Transformation of protoplasts and intact cells from slowly growing embryogenic callus of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

A procedure for culturing protoplasts from slowly growing embryogenic calli of wheat was developed. The procedure was dependent on the ability to isolate large numbers of culturable protoplasts from slowly growing embryogenic callus. Approximately 68% of the isolated protoplasts divided, and 22% formed colonies; of the latter, 67% continued to proliferate. Plating efficiency was reduced when protoplasts were transformed by polythylene glycol, electroporation, and/or Agrobacterium. Intact cells were also directly transformed by electroporation. Direct electroporation of the Agrobacterium binary vector into intact cells resulted in a significant increase of GUS activity over the control.

Factors affecting transient gene expression in protoplasts isolated from very slowly growing embryogenic callus cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Protoplasts isolated from embryogenic ('Mustang' and 'Chinese Spring') and non-embryogenic ('Mit') calli of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes transiently expressed ß-glucuronidase (GUS) activity when electroporated with a plasmid containing the GUS gene and driven by an enhanced 35S promoter and a TMV leader sequence. Conditions for the maximum expression of GUS activity were: electroporation of the freshly isolated protoplasts at 250 Vcm(-1) and 250 µF for 2 s using 50 µg/ml of plasmid DNA; incubation of the protoplasts with the plasmid before the pulse for 2 h; and a 15-min recovery period on ice after the pulse. In general, a higher GUS activity was obtained in protoplasts of non-embryogenic (NE) callus origin than in those of embryogenic (E) callus origin. Only GUS constructs containing a duplicate 35S promoter derivative resulted in a significant level of GUS expression. The presence of the TMV viral leader sequence in the pAGUS1-TN2 plasmid construct resulted in a significant increase of GUS activity in the electroporated protoplasts of both callus types. On the other hand, protoplasts electroporated with the Adh1 promoter and intron showed a threefold less GUS activity than those electroporated with pAGUS1-TN2. Optimized conditions for DNA uptake and expression were very similar for protoplasts of both callus types. The importance of these findings for the successful regeneration of transgenic and fertile wheat plants is discussed.

Factors controlling variability in measurements of the transient gene expression in electroporated protoplasts of wheat callus.

Factors controlling variability in enzyme transient expression assays have been investigated in electroporated protoplasts isolated from wheat embryogenic and nonembryogenic calli. The level of variation was reduced to a minimum through the optimization of the beta-glucuronidase measurements in the pellet and the supernatant of the homogenized protoplasts, by expressing the data on the basis of the number of protoplasts found to be viable immediately before the assay and on the amount of protein in the pellet and supernatant. Protoplast separation on the basis of size was also useful in eliminating some of the variation resulting from the heterogeneity of the callus used. Efforts to partially synchronize the callus tissue by auxin starvation have not resulted in a significant decrease of this variation. Our results indicate that the level of variation in enzyme transient activity in protoplasts resulting from calli can be reduced by implementation of the experimental techniques presented here.

Restoration of regeneration potential of long-term cultures of red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) by elevated sucrose levels.

A tissue culture protocol for restoring embryogenic ability and increasing green plant regeneration from long-term callus (5-year old) and suspension cultures of "Dawson" red fescue (Festuca rubra var trichyoplylla Gaud) was developed. Pretreatment with elevated levels of sucrose over the standard level (60 mM) enhanced regeneration capacity and decreased the number of albino plants. The highest degree of embryogenesis and green shoot number occurred when calli were pre-treated on MS basal medium supplemented with 120 mM sucrose. Mannitol caused callus discoloration and death if added to pre-treatment media at 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 mM. Cell suspension growth was greatest when 135 mM sucrose was added to the pre-treatment growth media. High concentrations of sucrose (135 and 180 mM) were necessary for plant regeneration from suspension aggregates pretreated with 135 or 180 mM sucrose and then plated on a growth regulator-free regeneration medium composed of half-strength MS salts and B5 vitamins.

Isolation and culture of protoplasts from embryogenic suspension cultures of red fescue (Festuca rubva L.).

Protoplasts were isolated from fast-growing embryogenic suspension cultures of red fescue cv. Dawson (Festuca rubra L.) without agitation. The enzyme isolation solution was highly efficient at releasing protoplasts of greater than 95% viability (5×10(6)-10(7) protoplasts per ml of packed cell volume). A three step procedure was followed for washing and transferring protoplasts from a solution high in inorganic salts to a medium containing glucose and sucrose. The addition of 30 mM sodium thiosulfate to the wash and culture media was found to be helpful in reducing the number of lysed protoplasts. Isolated protoplasts began to divide within 48-72 h when protoplasts were plated in agarose squares and surrounded by nurse cells (mixed nurse plating technique). Maximum colony formation (plating efficiency) was approximately 1%. Many of the colonies continued to grow and produced embryos when transferred to a medium consisting of half-strength MS salts, 4 mg/l 2,4-D, 3 g/l casein hydrolysate and 30 g/l sucrose. Upon transfer to hormone-free medium and exposure to light 16 h/day, many of the embryos germinated to produce green leaves and roots.