Abscisic Acid Accumulation in Developing Seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L

Free and bound abscisic acid (ABA) in the pod, seed coat, and embryo were determined separately throughout seed development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. `Taylor's Horticultural.' An internal standard method of gas-liquid chromatography was used for ABA quantification. In the embryo, two peaks of free ABA occurred at days 22 (1.18 micrograms per gram or 5.5 micromolar) and 28 (1.74 micrograms per gram or 12 micromolar); and a single peak of bound ABA at day 30. In the seed coat, there was one peak of free ABA at day 22 and only small amounts of bound ABA. Very small amounts of ABA were detected in the pod at any stage of development. In cv. PI 226895, in which seed development is more rapid than in `Taylor's Horticultural,' the embryo ABA peaks occur on days 20 and 26. The timing of the ABA peak in the embryo, and the concentration attained, are consistent with previous reports on the natural pattern of RNA synthesis and with ABA inhibition of RNA synthesis in developing bean fruit.     

Changes in mRNA populations during loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seed stratification, germination and post-germinative growth

Changes in the patterns of gene expression were examined during loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) seed stratification, germination, and post-germinative growth. In both the megagametophyte and the embryo, DNA contents remained relatively constant at all stages examined. RNA contents, however, increased in both tissues following seed germination, particularly in the embryo where a 7-fold increase in the RNA content was observed 5 days after germination. Poly(A)⁺ RNA, extracted from megagametophytes and embryos, was translated in vitro in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate cell-free system. Analysis of [³⁵S]-methionine-labelled translation products by two-dimensional electrophoresis/fluorography indicated that there were changes in the populations of mRNAs during all developmental stages examined. In both the megagametophyte and the embryo several distinct mRNA populations, including one constitutively present at all stages examined, were identified. One mRNA population, present in the mature seed, decreased during seed stratification. Another population, not present in the mature seed, rose during the period of stratification that coincided with an increase in seed germinability. A third population, which appeared during seed germination, increased steadily during post-germinative growth. Besides these similarities, specific differences between megagametophyte and embryo were noted. For example, one mRNA population, which was present in the megagametophyte of the mature seed and remained constant during the stratification period, disappeared immediately following seed germination. In the embryo, one set of messages was germination specific. In total, these results show that mRNA populations change in a temporal fashion that is consistent with the patterns of de novo protein synthesis known to occur in loblolly pine during the same developmental periods.     

Rapid and Reliable Differential Display from Minute Amounts of Tissue: Mass Cloning and Characterization of Differentially Expressed Genes from Loblolly Pine Embryos

Performing RNA differential display analysis on small tissue samples is difficult since much RNA, the initial template for the reaction, is lost during conventional isolation procedures. We have developed a rapid method which employs oligo-dT beads to capture mRNA from cell lysates. Subsequent reactions are primed directly from the beads, thus RT and PCR reactions can be completed within a few hours of tissue harvest. This approach allows us to perform differential display on a single pine embryo. We describe strategies for distinguishing classes of co-migrating bands excised from differential display gels and outline a PCR-based method for confirming differential expression of large numbers of cloned bands in cases where RNA quantities are limiting.     

Wheat proteomics: relationship between fine chromosome deletion and protein expression

To explore the relationship between fine chromosome deletion and protein expression in common wheat, the changes in protein composition of wheat seed proteome were investigated by using chromosome 1B. A momosomic alien chromosome addition line of common wheat was used to produce the fine deletion lines. Endosperm and embryo proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and visualized by staining with Commassie Brilliant Blue, and gel images were analyzed with a computer assisted image analyzer. For the first time, fine gene locations of a few endosperm and embryo proteins were identified on the chromosome 1B. These proteins with their specific gene location on the chromosome can be used as protein markers in breeding programs for quality of wheat proteins. To identify wheat seed proteins and to understand their expression in relation to chromosome deletion, the feasibility of a new analytical approach based on isotope coded affinity tag labeling (ICAT) of peptides in tryptic digests followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has been described. Simplification of the complex tryptic digest prior to mass spectral analysis was performed by treating the samples with light and heavy ICAT labeling reagents. A clear separation of peptide fragment containing the light and heavy reagents was achieved in mass spectral analysis. Out of the 14 peptides detected by mass fragment analysis of the euploid, four were down-regulated, nine up-regulated and one did not show any change due to the terminal deletion of chromosome 1B. Selected peptide fragments were subjected to tandem mass spectrometry analysis for sequence information and the resulting sequence information was submitted to databases for protein identification. Of the five proteins submitted, four were identified as alpha-amylase inhibitor, alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitor precursor, proteasome subunit alpha-type 7 and 1,4 alpha-glucan-D-maltohydrolase. With this approach it is possible to identify wheat seed proteins and to understand their expression, which have been reported to be difficult by 2-DE due to cosynthesis of proteins by genes from three genomes, A, B and D.     

A Rapid DNA Extraction Method for RFLP and PCR Analysis from a Single Dry Seed

A single-seed DNA extraction method was developed for rapid identification of plant genotype. The method was applied to 12 plant species, including the oil seeds sesame and soybean. The results were comparable to those obtained for oil-less seeds such as rice. This method will be useful for genotypic selection which requires rapid screening of large populations. It can also be used to identify varietal purity of seed stocks by PCR and RFLP analysis. The method includes two major steps, (i) treatment by proteinase K in an SDS extraction buffer, and (ii) grinding of a single half seed in the buffer after incubation. About 1.5–2 µg of DNA per half seed (the endosperm part) of rice was obtained and more than 200 half seed samples could be handled by one person in a day. The DNA could be used for fingerprinting and detection of target genes in a transgenic plant by PCR. The amplified PCR products from the half seed DNA exhibited the same banding patterns as those from leaf DNA. Yield and quality of DNA extracted from half seeds of rice was also sufficient for RFLP analysis. The remnant half seeds containing the embryo can be maintained for later germination of selected genotypes.     

Expression of TaCYP78A3, a gene encoding cytochrome P450 CYP78A3 protein in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), affects seed size

Several studies have described quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed size in wheat, but the relevant genes and molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we report the functional characterization of the wheat TaCYP78A3 gene and its effect on seed size. TaCYP78A3 encoded wheat cytochrome P450 CYP78A3, and was specifically expressed in wheat reproductive organs. TaCYP78A3 activity was positively correlated with the final seed size. Its silencing caused a reduction of cell number in the seed coat, resulting in an 11% decrease in wheat seed size, whereas TaCYP78A3 over‐expression induced production of more cells in the seed coat, leading to an 11–48% increase in Arabidopsis seed size. In addition, the cell number in the final seed coat was determined by the TaCYP78A3 expression level, which affected the extent of integument cell proliferation in the developing ovule and seed. Unfortunately, TaCYP78A3 over‐expression in Arabidopsis caused a reduced seed set due to an ovule developmental defect. Moreover, TaCYP78A3 over‐expression affected embryo development by promoting embryo integument cell proliferation during seed development, which also ultimately affected the final seed size in Arabidopsis. In summary, our results indicated that TaCYP78A3 plays critical roles in influencing seed size by affecting the extent of integument cell proliferation. The present study provides direct evidence that TaCYP78A3 affects seed size in wheat, and contributes to an understanding of the cellular basis of the gene influencing seed development.     

Characterization of the expression of a wheat cystatin gene during caryopsis development

A cDNA coding for phytocystatin, a protease inhibitor, was isolated from wheat embryos by differential display RT-PCR and the corresponding full-length cDNA (named WC5 for wheat cystatin gene 5) subsequently obtained by RACE. The deduced primary sequence of the protein suggests the presence of a 28 amino acid N-terminal signal sequence and a 100 amino acid mature protein containing the three consensus motifs known to interact with the active site of cysteine peptidases. Northern and western analysis revealed a spatio-temporal pattern of the cystatin gene expression during caryopse development. In the embryo, WC5 was only expressed during early embryogenesis whereas, in seed covering layers, WC5 expression was restricted to the maturation stage of grain development. In addition, immunolocalization experiments showed that cystatin accumulated in the aleurone layer of the maturating seed and in the parenchymal tissues of the embryo scutellum. A recombinant form of the wheat cystatin was shown to be able to inhibit peptidase activities present in whole seed protein extracts. In addition, immunological techniques allowed us to identify two putative target peptidases. The possible roles of the cystatin protein are discussed in relation with tissular localization and putative peptidase targets during seed maturation.     

The seed coat-specific expression of a subtilisin-like gene, SCS1, from soybean

A seed coat-specific gene, SCS1 (Seed Coat Subtilisin 1), from soybean, Glycine max [L.] Merill, has been identified and studied. The gene belongs to a small family of genes with sequence similarity to the subtilisins, which are serine proteases. Northern blot analysis showed that SCS1 RNA accumulates to maximal levels in seed coats at 12 days post anthesis, preceding the final stages of seed coat differentiation. The SCS1 RNA was not found in other tissues including embryos, seed pods, flowers, stems, roots or leaves. In-situ hybridization studies confirmed the temporal pattern of expression observed by Northern blot analysis and further revealed a restricted pattern of RNA accumulation in thick-walled parenchyma cells of the seed coats. These cells are important in the apoplastic translocation of nutrients en route to the embryo from the vascular tissues. The tissue-specific subtilisin-like gene may be required for regulating the differentiation of the thick-walled parenchyma cells. Received: 10 January 2000 / Accepted: 22 February 2000     

外源DNA直接导入小麦及其在育种上的应用

本研究选用两个白粒小麦品种作供体,提取其总ＤＮＡ,采用花粉管直接携带法导入７５（１９８）红粒品种受体植株。ＤＮＡ导入的第一代（Ｄ１）,目的性状的转化频率为１．７５％和２．９４％。Ｄ２代变异率显著低于Ｄ１代。对Ｄ１,Ｄ２代所得目的性状变异后代,按照常规育种程序进行Ｄ３代观察与鉴定,得到已稳定遗传的后代,从中选取保持原品种其它优良性状而籽粒为的白色的变异类型混合脱粒,获得７５（１９８）改良新品系。     

Stored polyadenylated RNA and loss of vigour in germinating wheat embryos

Loss of vigour in wheat seed is associated with lesions affecting the rate of disappearance of stored poly A⁺ RNA (presumptive mRNA) in the germinating embryo when germination takes place at a sub-optimal temperature. During germination in the presence of α-amanitin and consequent of de novo polyA⁺ RNA biosynthesis, the wheat embryo can degrade up to 70% of the stored poly A⁺ RNA of the quiescent embryo before any significant reduction in the rate of protein biosynthesis in the embryo becomes apparent. It is possible that two subpopulations of poly A⁺ RNA species exist in wheat embryos during early germination, one population being degraded rapidly upon rehydration of the embryo whilst the other population supports protein biosynthesis in the initial germination stages prior to degradation.     

Covalent circularization of exogenous RNA during incubation with a wheat embryo cell extract

Cell extracts from wheat embryos have been widely used for mRNA-directed protein production. Here, we found that a significant fraction of exogenous linear RNAs are circularized in a wheat embryo extract. The circularization was seen only in uncapped RNAs. The amount of the circular species reached around 1% of the initial RNA and increased along with an increase in the initial concentration more than proportionally. The circular RNAs were stable but unable to be translated in the extract. The circularization was competitively inhibited in the presence of a known substrate of a wheat embryo RNA ligase. Thus, we cloned the RNA ligase cDNAs. Three isoform sequences were homologous to the other plant RNA ligases. An addition of a cell-free synthesized wheat RNA ligase abolished the inhibition, which indicates a participation of its activity in the circularization. A possible role in RNA metabolism, RNA silencing in particular, is discussed.     

小麦种子基因的表达序列标签分析

以授粉后12 d的小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)种子为材料,构建起cDNA文库.从中随机挑选10 000个克隆,利用Biomek 2000核酸工作站制成高密度cDNA阵列.然后分别以未受精子房、胚和胚乳中提取的RNA为模板,反转录合成探针与膜杂交,进行差示筛选.根据筛选结果,选取800个在胚、胚乳或胚和胚乳中表达的克隆进行表达序列标签(EST)分析,鉴定出216个不同的基因序列.其中24个ESTs属于已知的小麦基因;122个ESTs为推测的小麦新基因,它们编码的产物与种子贮藏蛋白或与生化代谢、发育等其他的生物学过程有关;70个ESTs的序列特征尚未确定.本研究为研究种子发育和小麦品质改良等提供了基础资料.     

小麦总RNA的快速提取

Rneasy Kits用于从小量小麦中分离总RNA。它为同时和多次制备各种生物样品提供了一种快捷而简便的方法-整个过程可以在30分钟内完成。而且Rneasy方法中不再涉及使用有毒物质,如酚类、氯仿等。通过此方法纯化的RNA可用于各种标准的下游技术,如RT-PCR、polyA^ RNA选择、差异显示技术、Northern点杂交和狭线杂交、引物延伸、cDNA合成、陈列表达分析和表达芯片分析等。使用这个盒子,我们多次成功的进行了小麦总RNA的分离,其中的三次在本文中进行了分析。OD260nm/OD280nm介于1.7-2.0之间,OD260nm/OD230nm大于2.0.说明RNA纯度很高,未被蛋白质、苯酚等物质污染。     

一种提取高质量油菜种子和种皮RNA的方法

提取高质量的RNA是从基因表达水平上研究油菜种子和种皮发育的必要条件。现有方法因为油菜种子脂肪、多酚和多糖,难以快速获得完整、高纯度的油菜种子总RNA。本试验针对油菜种子和种皮特点,利用苯酚-氯仿抽提后用无水乙醇沉淀RNA,建立了在油菜种子和种皮中快速提取高质量总RNA的提取方法,电泳分析表明28S rRNA亮度约为18S rRNA的2倍;紫外分光光度计检测A260/A280介于1.8～2.0之间。用该法分离的RNA,已成功用于RT-PCR、Northern blot分析和基因全长的克隆等分子生物学研究。     

The accumulation of oleosins determines the size of seed oilbodies in Arabidopsis

We investigated the role of the oilbody proteins in developing and germinating Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. Seed oilbodies are simple organelles comprising a matrix of triacylglycerol surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer embedded and covered with unique proteins called oleosins. Indirect observations have suggested that oleosins maintain oilbodies as small single units preventing their coalescence during seed desiccation. To understand the role of oleosins during seed development or germination, we created lines of Arabidopsis in which a major oleosin is ablated or severely attenuated. This was achieved using RNA interference techniques and through the use of a T-DNA insertional event, which appears to interrupt the major (18 kD) seed oleosin gene of Arabidopsis and results in ablation of expression. Oleosin suppression resulted in an aberrant phenotype of embryo cells that contain unusually large oilbodies that are not normally observed in seeds. Changes in the size of oilbodies caused disruption of storage organelles, altering accumulation of lipids and proteins and causing delay in germination. The aberrant phenotypes were reversed by reintroducing a recombinant oleosin. Based on this direct evidence, we have shown that oleosins are important proteins in seed tissue for controlling oilbody structure and lipid accumulation.     

应用非伤害性取样提取番鸭毛囊组织总RNA

目的:寻求一种从番鸭毛囊组织中高效提取总RNA的方法。方法:探讨了伤害性取样(剪切皮肤毛囊)、非伤害性取样(直接拔取毛囊)2种不同毛囊取样法对总RNA提取质量的影响,并对常用RNA提取方法TRIzol法中研磨和组织匀浆步骤细节稍加改进,琼脂糖电泳检测总RNA质量。结果:2种毛囊取样方法均能提取出高质量的总RNA,其28S、18S和5S条带清晰可见,无DNA污染。结论:非伤害性取样法可作为番鸭毛囊组织总RNA提取的适用取样方法。