Establishment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation System for Rice Sheath Blight Pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA

To construct the T-DNA insertional mutagenesis transformation system for rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA,the virulent isolate GD118 of this pathogen was selected as an initial isolate for transformation.The conditions for transformation of isolate GD118 were optimized in five aspects,i.e.pre-induction time,co-culture time,acetosyringone(AS) concentration at the co-culture phase,co-culture temperature and pH value of induction solid medium(ISM) at the co-culture phase.Finally,a system of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation(ATMT) for R.solani AG-1 IA was established successfully.The optimal conditions for this ATMT system were as follows:the concentration of hygromycin B at 30 μg/mL for transformant screening,8 h of pre-induction,20 h of co-culture,200 μmol/L of AS in ISM,co-culture at 25 ℃ and pH 5.6 to 5.8 of ISM at the co-culture phase.The transformants still displayed high resistance to hygromycin B after subculture for five generations.A total of 10 randomly selected transformants were used for PCR verification using the specific primers designed for the hph gene,and the results revealed that an expected band of 500 bp was amplified from all of the 10 transformants.Moreover,PCR amplification for these 10 transformants was carried out using specific primers designed for the Vir gene of A.tumefaciens,with four strains of A.tumefaciens as positive controls for eliminating the false-positive caused by the contamination of A.tumefaciens.An expected band of 730 bp was amplified from the four strains of A.tumefaciens,whereas no corresponding DNA band could be amplified from the 10 transformants.The results of the two PCR amplifications clearly showed that T-DNA was indeed inserted into the genome of target isolate GD118.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of modern rose(Rosa hybrida)using leaf-derived embryogenic callus

Rose(Rosa hybrida)is widely used for cut flowers and as garden plants.Stable and efficient transformation system is required for functional genomics of rose.Here,we established an efficient transformation method for rose using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of embryogenic callus.Expanding rose leaves were used as explants to induce somatic embryos,which were subjected to transformation with A.tumefaciens strain GV3101 using Green Fluorescence Protein(GFP)as a marker gene.It took about 8 months to generate transgenic shoots from embryogenic callus.PCR,RT-PCR,Southern and Western blotting,as well as stereoscopic fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated that GFP transgenes integrated stably into the rose genome.According to our data,a transformation efficiency of up to 6%can be achieved by following this optimized protocol.

Scarabaeid Larvae- and Herbicide-Resistant Transgenic Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Obtained by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of cry8Ca2, cry8Ga and bar Genes

Insect pest and weeds are two major problems for forage and turf grasses. In this study, scarab larvae- and herbicide-resistant transgenic perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was obtained by transforming it with cry and bar genes simultaneously via the Agrobacterium-mediated method. To optimize the callus induction and plant regeneration conditions, various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine were assayed. The transformation efficiencies of different Agrobacterium suspension media, used during Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, were compared. Then, plasmids of pCAMBIA3301 containing cry gene (cry8Ca2 or cry8Ga) and bar gene, driven by ubiquitin promoter, were transformed into perennial ryegrass. The transformants were generated and confirmed by both Southern hybridization analysis and Western hybridization analysis. Further, the resistance of transgenic perennial ryegrass plants to scarab larvae and herbicide were analyzed. After 30 d of co-cultivation with scarab larvae, the damage to the root system of transgenic plants was less than that of non-transgenic control plants. Additionally, the leaves of transgenic plants were resistant to Basta, while leaves of the wild plants wilted after Basta spraying. These results show that cry gene and bar gene were successfully transferred into perennial ryegrass by the Agrobactgerium-mediated method, and convey resistance to scarab larvae and herbicide in transgenic perennial ryegrass plants.

Production of Transgenic Tall Fescue Plants with Enhanced Stress Tolerances by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation

In order to improve stress tolerances of turf-type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), Agrobacterium tumefaciensstrain EHA105 carrying plasmid pCMD containing stress tolerance-related CBF1 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana wasused to transform mature seeds-derived embryogenic calli of four cultivars. A total of 112 transgenic plants were regeneratedfrom 32 independent lines and verified by histochemical detection of GUS activity, PCR assay and Southern hybridizationanalysis. The transformation frequency ranged from 0.92 to 2.87% with apparent differences among the cultivars. Stresstolerances of transgenic plants were enhanced, which was shown by the facts that transgenic plants had distinct growthsuperiority and significantly higher survival rate than non-transformed ones under high salinity and high osmosis stresses,and that relative electronic conductivity of in vitro leaves treated with low and high temperatures, dehydration and highsalinity stresses was 25-30% lower in transgenic plants than in control plants. In addition, it was observed that growth oftransgenic plants was inhibited due to constitutive overexpression of CBF1 gene under normal environmental conditions.

Fast,simple,efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system to non-heading Chinese cabbage with transgenic roots

Non-heading Chinese cabbage, a variety of Brassica campestris, is an important vegetable crop in the Yangtze River Basin of China. However,the immaturity of its stable transformation system and its low transformation efficiency limit gene function research on non-heading Chinese cabbage. Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated(ARM) transgenic technology is a rapid and effective transformation method that has not yet been established for non-heading Chinese cabbage plants. Here, we optimized conventional ARM approaches(one-step and two-step transformation methods) suitable for living non-heading Chinese cabbage plants in nonsterile environments. Transgenic roots in composite non-heading Chinese cabbage plants were identified using phenotypic detection, fluorescence observation, and PCR analysis. The transformation efficiency of a two-step method on four five-day-old non-heading Chinese cabbage seedlings(Suzhouqing, Huangmeigui, Wuyueman, and Sijiu Caixin) was 43.33%-51.09%, whereas using the stout hypocotyl resulted in a transformation efficiency of 54.88% for the 30-day-old Sijiu Caixin.The one-step method outperformed the two-step method;the transformation efficiency of different varieties was above 60%, and both methods can be used to obtain transgenic roots for functional studies within one month. Finally, optimized ARM transformation methods can easily,quickly, and effectively produce composite non-heading Chinese cabbage plants with transgenic roots, providing a reliable foundation for gene function research and non-heading Chinese cabbage genetic improvement breeding.

Reliable and Efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Dianthus spiculifolius

Dianthus spiculifolius is a perennial herbaceous flower with strong environmental adaptability and is an important ornamental ground cover plant.In this study,seeds of D.spiculifolius were used as explants for callus induction,adventitious bud differentiation,and rooting by adding different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D),6-benzyl aminopurine(6-BA),and naphthaleneacetic acid(NAA)to Murashige and Skoog medium.The calli generated were co-cultured with Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 containing pBI121-GUS or pBI121-GFP plasmids for 30 min,and transgenic regenerated plants were obtained by kanamycin(30mg·L^−1)screening.RT-PCR confirmed the stable expression of the exogenous GUS and GFP genes in the D.spiculifolius.Theβ-glucuronidase(GUS)histochemical staining confirmed GUS gene expression in transgenic calli,adventitious buds,and regenerated plants of D.spiculifolius.The green fluorescent protein(GFP)visual analysis showed GFP gene expression in transgenic calli.Furthermore,subcellular localization analysis showed that the three organelle marker proteins were not only successfully expressed but also accurately localized to their corresponding organelles in D.spiculifolius callus cells.These results indicated a successful establishment of a reliable and efficient A.tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation system,which will contribute to functional gene research and genetic improvement of D.spiculifolius.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of the phytopathogenic fungus Penicillium digitatum

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system was assessed for conducting insertional mutagenesis in Penicillium digitatum, a major fungal pathogen infecting post-harvest citrus fruits. A transformation efficiency of up to 60 transformants per 106 conidia was achieved by this system. The integration of the hph gene into the fungal genome was verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. These transformants tested were also shown to be mitotically stable. Southern blot analysis of 14 randomly selected transformants showed that the hph gene was randomly integrated as single copy into the fungal genome of P. digitatum. Thus, we conclude that ATMT of P. digitatum could be used as an alter-natively practical genetic tool for conducting insertional mutagenesis in P. digitatum to study functional genomics.

Optimization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation Systems in Tea Plant(Camellia sinensis)

In this study, an efficient plant regeneration protocol in vitro and transformation by Agrobacterium-mediated method of Camellia sinensis was achieved, which would lay the foundation for genetic improvement of tea plant by genetic engineering technology. The cotyledon callus of C.sinensis were used as the receptors for transformation by Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 containing PS1aG-3. Some factors which affected the result of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of C. sinensis were studied on the basis of GUS transient expression system. The optimum system of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was that the cotyledon callus were pre-cultured for 3 d, and then infected by EHA105 for 15 min followed by 3 d co-culture in the dark on the YEB medium containing 150 μmol·L^(-1) acetosyringone(AS). The transient expression rate of GUS gene was 62.6%. After being delayed selective culture for 3 d, infected callus were transferred into the differentiation medium and the root induction medium both of which were supplemented with 100 mg·L^(-1) spectinomycin, and then resistant seedlings of C. sinensis were obtained. The conversion rate was 3.6%.

Optimization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation System and Transformation of Glyphosate-Resistant Gene 2mG2-EPSPS in Maize(Zea mays L.)

Since maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world,establishment of an efficient genetic transformation system is critical for its improvement.In the current study,several elite corn lines were tested for suitability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation by using immature embryos as explants.Infection ability and efficiency of transformation of A.tumefaciens sp.strains EHA105 and LBA4404,different heat treatment times of immature embryos before infection,influence of L-cysteine addition in co-cultivation medium after transformation,and how different ways of selection and cultivation influence the efficiency of transformation were compared.Glyphosate-resistant gene 2mG2-EPSPS was transformed into several typical maize genotypes including 78599,Zong 31 and BA,under the optimum conditions.Results showed that the hypervirulent Agrobacterium tumefaciens sp.strain EHA105 was more infectious than LBA4404.Inclusion of L-cysteine(100 mg L-1)in co-cultivation medium,and heating of the immature embryos for 3 min prior to infection led to a significant increase in the transformation efficiency.Growth in resting medium for 4-10 d and delaying selection was beneficial to the survival of resistant calli.During induction of germination,adding a high concentration of6-BA(5 mg L-1)and a low concentration of 2,4-D(0.2 mg L-1)to regeneration medium significantly enhanced germination percentage.Using the optimized transformation procedure,more than 800 transgenic plants were obtained from 78599,Zong 31and BA.By spraying herbicide glyphosate on leaves of transgenic lines,we identified 66 primary glyphosate-resistant plants.The transformation efficiency was 8.2%.PCR and Southern-blot analyses confirmed the integration of the transgenes in the maize genome.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of CryⅠA(b) gene to Trichoderma harzianum

In this study, CryⅠA(b) gene was successfully transferred into the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma har- zianum with an efficiency of 60—180 transformants per 106 spores by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated trans- formation. Putative transformants were analyzed to test the presence of CryⅠA(b) gene by Southern blot. Most trans- formants contained a single T-DNA copy. RT-PCR analysis showed that the CryⅠA(b) gene was transcribed. Antifungal activities and insecticidal activities of the transformants were examined. There was no obvious difference in antifungal activities between the transformants and their wild strains. The modified mortalities of the transformants T1 and T2 were 69.57% and 91.30%, respectively. The tranformation system mediated by A. tumefaciens proved to be a powerful tool for the filamentous fungi transformation and functional genomic study with its high transformation frequency, sim- plicity of T-DNA integration, and genetic stability of transformants.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated GUS gene transformation of Robinia pseudoacacia 'Idaho'

Based on the plant regeneration system, a GUS gene transformation system to Idaho locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Idaho') mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was established. The successful transformation was confirmed by regenerating the shoots from the infected leaves in the presence of hygromysin; by histochemical X-gluc assays ofβ-glucuronidase (GUS) and by PCR and PCR-Southern blotting analysis. The ratio of positive transgenic plants is 5.8% (5 out of 86 plants). With this system, the target gene DREB was introduced into the leaves of Idaho locust. The transgenic plants regenerated, which was verified by PCR-Southern blotting. It is suggested that the transformation system could be a new, simple, reliable and practical route to gene transformation of R. pseudoacacia 'Idaho' mediated with A. tumefaciens.

Establishment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated Genetic Transformation System for Aspergillus awamori

[Objective] This study aimed to establish Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation system for Aspergillus awamori and investigate the feasibility of expressing heterologous proteins in A.awamori.[Method] Appropriate A.awamori host strains were determined according to the secretory protein profile.Selectable marker was selected for genetic transformation by drug sensitivity analysis.The established A.awamori genetic transformation system was used for transformation and expression analysis of Rhizomucor miehei lipase(RML).The feasibility of using A.awamori to express heterologous proteins was investigated by identification of transformants and property analysis.[Result] Based on the analysis of secretory protein profile,A.awamori strains CBS115.52 and CICC2257 were determined as the host strains for heterologous protein expression;drug sensitivity analysis shows that hygromycin B resistance gene(HygBr) is an effective genetic selectable marker;by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation(ATMT) method,the plasmid pHGW-amdS containing HygBr was successfully transformed into A.awamori strain CBS115.52 to establish the genetic transformation system of A.awamori with HygBr as selectable marker.RML was transformed into A.awamori and its expression was validated by substrate hydrolysis test,SDS-PAGE and Western blot.[Conclusion] This study demonstrates that the genetic transformation system of A.awamori mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens has potential feasibility for expression of heterologous proteins.

Soybean hairy roots produced in vitro by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation

Soybean is one of the world's most important oil and protein crops. Efficient transformation is a key factor for the improvement of soybean by genetic modification. We describe an optimized protocol for the Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of soybean and the induction of hairy root development in vitro. Cotyledons with 0.5-cm hypocotyls were cut from 5-day-old seedlings and used as explants. After infection and co-cultivation,hairy roots were produced in induction culture medium after 10–12 days. Using this method, 90%–99% of the infected explants of five different cultivars produced hairy roots within one month. Observations using reporter constructs showed that 30%–60% of the hairy roots induced were transformed. Based on high transformation efficiency and short transformation period, this method represents an efficient and rapid platform for study of soybean gene function.

Genetic transformation of loblolly pine using mature zygotic embryo explants by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 carrying pBI121 plasmid was used to transform mature zygotic embryos of three genotypes (E-Hb, E-Ma, and E-Mc) of loblolly pine. The results demonstrated that the expression frequency of (-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS) varied among genotypes after mature zygotic embryos were infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens cultures. The highest frequency (27.8%) of GUS expressing embryos was obtained from genotype E-Mc with mean number of 21.9 blue GUS spots per embryo. Expression of (-glucuronidase reporter gene was observed on cotyledons, hypocotyls, and radicles of transformed mature zygotic embryos, as well as on organogenic callus and regenerated shoots derived from co-cultivated mature zygotic embryos. Nineteen regenerated transgenic plants were obtained from GUS expression and kanamycin resistant calli. The presence and integration of the GUS gene was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot analysis. These results suggested that an efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol for stable integration of foreign genes into loblolly pine has been developed and that this transformation system could be useful for the future studies on transferring economically important genes to loblolly pine.

Low Co-Cultivation Temperature at 20°C Resulted in the Reproducible Maximum Increase in Both the Fresh Weight Yield and Stable Expression of GUS Activity after <i>Agrobacterium tumefaciens</i>-Mediated Transformation of Tobacco Leaf Disks

The importance of controlled temperature during the four-days co-cultivation period was evaluated under the most physiologically relevant conditions for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Xanthi (nn, Smith)) leaf disks. We compared the effect of temperatures ranging from 15°C, 18°C, 20°C, 22°C to 25°C on the stable expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity of 14 days old hygromycin-selected leaf disks, and on the increase in the fresh weight yield of 28 days old kanamycin-selected calli. The highest average of GUS activity was obtained at 20°C among the five temperatures tested although the difference between the 18°C and 20°C treatment was not statistically significant. The GUS activity at 15°C was statistically lower than those at 18°C and 20°C. The GUS activity in 22°C treatment was an intermediate between the highest (18/20°C) and second highest averages (15°C), and was not statistically significantly different. The lowest average of GUS activity was observed at 25°C. The highest increase in the plate average of fresh weight yield was obtained at 20°C among the five temperature tested. The 20°C treatment was statistically significantly better than the 15°C and 18°C treatments. The 20°C co-cultivation treatment resulted in the higher FW yield than 22°C and 25°C even though the differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, low co-cultivation temperature at 20°C resulted in the reproducible maximum increase in both the fresh weight yield and stable expression of GUS activity after transformation of tobacco leaf disks.

Factors Affecting Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation Efficiency in Rice

Several important factors affecting the efficiency of Agrobacterium-mediated rice transformation were studied with several predominant commercial indica and japonica rice cultivars. As far as indica rice callus was concerned, CC medium was the best and the quality of callus was improved with the addition of 1.0 to 2.0 mg/L ABA. It decreased the percentage of browning calli and improved the callus growing state by addition of a certain amount of sorbitol to the subculture medium. NB medium was the best for callus initiation of japonica rice, but the improvement in the quality of callus of japonica subspecies was not obvious by adding ABA. During the period of subculture, to a certain degree, increasing the sucrose concentration could improve the proportion of hygromycin resistant calli. Furthermore, the transformation efficiency would be higher by applying selection pressure in the selection stage, removing selection pressure during the plantlet differentiation period and applying selection pressure again during seedling hardening period. Besides, suitable combination of plant hormones was beneficial for callus differentiation. An efficient Agrobacterium-mediated rice transformation system had been established for several rice cultivars and a lot of transgenic rice plants had been obtained.

Establishment of A Simple and Efficient Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation System to Chinese Cabbage(Brassica rapa L.ssp.pekinensis)

Chinese cabbage,belonging to Brassica rapa species,is an important vegetable in Eastern Asia.It is well known that Chinese cabbage is quite recalcitrant to genetic transformation and the transgenic frequency is generally low.The lack of an efficient and stable genetic transformation system for Chinese cabbage has largely limited related gene functional studies.In this study,we firstly developed a regeneration system for Chinese cabbage by optimizing numerous factors,with 93.50%regeneration rate on average.Based on this,a simple and efficient Agrobacteriummediated genetic transformation methodwas established,without pre-culture procedure and concentration adjustment of hormone and AgNO_(3) in co-cultivation and selection media.Using this system,transformants could be obtained within 3.5–4.0 months.Average transformation frequency is up to 10.83%.The establishment of this simple and efficient genetic transformation method paved the way for further gene editing and functional studies in Chinese cabbage.

Effect of Phytosulfokine-α on Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation in Rice

Phytosulfokine-α(PSK-α), a biologically active peptide acting as a growth factor, plays a key role in cellular differentiation and proliferation. To test if PSK-αhas some influence on agrobacterium-mediated transformation in rice, PSK-αat a series of concentrations was added into co-culture medium respectively. The results showed that PSK-αindeed affected the recovery of resistant calli and the transformation frequency of rice varieties Taipei 309 and Lijiangxintuanheigu. PSK-αat the concentration of 10 nmol/L could increase induction of resistant callus and efficiency of transformation, with a 11% and 4.9% top increase, respectively than the control. However, PSK-αat 200 nmol/L could inhibit the induction of the resistant calli. Further more, the effect of PSK-αon agrobacterium-mediated transformation is related with the concentration of 2, 4-D in selection medium. Higher induction rate of resistant calli was obtained from tissues treated with PSK-αplus 2 mg/L 2, 4-D.

Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Rice: Constraints and Possible Solutions

Genetic transformation of rice(Oryza sativa L.) by introducing beneficial traits is now a central research instrument in plant physiology and a practical tool for plant improvement. Many approaches are verified for stable introduction of foreign genes into the plant genome. The review examined the different constraints that limit the success of rice genetic transformation via Agrobacterium-mediated approach and suggested possible solutions. Explant identification, gene transfer technique and construct to tailor the integration, transgene expression without collateral to genetic damage and transformant selection are among the technical challenges affecting the rice transformation. Despite the contests, Agrobacteriummediated transformation system has been a better option for producing transgenic rice varieties because of its exact T-DNA processing and simple integration of low copy-number transgene. This information is necessary for improving the transformation system for recalcitrant rice varieties.

In planta Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Rice

The floral-dip transformation, the simplest technique, is no requirement of tissue culture procedure, and can directly transfer the interest gene into plant reproductive cells. It has been successfully applied to various plant species. In this study, the optimal conditions of a floral-dip method for production of transgenic rice variety RD41 were explored. The simple and effective inoculation medium was composed of Murashige and Skoog(MS) medium, 5% sucrose, 44 nmol/L benzylaminopurine, and 0.075% surfactant Tween-20 with pH 5.7. The transformation efficiencies of Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AGL1 and EHA105 were compared with the Agrobacterium density at OD_(600) = 0.8–1.0 and the co-cultivation at 25 ℃ for 48 h. A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 gave slightly higher transformation efficiency than AGL1, with statistically non-significant difference. The floral-drop transformation using the optimal floral-dip conditions showed higher transformation efficiency than the floral-dip method, but the dropped flowers turned brown and died within 2 d. Production of transgenic rice variety RD41 by the floral-dip method was achieved using A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 with the optimal conditions. Screening for the gus A gene by PCR using the gus A specific primers in the T_0 lines, there were 4 transgenic lines from 286 T_0 lines(1.4% transformation efficiency). However, histochemical glucuronidase(GUS) assay demonstrated that only three of four transgenic lines exhibited gus A expression. These results indicated that floral-dip transformation is a potential tool for production of the transgenic rice, which can be used for molecular breeding via genetic engineering in the future.