic suspension cultures during cell proliferation. Extremely low reporter gene expression was detected in embryonal tissues and young embryos at the embryo development and maturation stage (stage III). Expression increased as the somatic embryos developed and reached the highest level when the embryos reached maturity. Transient expression levels were similar in excised petiole tissue across 10 alfalfa genotypes, which included both diploid and tetraploid genotypes. In general, reporter gene expression was found to be higher in more organised mature tissues and organs than in less-organised or young tissues. The developmental status of the cells and tissues appears to be an important factor in the degree of transient expression of the introduced gene. Changes of gene expression during embryogenesis and factors affecting gene expression are discussed. Key words: GUS expression, Medicago sativa, bombardment, forage

The MADS-domain protein AGAMOUS-like 15 accumulates in embryonic tissues with diverse origins.

AGL15 (AGAMOUS-like 15), a member of the MADS-domain family of regulatory factors, accumulates preferentially in the organs and tissues derived from double fertilization in flowering plants (i.e. the embryo, suspensor, and endosperm). The developmental role of AGL15 is still undefined. If it is involved in embryogenesis rather than some other aspect of seed biology, then AGL15 protein should accumulate whenever development proceeds in the embryonic mode, regardless of the origin of those embryos or their developmental context. To test this, we used AGL15-specific antibodies to analyze apomictic embryogenesis in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), microspore embryogenesis in oilseed rape (Brassica napus), and somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). In every case, AGL15 accumulated to relatively high levels in the nuclei of the embryos. AGL15 also accumulated in cotyledon-like organs produced by the xtc2 (extra cotyledon2) mutant of Arabidopsis and during precocious germination in oilseed rape. Furthermore, the subcellular localization of AGL15 appeared to be developmentally regulated in all embryogenic situations. AGL15 was initially present in the cytoplasm of cells and became nuclear localized before or soon after embryogenic cell divisions began. These results support the hypothesis that AGL15 participates in the regulation of programs active during the early stages of embryo development.

Early changes in gene expression during direct somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa revealed by RAP-PCR

A procedure for direct production of somatic embryos from alfalfa leaf explants has been developed. Wounding followed by 2,4-D treatment induces competent cells in the leaf to produce embryos. Changes in gene expression following induction of direct somatic embryogenesis were investigated by RNA arbitrarily primed PCR (RAP-PCR) with a view to identifying genes involved in controlling the onset of somatic embryo development. Amongst the induced sequences identified were a calnexin-like sequence (which was induced within 2 d), and a novel plant homologue of the yeast SNQ2 multi-drug resistance protein (which did not appear until 10 d after induction). RT-PCR amplification of these sequences confirmed the expression patterns revealed by RAP-PCR and was used to show that the calnexin-like gene is induced by 2,4-D, but that the level of expression is enhanced by wounding. The technique of RAP-PCR has the potential to isolate genes of interest by identifying specific expression patterns during complex developmental processes.

Short communication. Early changes in gene expression during direct somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa revealed by RAP-PCR

Short communication. Early changes in gene expression during direct somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa revealed by RAP-PCR

Effect of anti-microtubular drug amiprophos-methyl on somatic embryogenesis and DNA ploidy levels in alfalfa and carrot cell suspension cultures

A short treatment with the anti-microtubular drug amiprophos-methyl (APM) blocked somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) and carrot (Daucus carota L.). The interruption was temporary and restoration of somatic embryogenesis was observed in long-term cultures. In addition to the effect on somatic embryogenesis, APM treatment induced polyploidization the extent of which was concentration dependent. In long-term alfalfa cultures, APM-induced loss of somatic embryogenesis led to ploidy instability and to a shift to DNA aneuploidy. Critical stages of somatic embryogenesis sensitive to disruption of microtubule-mediated processes were determined in carrot cell cultures. Complete embryogenic arrest occurred when APM was added within the first 5 d of embryogenesis from single cells. The role of the cytoskeleton in the first events of somatic embryogenesis and the relation between totipotency and ploidy stabilityin vitro is discussed.

Characterization of competence during induction of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa tissue culture

Systematic manipulations of the culture protocol leading to somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa petiole-derived callus were performed to study the competence phase during somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa. These demonstrated a requirement for the acquisition of competence prior to the induction of the embryogenesis pathway. Induction was triggered by a number of synthetic auxins including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-d). Competence could be acquired in the presence of these auxins as well as phenylacetic acid (PAA), an auxin that did not induce embryogenesis. Different degrees of competence were apparently acquired by exposure to 2,4-d and PAA. Some degree of competence was acquired in the absence of auxin treatment. The current understanding of the concept of competence is discussed.

Identification of a RAPD marker associated with somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa

The current study was conducted to identify random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to genes controlling somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa. Segregation analyses of the somatic embryogenesis trait and the RAPD markers in an F1 population of 83 plants, derived from a cross between embryogenic A70-34 and non-embryogenic Arrow36 alfalfa plants, identified a polymorphic band that is associated with somatic embryogenesis. Based on the assumptions that somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa is controlled by two dominant genes with complementary effects and that the genotypes of A70-34 and Arrow36 are AAaaBbbb and aaaabbbb, respectively, the segregation data for the marker and the somatic embryogenesis trait in the F1s indicate that the marker is linked to the A locus. The maximum recombination fraction estimated for the linkage between the marker and the gene is 36.3%.

Kinetic studies of embryo development and nutrient utilization in an alfalfa direct somatic embryogenic system

A method for direct somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa (Medicago falcata) is described. The time course in the development phase has been followed for fresh weight, cell density, pH, sugar uptake and embryo number and type. The method of disrupting the explant material has also been shown to influence subsequent embryo formation.

Proline, thioproline and potassium mediated stimulation of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.)

Somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) was induced in petiole derived cultures in the presence of 1 mg/1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.2 mg/1 kinetin and embryo elongation occurred when the embryogenic calli were transferred to hormone-free medium. A number of supplements to the induction medium, which in other systems have been implicated in cell signalling, stimulated somatic embryo formation. The addition of 10–25 mM proline stimulated 2,4-D induced embryogenesis. Thioproline, a proline analog, at concentrations of 0.1–0.5 mM also stimulated embryogenesis; at higher concentrations (0.5–1.0 mM) thioproline decreased the size of embryogenic callus, reduced embryo number but increased the size of somatic embryos. Potassium stimulated the size of embryogenic callus and promoted embryo formation when its level was increased from 25 mM to 75–100 mM in the induction medium. At approximately 125 mM potassium reduced embryogenic callus size, reduced embryo number but enhanced embryo size. An additive interaction was observed among these three components. Addition of 10–25 mM proline with 0.4 mM thioproline and 50 mM potassium enhanced the size of embryogenic callus and significantly enhanced subsequent embryo formation along with higher numbers of cotyledonary embryos. The possible physiological mechanisms associated with proline, thioproline and potassium mediated stimulation of alfalfa embryogenesis are discussed.

Genetic control of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa

The genetic control of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was studied using one nonembryogenic and three embryogenic genotypes: A70-34, a selection from 'Rangelander'; RA3, a selection from 'Regen-S'; and C2-4, a selection from a breeding population that had A70-34 in its pedigree. Crosses of embryogenic × embryogenic and embryogenic × nonembryogenic and S1 and BC1 testcrosses were evaluated for in vitro regeneration. Selfing reduced the expression of the trait. Somatic embryogenesis was dominant and explained by two loci. All three regenerating genotypes shared a common genetic system.Key words: alfalfa, Medicago sativa, somatic embryogenesis, tissue culture.

Differential Expression of Histone H3 Gene Variants during Cell Cycle and Somatic Embryogenesis in Alfalfa

Northern analysis has revealed substantial differences in mRNA accumulation of the two histone H3 gene variants represented by pH3c-1 and pH3c-11 cDNA clones. Both in partially synchronized cell suspension cultures and in protoplast-derived cells from alfalfa, Medicago varia, the maximal level of the histone H3-1 gene transcript coincided with the peak in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Histone H3-11 mRNA was detectable in cells throughout the period of the cell cycle studied. Various stress factors such as medium replacement, enzyme digestion of the cell wall, osmotic shock, and auxin treatment considerably increased the level of the histone H3-11 transcript. In alfalfa (Medicago sativa), the presence of H3-11 mRNA in unorganized tissues of microcallus suspension and in somatic embryos induced by auxin treatment supports the idea that this H3 variant exists in a continously active state of transcription. During embryo development, the early globular stage embryos showed increased accumulation of histone H3-11 mRNA in comparison with the later stages. The highest level of the histone H3-1 transcript was detectable 1 day after treatment of callus tissues with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Somatic embryos contained appreciable levels of histone H3-1 transcripts at all stages of somatic embryo development. These observations suggest that the histone H3-1 gene belòngs to the class of replication-dependent histone genes. The histone H3-11 gene showed characteristics of a constitutively expressed replacement-type histone gene, with a specific characteristic that external factors can influence the level of gene transcription.

A new approach to direct somatic embryogenesis in Medicago

A highly efficient system for direct somatic embryogenesis is described. Leaf sections originating from young trifoliate leaves of Medicago falcata line 47/1-5 and Medicago sativa line No2/9R, directly produced embryos after cultivation in liquid B5IV induction medium. In comparison with indirect somatic embryogenesis the system omits the callus stage and thus allows shortening of the process of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa by 35-40 days. It permits the avoidance of secondary changes occurring during the process of dedifferentiation. A modified B5/3H medium containing Polyethylene Glycol 6000 promoted embryo development from globular up to torpedo stage. It was clearly shown that 2.5% Polyethylene Glycol stimulated this process for both H. falcata 47/1-5 and M. sativa No 2/9R. Maturation of torpedo stage embryos was carried out on solidified or liquid abscisic acidcontaining medium. A 30μM abscisic acid concentration was optimal in allowing one embryo to yield one plant. Somatic embryo conversion to plants and plant regeneration was performed on Murashige and Skoog medium. Regenerated plants showed a normal morphology.

Inheritance of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

To study the inheritance of somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), three alfalfa genotypes were self-pollinated and intercrossed. A70-34 is a highly embryogenic genotype; R3 produced callus but not embryos; and MK does not produce callus. Callus production was controlled by one locus with complete dominance. In a survey of 107 alfalfa genotypes, the dominant and recessive alleles were present in equal frequencies. Embryogenesis among those plants producing callus was controlled by two complementary loci with additivity within each locus. The suggested designations for the two genes are Rna and Rnb.Key words: alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., tissue culture, somatic embryogenesis, inheritance.