LAT52 protein is essential for tomato pollen development: pollen expressing antisense LAT52 RNA hydrates and germinates abnormally and cannot achieve fertilization

The LAT52 gene of tomato is expressed in a pollen-specific manner. It is shown that LAT52 encodes a heat-stable, glycosylated protein that traverses the secretory pathway when expressed in a baculovirus expression system. The LAT52 protein shows some similarity with Kunitz trypsin inhibitors and with pollen proteins from maize, rice and olive, but the biological function of these pollen proteins is unknown. To test whether the LAT52 protein plays an important role during pollen development, tomato plants were transformed with an antisense LAT52 gene driven by the LAT52 promoter. Because the LAT52 gene is expressed gametophytically, only 50% of the pollen of the primary transformants would be expected to express the antisense construct. Self-progeny of 19 of the primary transformants showed the predicted 3:1 segregation for a single locus insertion of the linked kanamycin-resistance gene. However, the self-progeny of the other 32 primary transformants showed a 1:1 segregation pattern and could not transmit the linked kanamycin-resistance gene through the male. A subset of these 1:1 segre. gation class plants was examined in detail. The pollen showed lower levels of LAT52 mRNA and LAT52 protein when compared with wild-type. In vitro , approximately 50% of the pollen grains appear to hydrate abnormally; this anomaly is not present when the same pollen grains are Incubated in a medium with higher water potential. In vivo pollination experiments showed that the growth of around 50% of the pollen tubes is arrested in the style. The 3:1 segregation class plants showed no significant differences from untransformed control plants. Taken together, the results show a direct correlation between the reduced expression of LAT52 protein and abnormal pollen function, and suggest that the LAT52 protein plays a role in pollen hydration and/or pollen germination.     

Molecular and genetic characterization of two pollen-expressed genes that have sequence similarity to pectate lyases of the plant pathogen Erwinia

A set of cDNAs that are expressed in tomato anthers were isolated [24]. We further characterized two of these cDNAs (LAT56 and LAT59) and their corresponding genomic clones. LAT56 and LAT59 show low levels of steady-state mRNA in immature anthers and maximal levels in mature anthers and pollen. The LAT56 and LAT59 genes are single-copy in the tomato genome, and are linked on chromosome 3, approximately 5 cM apart. Although these cDNAs did not cross-hybridize, their deduced protein sequences (P56 and P59) have 54% amino acid identity. The LAT56 and LAT59 genes each have two introns, but they are located in non-homologous positions. P56 and P59 show significant protein sequence similarity to pectate lyases of plant pathogenic bacteria. The similarity of P56 and P59 to the bacterial pectate lyases is equivalent to the homology described for different pectate lyase sequences of the genus Erwinia. We suggest that the pollen expression of LAT56 and LAT59 might relate to a requirement for pectin degradation during pollen tube growth.Abbreviations LAT, late anther tomato - bp, base pairs - MA, mature anther - PL, pectate lyase - kb, kilobase (pairs)     

Pollen-specific gene expression in transgenic plants: coordinate regulation of two different tomato gene promoters during microsporogenesis

To investigate the regulation of gene expression during male gametophyte development, we analyzed the promoter activity of two different genes (LAT52 and LAT59) from tomato, isolated on the basis of their anther-specific expression. In transgenic tomato, tobacco and Arabidopsis plants containing the LAT52 promoter region fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene, GUS activity was restricted to pollen. Transgenic tomato, tobacco and Arabidopsis plants containing the LAT59 promoter region fused to GUS also showed very high levels of GUS activity in pollen. However, low levels of expression of the LAT59 promoter construct were also detected in seeds and roots. With both constructs, the appearance of GUS activity in developing anthers was correlated with the onset of microspore mitosis and increased progressively until anthesis (pollen shed). Our results demonstrate co-ordinate regulation of the LAT52 and LAT59 promoters in developing microspores and suggest that the mechanisms that regulate pollen-specific gene expression are evolutionarily conserved.     

A novel endo-beta-mannanase gene in tomato LeMAN5 is associated with anther and pollen development

Endo-beta-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78) is involved in cell wall disassembly and the weakening of plant tissues by degrading mannan polymers in the cell walls. Endo-beta-mannanase genes are expressed in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) seeds (LeMAN1 and LeMAN2) and fruits (LeMAN3 and LeMAN4). A novel endo-beta-mannanase gene (termed LeMAN5) was found in the tomato genome by genome-walking PCR and bacterial artificial chromosome library screening. The 5'-upstream region of this endo-beta-mannanase gene contained four copies of the pollen-specific cis-acting elements POLLEN1LELAT52 (AGAAA). A GUS-reporter gene driven with the putative LeMAN5 promoter (-543 to +38) was activated in anthers and pollen of transgenic Arabidopsis, with the highest beta-glucuronidase activity detected in pollen. beta-Glucuronidase expression was detected in mature pollen retained in sporangia, discharged pollen, and elongating pollen tubes in transgenic Arabidopsis. Consistently, expression of LeMAN5 mRNA and endo-beta-mannnanase activity was detected in tomato anthers and pollen. In anthers, the highest mRNA expression and endo-beta-mannanase activity were detected during late stages of anther development, when pollen maturation occurred. Endo-beta-mannanase activity was present in discharged pollen, which was easily eluted in a buffer, indicating that the enzyme proteins are probably secreted from, and deposited on, the surface of pollen. These data suggest that the LeMAN5 endo-beta-mannanase is associated with anther and pollen development.     

Abundance patterns of lily pollen cDNAs: characterization of three pollen-preferential cDNA clones

Twenty-five clones were randomly selected from a mature pollen cDNA library of Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) in order to study the abundance of pollen-expressed mRNAs and the functional roles of the proteins encoded by these mRNAs. Plaque hybridization experiments were conducted to estimate indirectly the expression level of the mRNAs. Based on the hybridization frequency in the mature pollen library, the cDNA clones were divided into three abundance groups. Eight clones belonged to a high abundance class in which each cDNA clone was present in the mature lily pollen library at a frequency between 0.3 and 3%. Six of these clones were not found in cDNA libraries made from carpel, leaf, or root, suggesting that they are preferentially expressed in pollen. Fourteen clones belonged to a medium abundance class and were present in the mature pollen library at a frequency between 0.01 and 0.08%. The remaining three clones, which were present at a frequency below 0.01%, were grouped as a low abundance class. Almost all of the cDNA clones which belong to either the medium or low abundance class were also detected in the leaf library. Northern blot hybridization with three of the highly abundant cDNA clones confirmed their preferential expression in anther. In situ hybridization experiment with one of the clones showed the pollen-specific expression of the clone in mature anther. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the clone LMP131 encodes a peptide which is highly homologous to the tomato pollen-preferential gene, LAT59, which encodes a putative pectate lyase. The clone LMP134 encodes a peptide that shows an extensive similarity to a variety of thioredoxins. The third clone LMP132 encodes a 182-residue protein that has no significant homology to known sequences.     

Expression of Bra r 1 gene in transgenic tobacco and Bra r 1 promoter activity in pollen of various plant species

Bra r 1 encodes a Ca2+-binding protein specifically expressed in anthers of Brassica rapa. In this study, we isolated a genomic clone of Bra r 1 and found sequences similar to Pollen Box core motifs and LAT56/59 box, pollen-specific cis-acting element, in the 5' upstream region of Bra r 1. Reporter gene fusion revealed that the Bra r 1 promoter directs male gametophytic expression in Nicotiana tabacum, Arabidopsis thaliana and B. napus, showing strong expression in mature pollen grains similar to that of endogenous Bra r 1. Genomic DNA of Bra r 1 was introduced into tobacco plants and the highest accumulation of Bra r 1 protein was observed in mature pollen in the same manner as reporter gene expression. Using in vitro-germinated pollen tubes of transgenic tobacco, we firstly demonstrated the subcellular localization of Bra r 1 in pollen tubes. Bra r 1 protein was distributed throughout the pollen tube of transgenic tobacco and slightly intense signals of Bra r 1 were observed in the tip region. In long-germinated pollen tubes, Bra r 1 was detected only in the cytoplasmic compartments while no signals were observed in the empty part of the pollen tube, indicating that cytoplasmic movement toward the tube tip is accompanied by Bra r 1. Hence, we suggest that Bra r 1 is involved in pollen germination and pollen tube growth.     

High level of GUS gene expression driven by pollen-specific promoters in electroporated lily pollen protoplasts

Gene constructs that contained the -glucuronidase (GUS) gene under the control of a pollen-specific Zm13 promoter from maize and a LAT52 promoter from tomato were introduced by electroporation into pollen protoplasts isolated from bicellular pollen grains of Lilium longiflorum. After 20 h in culture, the pollen protoplasts exhibited the apparent expression of GUS in a fluorometric assay. The GUS activity induced under the control of the Zm13 promoter was over 10 000 times higher than activity in the control (with no DNA or without electroporation). By contrast, the GUS gene was nearly silent in the lily microspore protoplasts and generative cell protoplasts. The GUS activity driven by the Zm13 and LAT52 promoters was also detected by a cytochemical assay. The frequency of blue-staining pollen protoplasts was about 70% in the case of the Zm13 promoter. The efficiency of gene transfer by electroporation was much higher than by particle bombardment. This protoplast-specific electroporation system is suitable for rapid and reliable examination of pollen-specific promoters, being as good as the particle bombardment system.     

Use of a nuclear-targeted β-glucuronidase fusion protein to demonstrate vegetative cell-specific gene expression in developing pollen

To examine the site of expression of the tomato anther-specific gene, LAT52, in the developing male gametophyte, the LAT52 gene promoter was fused to a nuclear-targeted version of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene and introduced into tobacco. Transformed plants expressing GUS activity showed nuclear localization of the GUS reaction product to the vegetative cell of the pollen grain. No staining or localization was detected in the generative cell, at pollen maturation or during pollen tube growth in vitro. These results clearly demonstrate differential gene expression within the male gametophyte, and highlight regulatory events which determine the differing fates of the vegetative and generative cells following microspore mitosis.     

GFP‐tagged pollen to monitor pollen flow of transgenic plants

In this study, the pollen‐active LAT59 promoter from tomato was used to express a green fluorescent protein (GFP) encoding gene in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) pollen. This promoter is preferentially expressed in anthers and pollen. Pollen in transgenic plants segregated in a 1 : 1 Mendelian ratio, and the plants were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐positive. GFP‐tagged pollen was developed as a tool for tracking the movement of transgenic plant pollen in the environment. Specifically, it should be a useful tool for characterizing the spatial distribution patterns of transgenic pollen, to determine pollination mechanisms, to monitor the effects on nontarget organisms, and to monitor gene flow in field conditions.     

A cysteine-rich extracellular protein,LAT52, interacts with the extracellular domain of the pollen receptor kinase LePRK2

Pollen germination and pollen tube growth are thought to require extracellular cues, but how these cues are perceived and transduced remains largely unknown. Pollen receptor kinases are plausible candidates for this role; they might bind extracellular ligands and thereby mediate cytoplasmic events required for pollen germination and pollen tube growth. To search for pollen-expressed ligands for pollen receptor kinases, we used the extracellular domains of three pollen-specific receptor kinases of tomato (LePRK1, LePRK2, and LePRK3) as baits in a yeast two-hybrid screen. We identified numerous secreted or plasma membrane-bound candidate ligands. One of these, the Cys-rich protein LAT52, was known to be essential during pollen hydration and pollen tube growth. We used in vivo coimmunoprecipitation to demonstrate that LAT52 was capable of forming a complex with LePRK2 in pollen and to show that the extracellular domain of LePRK2 was sufficient for the interaction. Soluble LAT52 can exist in differently sized forms, but only the larger form can interact with LePRK2. We propose that LAT52 might be a ligand for LePRK2.     

The expression of a potato (Solanum tuberosum) S-RNase gene in Nicotiana tabacum pollen

Self-incompatibility in the Solanaceae is controlled by a single multiallelic genetic locus, the S locus. The stylar gene products of the S locus are abundant glycoproteins with ribonuclease activity, secreted in the transmitting tract tissue of the pistil. To investigate the structural and functional integrity and possible phenotypic effects of expression of the S-gene product in the male gametophyte, N. tabacum plants were transformed with a construct containing the genomic S ₂ -RNase coding sequence from S. tuberosum under the control of the promoter of the pollen-specific LAT52 gene from tomato. The expression pattern of the S ₂ RNase in the male gametophyte at both the protein and RNA level was found to be identical to that already reported for expression of the -glucuronidase (GUS) gene directed by the LAT52 promoter in transgenic tomato and tobacco. The S ₂ -RNase gene fusion led to a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated accumulation of the S ₂ polypeptide in pollen of transgenic tobacco plants. The transgenic protein product was of the same size and charge as the potato stylar product, had ribonuclease activity, and was glycosylated. The transgenic plants, however, did not show any morphological variations in their flower organs, and their fertility was not influenced by the accumulation of the S ₂ -RNase protein in pollen.     

Deletion analysis of pollen-expressed promoters

Summary We have used microprojectile bombardment of tobacco pollen to study the DNA sequences involved in the expression of pollen-expressed genes. Promoter-reporter gene fusions constructed with the promoters of three different pollen-expressed genes from tomato (LAT52, LAT56, and LAT59) and either theβ-glucuronidase or luciferase reporter genes were assayed by bombarding hydrated tobacco pollen with the gene constructs precipitated onto tungsten microprojectiles. Reporter gene expression can be assayed within 30 min, with the maximal level of expression between 6 and 12 h after bombardment. By constructing and assaying promoter deletion derivatives, we have been able to delimit regions of the promoters that are necessary for high level expression in pollen. We also demonstrate that results with this transient expression system parallel the expression levels seen in pollen from stably transformed transgenic plants. The microprojectile bombardment assay can be used to rapidly test constructs for pollen expression beforeAgrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. Furthermore, it may be possible to adapt the microprojectile bombardment technique to achieve stable transformation of pollen. Presented in the Session-in-Depth Genetic Transformation and Genetic Analysis Using Microprojectile Bombardment at the 41st Annual Meeting of the Tissue Culture Association, Houston, Texas, June 10–13, 1990. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, ARS CRIS 5335-22230-002-00D, and by the NSF Center for Plant Developmental Biology, UC-Berkeley, DIR-8719933.