Robust RNAi-mediated resistance to infection of seven potyvirids in soybean expressing an intron hairpin <Emphasis Type="Italic">NIb</Emphasis> RNA

Viral pathogens, such as soybean mosaic virus (SMV), are a major constraint in soybean production and often cause significant yield loss and quality deterioration. Engineering resistance by RNAi-mediated gene silencing is a powerful strategy for controlling viral diseases. In this study, a 248-bp inverted repeat of the replicase (nuclear inclusion b, NIb) gene was isolated from the SMV SC3 strain, driven by the leaf-specific rbcS2 promoter from Phaseolus vulgaris, and introduced into soybean. The transgenic lines had significantly lower average disease indices (ranging from 2.14 to 12.35) than did the non-transformed (NT) control plants in three consecutive generations, exhibiting a stable and significantly enhanced resistance to the SMV SC3 strain under field conditions. Furthermore, seed mottling did not occur in transgenic seeds, whereas the NT plants produced ~90% mottled seeds. Virus resistance spectrum screening showed that the greenhouse-grown transgenic lines exhibited robust resistance to five SMV strains (SC3, SC7, SC15, SC18, and a recombinant SMV), bean common mosaic virus, and watermelon mosaic virus. Nevertheless, no significantly enhanced resistance to bean pod mottle virus (BPMV, Comovirus) was observed in the transgenic lines relative to their NT counterparts. Consistent with the results of resistance evaluation, the accumulation of each potyvirid (but not of BPMV) was significantly inhibited in the transgenic plants relative to the NT controls as confirmed by quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). These results demonstrate that robust RNAi-mediated resistance to multiple potyvirids in soybean was conferred by expressing an intron hairpin SMV NIb RNA.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism markers for rapid detection of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rsv4</Emphasis> locus for soybean mosaic virus resistance in diverse germplasm

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) causes a substantial decrease in soybean yield and reduction of seed quality. The most effective management strategy to control the virus is the deployment of host resistance. Seven SMV strains and three independent multi-allelic loci for SMV resistance have been identified previously. The goal of this research was to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SMV resistance at the Rsv4 locus. Ten soybean accessions, with confirmed resistance genes, were used for sequencing the candidate gene Glyma.02g121400. Alignment of these sequences revealed three SNPs displaying 100% consistency for genotypes carrying the Rsv4 gene. These SNPs were applied for a rapid screen of diverse soybean germplasm using the Sequenom iPLEX Gold platform, phenotyped with SMV-G1 and G7 strains to determine phenotype and classified into several groups carrying the proposed R-gene. The population of V94-5152 (Rsv4) × Lee 68 (rsv) was screened using novel SNPs to create a genetic map with improved resolution to determine the location of the Rsv4. To observe the recombination frequencies within the population, three additional SNPs on both sides of the Glyma.02g121400 gene were added. A linkage map revealed a distance of 3.6 cM between the Rsv4 locus and the closest SNP, thus shifting the putative Rsv4 region downstream on chromosome 2. With this region, five candidate genes have been proposed. The genomic position of the discovered SNPs, linked to the Rsv4, could increase screening precision and accelerate breeding efforts to develop multi-strain-resistant crops.     

RNAi-mediated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Soybean mosaic virus</Emphasis> (SMV) resistance of a Korean Soybean cultivar

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important crop for vegetable oil production, and is a major protein source worldwide. Because of its importance as a crop, genetic transformation has been used extensively to improve its valuable traits. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most well-known viral diseases affecting soybean. Transgenic soybean plants with improved resistance to SMV were produced by introducing HC-Pro coding sequences within RNA interference (RNAi) inducing hairpin construct via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. During an experiment to confirm the response of transgenic plants (T₂) to SMV infection, no T₂ plants from lines #2 (31/31), #5 (35/35) or #6 (37/37) exhibited any SMV symptoms, indicating strong viral resistance (R), whereas NT (non-transgenic wild type) plants and those from lines #1, #3 and #4 exhibited mild mosaic (mM) or mosaic (M) symptoms. The northern blot analysis showed that three resistant lines (#2, #5 and #6) did not show the detection of viral RNA accumulation while NT, EV (transformed with empty vector carrying only Bar) and lines #1, #3 and #4 plants were detected. T₃ seeds from SMV-inoculated T₂ plants were harvested and checked for changes in seed morphology due to viral infection. T₃ seeds of lines #2, #5 and #6 were clear and seed coat mottling was not present, which is indicative of SMV resistance. RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR showed that T₃ seeds from the SMV-resistant lines #2, #5 and #6 did not exhibit any detection of viral RNA accumulation (HC-Pro, CP and CI), while the viral RNA accumulation was detected in SMV-susceptible lines #1, #3 and #4 plants. During the greenhouse test for viral resistance and yield components, T₃ plants from the SMV-inoculated transgenic lines #2, #5 and #6 showed viral resistance (R) and exhibited a more favorable average plant height, number of nodes per plant, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant and total seed weight with statistical significance during strong artificial SMV infection than did other plant lines. In particular, the SMV-resistant line #2 exhibited superior average plant height, pod number and total seed weight with highly significance. According to our results, RNAi induced by the hairpin construct of the SMV HC-Pro sequence effectively confers much stronger viral resistance than did the methods used during previous trials, and has the potential to increase yields significantly. Because of its efficiency, the induction of RNAi-mediated resistance will likely be used more frequently as part of the genetic engineering of plants for crop improvement.     

A <Emphasis Type="Italic">bean common mosaic virus</Emphasis> (BCMV)-resistance gene is fine-mapped to the same region as <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rsv1</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">h</Emphasis> in the soybean cultivar Suweon 97

Key message

In the soybean cultivar Suweon 97, BCMV-resistance gene was fine-mapped to a 58.1-kb region co-localizing with the Soybean mosaic virus (SMV)-resistance gene, Rsv1-h raising a possibility that the same gene is utilized against both viral pathogens.

Abstract

Certain soybean cultivars exhibit resistance against soybean mosaic virus (SMV) or bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). Although several SMV-resistance loci have been reported, the understanding of the mechanism underlying BCMV resistance in soybean is limited. Here, by crossing a resistant cultivar Suweon 97 with a susceptible cultivar Williams 82 and inoculating 220 F₂ individuals with a BCMV strain (HZZB011), we observed a 3:1 (resistant/susceptible) segregation ratio, suggesting that Suweon 97 possesses a single dominant resistance gene against BCMV. By performing bulked segregant analysis with 186 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers across the genome, the resistance gene was determined to be linked with marker BARSOYSSR_13_1109. Examining the genotypes of nearby SSR markers on all 220 F₂ individuals then narrowed down the gene between markers BARSOYSSR_13_1109 and BARSOYSSR_13_1122. Furthermore, 14 previously established F_2:3 lines showing crossovers between the two markers were assayed for their phenotypes upon BCMV inoculation. By developing six more SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers, the resistance gene was finally delimited to a 58.1-kb interval flanked by BARSOYSSR_13_1114 and SNP-49. Five genes were annotated in this interval of the Williams 82 genome, including a characteristic coiled-coil nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (CC-NBS-LRR, CNL)-type of resistance gene, Glyma13g184800. Coincidentally, the SMV-resistance allele Rsv1-h was previously mapped to almost the same region, thereby suggesting that soybean Suweon 97 likely relies on the same CNL-type R gene to resist both viral pathogens.

     

Fine-mapping and identification of a novel locus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rsc15</Emphasis> underlying soybean resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Soybean mosaic virus</Emphasis>

Key message

Rsc15, a novel locus underlying soybean resistance to SMV, was fine mapped to a 95-kb region on chromosome 6. The Rsc15- mediated resistance is likely attributed to the gene GmPEX14 , the relative expression of which was highly correlated with the accumulation of H ₂ O ₂ along with the activities of POD and CAT during the early stages of SMV infection in RN-9.

Abstract

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) causes severe yield losses and seed quality deterioration in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] worldwide. A series of single dominant SMV resistance genes have been identified on respective soybean chromosomes 2, 13 and 14, while one novel locus, Rsc15, underlying resistance to the virulent SMV strain SC15 from soybean cultivar RN-9 has been recently mapped to a 14.6-cM region on chromosome 6. However, candidate gene has not yet been identified within this region. In the present study, we aimed to fine map the Rsc15 region and identify candidate gene(s) for this invaluable locus. High-resolution fine-mapping revealed that the Rsc15 gene was located in a 95-kb genomic region which was flanked by the two simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers SSR_06_17 and BARCSOYSSR_06_0835. Allelic sequence comparison and expression profile analysis of candidate genes inferred that the gene Glyma.06g182600 (designated as GmPEX14) was the best candidate gene attributing for the resistance of Rsc15, and that genes encoding receptor-like kinase (RLK) (i.e., Glyma.06g175100 and Glyma.06g184400) and serine/threonine kinase (STK) (i.e., Glyma.06g182900 and Glyma.06g183500) were also potential candidates. High correlations were established between the relative expression level of GmPEX14 and the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration and activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) during the early stages of SMV-SC15 infection in RN-9. The results of the present study will be useful in marker-assisted breeding for SMV resistance and will lead to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of host resistance against SMV.

     

Transmission of carrot mosaic virus by aphids

The transmission of the carrot mosaic virus (CMV) by the aphidsAcyrtJiosiphon pisum HARRÍS,Cavariela aegopodii SCOP, andMyzus persicae SULZ was proved experimentally. It was observed simultaneously that CMV has a non-persistent character. CMV can be transmitted already 2 min after acquisition feeding by the aphidsMyzus persicae SDLZ andCavariella aego-podii Scop. When the time of acquisition feeding is prolonged to 4 min, CMV is transmitted also by aphidAcyrthosiphon pisum HAREÍs. The host range of the investigated virus wasalso determined and its transmission to 8 plant species, belonging to 4 families, was achieved. On the basis of studies of the vector virus relationship and of the host range, further proof was given for the different character of the Australian Carrot motley dwarf virus, theApivm virus 1 Roland and CMV. The experiments showed that preliminary starving of the aphids for 1 h increases their ability to transmit the virus by 3–3%.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">NBS</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">LRR</Emphasis> genes in the soybean <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rsv3</Emphasis> locus reveals several divergent alleles that likely confer resistance to the soybean mosaic virus

Key message

The divergence patterns of NBS – LRR genes in soybean Rsv3 locus were deciphered and several divergent alleles ( NBS_C, NBS_D and Columbia NBS_E ) were identified as the likely functional candidates of Rsv3.

Abstract

The soybean Rsv3 locus, which confers resistance to the soybean mosaic virus (SMV), has been previously mapped to a region containing five nucleotide binding site–leucine-rich repeats (NBS–LRR) genes (referred to as nbs_A–E) in Williams 82. In resistant cultivars, however, the number of NBS–LRR genes in this region and their divergence from susceptible alleles remain unclear. In the present study, we constructed and screened a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library for an Rsv3-possessing cultivar, Zaoshu 18. Sequencing two positive BAC inserts on the Rsv3 locus revealed that Zaoshu 18 possesses the same gene content and order as Williams 82, but two of the NBS–LRR genes, NBS_C and NBS_D, exhibit distinct features that were not observed in the Williams 82 alleles. Obtaining these NBS-LRR genes from eight additional cultivars demonstrated that the NBS_A–D genes diverged into two different alleles: the nbs_A–D alleles were associated with the rsv3-type cultivars, whereas the NBS_A–D alleles were associated with the Rsv3-possessing cultivars. For the NBS_E gene, the cultivar Columbia possesses an allele (NBS_E) that differed from that in Zaoshu 18 and rsv3-type cultivars (nbs_E). Exchanged fragments were further detected on alleles of the NBS_C–E genes, suggesting that recombination is a major force responsible for allele divergence. Also, the LRR domains of the NBS_C–E genes exhibited extremely strong signals of positive selection. Overall, the divergence patterns of the NBS–LRR genes in Rsv3 locus elucidated by this study indicate that not only NBS_C but also NBS_D and Columbia NBS_E are likely functional alleles that confer resistance to SMV.

     

Reactions and resistance ofChenopodium species to tobacco mosaic virus

Chenopodium species react on infection with tobacco mosaic virus by the formation of chlorotic or necrotic lesions and later by the abscission of infected leaves. A transition of local infection into the stem has been observed exceptionally inChenopodium quinoa, C. hybridum, andC. rubrum, but no systemic infection of the leaves followed. Systemic infection was demonstrated only inC. polyspermum andC. murale. The recovery of new sprouts was demonstrated in C.murale in the late chronic phase of infection.     

Interactive effects of aphid feeding and virus infection on host gene expression and volatile compounds in salt-stressed soybean, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> (L.) Merr.

Saline soils are becoming an important limiting factor in production agriculture. Soybean cultivars [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] differ in their ability to tolerate salt stress with those that cannot limit ion uptake into leaves being salt sensitive. Those that can partially limit ion uptake into leaves are generally more salt tolerant. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is an important viral pathogen of soybean worldwide and is commonly transmitted by the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura. In this study, we investigate the interaction of salt stress in soybean with SMV infection and infestation by the soybean aphid by measuring aphid populations in a no-choice assay, gene expression levels, and the induction of volatile organic compounds using static headspace GC–MS analysis. Salt stress and SMV infection both reduced total aphid populations, though SMV did not reduce the total number of aphids per gram of fresh weight. Aphid suppression of a calcium EF hand gene and OPR1 was lost when salt-sensitive soybean plants were salt stressed and when salt-tolerant plants were subjected to all three stressors. The relative levels of SMV in aphid-infested soybeans were increased by salt stress in the salt-sensitive cultivar, whereas SMV levels decreased in the salt-tolerant cultivar. Static headspace collection of volatile organic compounds revealed that salt stress and SMV infection had suppressive activities on aphid-induced terpenes. These results suggest that although salt stress has a negative impact on aphid population size, the changes in volatiles and SMV levels could alter the incidence of SMV in salt-stressed fields.     

Detection of symbionts and virus in the whitefly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), vector of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus</Emphasis> in Central India

Legume crops in Central India, the main soybean production area of the country, may suffer from yellow mosaic disease caused by the Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). MYMIV is transmitted by the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), which is a species complex composed of various genetic groups. This vector species harbors different endosymbionts among regional strains and among individuals. To elucidate fundamental aspects of this virus vector in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the infection status of the symbionts and the virus in whiteflies was studied. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) survey of the whiteflies collected in Madhya Pradesh found four secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus, Hemipteriphilus, Wolbachia, and Cardinium, in addition to the primary endosymbiont Portiera. Arsenophonus and Hemipteriphilus were highly infected but the infection rates of Wolbachia and Cardinium were low. MYMIV was detected in whitefly populations collected from various host plants in Madhya Pradesh. The whitefly populations belonged to the Asia I and II genetic groups; several different Asia II populations were also distributed. Specific relations were not observed among symbiont infection status, virus infection, and the whitefly genetic groups in the populations of Madhya Pradesh, though Cardinium was highly detected in the Asia II-1 group. New primers, which can be used for PCR template validation and for discriminating two phylogenetically close endosymbionts, were designed.     

Subcellular localization and detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tobacco mosaic virus</Emphasis> ORF6 protein by immunoelectron microscopy

Members of the genus Tobamovirus represent one of the best-characterized groups of plant positive, single stranded RNA viruses. Previous studies have shown that genomes of some tobamoviruses contain not only genes coding for coat protein, movement protein, and the cistron coding for different domains of RNA-polymerase, but also a gene, named ORF6, coding for a poorly conserved small protein. The amino acid sequences of ORF6 proteins encoded by different tobamoviruses are highly divergent. The potential role of ORF6 proteins in replication of tobamoviruses still needs to be elucidated. In this study, using biochemical and immunological methods, we have shown that ORF6 peptide is accumulated after infection in case of two isolates of Tobacco mosaic virus strain U1 (TMV-U1 common and TMV-U1 isolate A15). Unlike virus particles accumulating in the cytoplasm, the product of the ORF6 gene is found mainly in nuclei, which correlates with previously published data about transient expression of ORF6 isolated from TMV-U1. Moreover, we present new data showing the presence of ORF6 genes in genomes of several tobamoviruses. For example, in the genomes of other members of the tobamovirus subgroup 1, including Rehmannia mosaic virus, Paprika mild mottle virus, Tobacco mild green mosaic virus, Tomato mosaic virus, Tomato mottle mosaic virus, and Nigerian tobacco latent virus, sequence comparisons revealed the existence of a similar open reading frame like ORF6 of TMV.     

Transmission of RNA silencing signal through grafting confers virus resistance from transgenically silenced tobacco rootstocks to non-transgenic tomato and tobacco scions

We examined the transmission of RNA silencing signal in non-transgenic tomato and tobacco scions grafted onto the tobacco Sd1 rootstocks, which is silenced in both NtTOM1 and NtTOM3 required for tobamovirus multiplication. When the non-transgenic tomato scions were grafted onto the Sd1 rootstocks, RT-PCR analysis of the scions showed the reduced level of mRNA compared with that before grafting in both LeTH3 and LeTH1, tomato homologs of NtTOM1 and NtTOM3, respectively. siRNAs from both genes were detected in the scions after grafting but not before grafting. Further tomato scions were inoculated with Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and used for virus infection. They showed very low level of virus accumulation. Necrotic responding tobacco to tobamovirus was grafted onto the rootstock of Sdl. RT-PCR analysis showed low level expression of both NtTOM1 and NtTOM3 in the scions but siRNA was detected after grafting. When the leaves of scions were inoculated with ToMV or Tobacco mosaic virus, they produced very few local necrotic lesions (LNLs) while the control scions did many LNLs. These results suggest that RNA silencing was transmitted to non-transgenic tomato and tobacco scions after grafting onto the Sd1 rootstocks and that virus resistance was induced in the scions.     

Studies of some ways in which carrot mosaic virus can be transmitted

The transmission of carrot mosaic virus (CMV) by the crude sap to 11 varieties of plants from 4 families was demonstrated. From these plants the virus could be transferred back to a healthy carrot cultivated from the seed in isolation. The incubation time required for the appearance of the symptoms of CMV was 7–20 days. The plants on which mosaic or spot symptoms appeared on the leaves after transfer by the sap at temperatures below 15°C remains habitually healthy after the transfer of virus at higher temperatures. The results of the mechanical inoculation of CMV by the crude infectious sap to young carrots cultivated from seeds differentiated this virus fromApium virus 1, which after mechanical inoculation causes chlorosis of the youngest carrot leaves in contrast to CMV. A further differentiation of CMV fromApium virus 1 is shown by the fact that CMV can be transferred only to the familyDaucaceae. It differs in this fromApium virus 1 which is transferred exclusively to this family (Köhler, Klinkowski 1954). CMV is differentiated fromCucumis virus 1/Doolittle Smith by some different host plants.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</Emphasis> HW2 enhanced cucumber resistance against cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a major limiting factor in the production of cucumber plants worldwide. In the present study, we use plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to control this virus effectively. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia HW2 was isolated from healthy cucumber root, exhibited a good biocontrol efficacy against CGMMV. Here, it is documented that 20 d after virus inoculation, the biocontrol efficacy of HW2 reached 52.61%. HW2 can effectively colonize in cucumber rhizosphere, and also promoted cucumber plants growth. We also examined the effect of HW2 on viral replication and its mechanism. Compared with the control, HW2 pre-treated plants could delay virus replication for more than 3 d and inhibit viral protein genes (CP, MP, Rep) expression in the cucumber leaf. The expression of antioxidant enzyme genes (SOD and CAT) and defense-related genes (PR1 and PR5) were quickly induced by HW2. These results suggest that HW2 induced plant defense responses to CGMMV by increasing the expression of defense response genes. We report for the first time that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia improved cucumber resistance against CGMMV, which highlights the applying of PGPR on controlling of virus diseases.     

Effect of influenza A virus and bacterial lipopolysaccharide on proliferation and expression of cytokines and other cellular factors in the endothelial cell line ECV-304

Viral infection and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) cause endothelial-cell dysfunction. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of influenza A virus and LPS from Escherichia coli on the proliferative activity and gene expression of cytokines and cellular factors (TNFα, TGFβ, IFN-γ, MMP-9, NF-κB, Rho A, eNOS, and iNOS) in human endothelial cells ECV-304. It was found that ECV-304 cells infected with very low infectious doses of influenza virus acquired the capacity for the long-term active proliferation (over eight passages). Addition of LPS from E. coli reduced the virus-stimulated cell proliferation. It was shown that influenza virus and LPS affected the gene expression of cytokine and other cellular factors. When endothelial cells were infected with influenza A virus in the presence of LPS, there was a significant increase in the expression of several genes and the expression pattern of certain genes was modified. Expression of MMP-9 gene inhibited by the virus and LPS separate exposure significantly increased during the first day after addition of the virus and LPS simultaneously. The same was true for the IFN-γ gene expression. TNFα gene was active only for 1–3 days whereas the expression of TGFβ, eNOS, iNOS, NF-κB and Rho A genes increased significantly on the fifth day, as it was observed with the cells treated with LPS only. Thus, the influenza A virus and LPS change the physiological state of endothelial cells. This occurred during various time periods (as well as at various degrees of viral infection) produced by different cellular factors and, possibly, involved different signaling pathways.     

Natural infections ofSisymbrium loeselii Jusl. with cabbage black ringspot and tobacco mosaic viruses

Investigating weeds for viruses in ruderal localities of Greater Prague two forms of mosaic diseases inSisymbrium loeselii Jusl. were demonstrated (green and yellowish-green mosaic). Transmission tests carried out on differential host plants showed that the green mosaic is caused by cabbage black ringspot virus (CBRV) and the yellowish green by mixed infection of CBRV and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). TMV—isolate is characterized as an unusual necrotic strain; its capability to reproduce in cruciferous plant in nature is unique. It was ascertained that green mosaic was commonly spread overSisymbrium plants in ruderal ***DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01GP029 00004 associations on Prague territory; epidemiological significance of this discovery is discussed.     

Tissue specific expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigen in transgenic plant cells and tissue culture

The tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) carrying the HBsAg gene controlled by (Aocs)₃AmasPmas, the hybrid promoter that includes regulatory elements of the agrobacterial octopine and mannopine synthase genes, as well as plants controlled by the same promoter and adh1, maize alcohol dehydrogenase gene intron were obtained. The presence of the adh1 gene intron did not significantly change the level of expression of the HBsAg gene in plants. The analysis of expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBs-antigen) in transformed plants expressing the HBsAg under the control of different promoters was made. The level of HBs-antigen in plants carrying the HBsAg gene controlled by (Aocs)₃AmasPmas, the hybrid agrobacterium-derived promoter, was the highest in roots and made up to 0.01% of total amount of soluble protein. The level of HBs-antigen in plants carrying the HBsAg gene controlled by the dual 35S RNA cauliflower mosaic virus promoter was the same in all organs of the plant and made up to 0.06% of the total amount of soluble protein. Hairy root and callus cultures of plants carrying the HBsAg gene and expressing the HBs-antigen were obtained.     

Improvement of conditional Cre-lox system through application of the regulatory sequences from Cowpea mosaic virus

To study the impact of regulatory sequences from Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) on Cre-mediated recombination rates, the cre gene was flanked by the 5′ non-translated and 3′ non-translated regions of CPMV. This cre configuration was tested by simultaneous excision of nptII selectable marker gene and heat-inducible cre recombinase gene in potato. Fusion of the cre recombinase sequence with modified regulatory sequences of CPMV increased both the excision efficiencies in primary regenerants and transmission frequencies of recombined loci to vegetative progeny as was confirmed by molecular analysis. These data might have practical implication with regard to selection of putative recombinants in vegetative progeny of potato and other clonally propagated plants as well.