Overexpression of the downward leaf curling (DLC) gene from melon changes leaf morphology by controlling cell size and shape in Arabidopsis leaves

A plant-specific gene was cloned from melon fruit. This gene was named downward leaf curling (CmDLC) based on the phenotype of transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the gene. This expression level of this gene was especially upregulated during melon fruit enlargement. Overexpression of CmDLC in Arabidopsis resulted in dwarfism and narrow, epinastically curled leaves. These phenotypes were found to be caused by a reduction in cell number and cell size on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the epidermis, with a greater reduction on the abaxial side of the leaves. These phenotypic characteristics, combined with the more wavy morphology of epidermal cells in overexpression lines, indicate that CmDLC overexpression affects cell elongation and cell morphology. To investigate intracellular protein localization, a CmDLC-GFP fusion protein was made and expressed in onion epidermal cells. This protein was observed to be preferentially localized close to the cell membrane. Thus, we report here a new plant-specific gene that is localized to the cell membrane and that controls leaf cell number, size and morphology.     

Developing stable progenies of ×Brassicoraphanus, an intergeneric allopolyploid between Brassica rapa and Raphanus sativus, through induced mutation using microspore culture

Induced mutations were used to improve the low seed fertility of an intergeneric allopolyploid, ‘Baemoochae,’ ×Brassicoraphanus, synthesized following hybridization between Brassica rapa and Raphanus sativus. The mutagen N-methyl-N-nitroso-urethane (NMU) was added to microspore cultures. Four lines of nine in the Mi₂ generation showed very high fertility under controlled pollination. The progeny lines (Mi₃) confirmed this result under open pollination, and excellent uniformity was observed in plants grown in the field, as well as in their AFLP profile. On attaining high fertility and uniformity, one of the lines was released to farmers as a new leafy vegetable crop. The original nine lines shared very similar AFLP banding patterns, without any large differences between the high and low seed fertility lines. Thus, mutation induction accelerated genetic stabilization of a newly synthesized allopolyploid, ×Brassicoraphanus.     

Differential expression of major genes involved in the biosynthesis of aliphatic glucosinolates in intergeneric Baemoochae (Brassicaceae) and its parents during development

Plant Molecular Biology - Thus study found the temporal and spatial relationship between production of aliphatic glucosinolate compounds and the expression profile of glucosinolate-related genes...     

Correction to: Differential expression of major genes involved in the biosynthesis of aliphatic glucosinolates in intergeneric Baemoochae (Brassicaceae) and its parents during development

Plant Molecular Biology - Due to an unfortunate turn of events, an incorrect note was provided in the original publication as it should have read:     

An efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of apical meristem in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) using a needle perforation

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a rich source of glucosinolates (GSLs) and their hydrolytic products such as isothiocyanates (ITCs). GSLs and ITCs...