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Lipid composition and protoplast-forming capacity of Streptomyces antibioticus.

The lipid and fatty acid composition of a strain of Streptomyces antibioticus has been studied as a function of culture age and glycine concentration in the growth medium. Under all conditions, the main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, cardiolipin and phosphomannoinositides in order of decreasing abundance; no ornithinolipids were detected. Acylglucoses and menaquinones were found among the nonpolar lipids. The main fatty acids present were anteiso 15:0 and anteiso 17:0. The lipid composition of the cells varied with the age of the culture, but no uniform pattern of variation was found in the cultures grown on different amounts of glycine. Among the cells harvested at the end of the exponential phase of growth, those grown on 2% glycine give the highest yield of protoplast formation. These cells were found to contain low amounts of nonpolar lipids and of phosphatidylethanolamine, and high proportions of anteiso fatty acids. We propose that the membrane bilayer of these cells, because of its peculiar lipid composition, is particularly stable and fluid. As a consequence, the yield and stability of derived protoplasts should be increased.

Fatty Acids↗

Energy dissipation as a key factor for electroporation of protoplasts.

Energy dissipation (epsilon) during electroporation was theoretically determined to be epsilon = 0.5CV02 for the various combinations of capacitance (C) and initial voltage (V0). Experiments on asparagus protoplasts established that electroporation efficiency (EE) and survival rate were directly proportional to energy dissipation during electroporation. A positive linear relationship exists between energy dissipation per unit volume and EE, whereas energy dissipation per unit volume and survival rate of protoplasts are related in a negative linear manner. At the same energy level, longer time constants were more effective at increasing EE. This suggests that energy dissipation approximating rectangular waveforms is more important than that dissipated as sharply decaying exponential waveforms. With energy as the key parameter, the optimization of electrical parameters for efficient electroporation is greatly simplified, is not machine-dependent, and generally applies to all species.

Cell Survival↗

Rapid optimization of electroporation conditions for plant cells, protoplasts, and pollen.

The optimization of electroporation conditions for maximal uptake of DNA during direct gene transfer experiments is critical to achieve high levels of gene expression in transformed plant cells. Two stains, trypan blue and fluorescein diacetate, have been applied to optimize electroporation conditions for three plant cell types, using different square wave and exponential wave electroporation devices. The different cell types included protoplasts from tobacco, a stable mixotrophic suspension cell culture from soybean with intact cell walls, and germinating pollen from alfalfa and tobacco. Successful electroporation of each of these cell types was obtained, even in the presence of an intact cell wall when conditions were optimized for the electroporation pulse. The optimal field strength for each of these cells differs, protoplasts having the lowest optimal pulse field strength, followed by suspension cells and finally germinating pollen requiring the strongest electroporation pulse. A rapid procedure is described for optimizing electroporation parameters using different types of cells from different plant sources.

Electroporation↗

Formation and reversion of Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells with apical protoplast protuberances.

Lytic enzymes from the hepatopancreas of Helix pomatia do not induce a uniform digestion of the cell wall of Schizosaccharomyces pombe over the entire cell surface. Perforations are formed in growth zones through which a protoplast can locally protrude. Conditions were found under which the frequency of formation of apical protoplast protuberances is higher than 90% cells with such protuberances can reverse to normally multiplying cells.

Cell Wall↗

Protoplast fusion in Aspergillus niger strains accumulating citric acid.

Auxotrophic strains of Aspergillus niger were obtained from citric-acid-producing strains of the fungus after irradiation with UV light. Protoplasts were isolated from young hyphae of the auxotrophic strains after treatment with snail enzyme and than treated with polyethylene glycol (30%, W/V), in a Ca2+ (10 mmol/L) solution. The pH value of the suspension was adjusted to 9.0. The frequency of the heterokaryons (related to the number of protoplasts reverting after PEG treatment) was 0.67%. Prototrophic heterozygous spores were isolated from a heterokaryon with the frequency of 1.2 x 10(-6). Citric acid production in the best heterozygous strains was about 15% higher than that of the high-production parent strain.

Aspergillus niger↗

Opposing effects of aluminum on inward-rectifier potassium currents in bean root-tip protoplasts.

Inward currents in root cap protoplasts of the aluminum-tolerant cultivar, Dade, of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The properties of these currents were similar to those seen in inward rectifying K+ channels in other plant tissues. Replacing bath K+ with Na+ nearly abolished the observed currents. Higher bath K+ concentrations increased inward currents. AlCl3 in pH 4.7 bath solutions caused inward K+ currents to activate more rapidly and at more positive voltages when compared with AlCl3 free solutions. In 10 microM AlCl3 the activated inward K+ currents were significantly larger than in the AlCl3-free solution at all voltages except at the most negative voltage of -174 mV and the least negative of -74 mV. In contrast, in 80 microM Al3+, when hyperpolarizing voltages were most negative, the inward K+ currents were inhibited relative to the currents in 10 microM AlCl3. Enhancement of inward K+ currents by AlCl3 is consistent with Al3+ binding to the external surface of the root cap protoplast, decreasing the surface charge, thus causing the channels to sense a more negative membrane potential. Inhibition of inward K+ currents with higher AlCl3 concentrations and more negative voltages is consistent with Al3+ block of K+ channels.

Aluminum↗

Two different conductances contribute to the anion currents in Coffea arabica protoplasts.

The anion conductance of the plasma membrane of Coffea arabica protoplasts was isolated and characterized using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Voltage pulse protocols revealed two components: a voltage-gated conductance (Gs) and a voltage-independent one (Gl). Gs is activated upon depolarization (e-fold activation every +36 mV) with time constants of 1 sec and 5 sec at all potentials. Gl and Gs also differ by their kinetic and biophysical properties. In bi-ionic conditions the current associated with Gs shows strong outward rectification and its permeability sequence is F- > NO3- > Cl-. In the same conditions the current associated with Gl does not rectify and its permeability sequence is F- > > NO3- = Cl-. Furthermore, at potentials over +50 mV Gs, but not Gl, increases with a time constant of several minutes. Finally the gating of Gs is affected by stretch of the membrane, which leads to an increased activation and a reduced voltage sensitivity. Anion conductances similar to the ones described here have been found in many plant preparations but Gl-type components have been generally interpreted as the background activation of the slow voltage-gated channels (corresponding to Gs). We show that in coffee protoplasts Gl and Gs are kinetically and biophysically distinct, suggesting that they correspond to two different molecular entities.

Anions↗

Protoplast transformation and regeneration of transgenic Valencia sweet orange plants containing a juice quality-related pectin methylesterase gene.

Valencia orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] is the leading commercial citrus species in the world for processed juice products; however, the presence of thermostable pectin methylesterase (TSPME) reduces its juice quality. A long-term strategy of this work is to eliminate or greatly reduce TSPME activity in Valencia orange. Previous work resulted in the isolation of a putative TSPME gene, CsPME4, associated with a thermostable protein fraction of Valencia orange juice. To begin research designed to overexpress CsPME4 to verify the thermostability of the protein product and/or to downregulate the gene, a sense gene cassette containing a gene-specific sequence from a putative TSPME cDNA and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a selectable marker was constructed (M2.1). In the work reported here, M2.1 plasmid DNA was transformed (polyethylene glycol-mediated) into protoplasts isolated from an embryogenic suspension culture of Valencia somaclone line B6-68, in an effort to obtain transgenic Valencia lines. A vigorous transformed line was identified via GFP expression, physically separated from non-transformed tissue, and cultured on somatic embryogenesis induction medium. One transgenic proembryo expressing GFP was recovered and multiple shoots were regenerated. The recovery of multiple transgenic plants was expedited by in vitro grafting. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the presence of the PME gene in transgenic plants, and subsequent Southern blot analysis confirmed the presence of the eGFP gene. These transgenic plants show normal growth and minor morphological variation. The thermostability of PME in these plants will be assessed after flowering and fruit set. This is the first successful transfer of a target fruit-quality gene by protoplast transformation with recovery of transgenic plants in citrus. This method of transformation has the advantage over Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in that it requires no antibiotic-resistance genes.

Base Sequence↗

Regeneration of interspecific somatic hybrids between Helianthus annuus L. and Helianthus maximiliani (Schrader) via protoplast electrofusion.

Helianthus maximiliani is one of the wild Helianthus species with the genes for resistance to many pathogens including Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Unfortunately, a transfer of disease resistance genes from this species into the cultivated sunflower is limited by its poor crossability with the cultivated sunflower and sterility of interspecific hybrids. To overcome this problem, mesophyll protoplasts of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum-resistant clone of H. maximiliani were electrically fused with etiolated hypocotyl protoplasts of the cultivated sunflower inbred line PH-BC1-91A. Fusion products were embedded in agarose droplets and subjected to different regeneration protocols. Developed microcalluses were released from the agarose and transferred into solid media. Shoot regeneration was achieved by culture of calluses on regeneration medium containing 2.2 mg l(-1) BAP and 0.01 mg l(-1) NAA after the treatment with a high concentration of 2,4 D for a limited period of time. A morphological and RAPD analysis confirmed a hybrid nature of the regenerated plants.

Cell Fusion↗

Regeneration of flowering plants from difficile lily protoplasts by means of a nurse culture.

The regeneration of difficile lily protoplasts isolated from suspension cells of the Oriental hybrid lily ( Lilium L.) cultivars Casablanca, Siberia and Acapulco was achieved by using the nurse-culture method. The divided protoplasts grew into colonies with nurse cells that have no regeneration ability, and developed to visible calli on a medium containing picloram. Many plantlets were formed on the calli after transfer of the proliferated calli to hormone-free medium. We were able to transplant the plantlets to soil in pots without acclimatization, and the plantlets grew in a greenhouse until flowering 2 years later.

Cells, Cultured↗

La3+ uptake and its effect on the cytoskeleton in root protoplasts of Zea mays L.

La(3+) ions are known to antagonize Ca(2+) and are used as a Ca(2+) channel blocker but little is known on the direct effects of La(3+). Micromolar La(3+) concentrations promoted root growth while higher concentrations were inhibitory. The uptake of La(3+) in maize root protoplasts revealed a membrane binding component (0.14 and 0.44 pmol min(-1) protoplast(-1) for 100 and 1,000 microM La(3+)) followed by a slower concentration and time-dependent uptake. Uptake was reduced by Ca(2+), but had no substantial effect on other ions. La(3+) shifted microtubule organization from random to parallel but caused aggregation of microfilaments. Our data suggest that La(3+) is taken up into plant cells and affects growth via stabilization of the cytoskeleton.

Cytoskeleton↗

Atomic force microscopy and laser confocal scanning microscopy analysis of callose fibers developed from protoplasts of embryogenic cells of a conifer.

Efficiency of novel fiber formation was much improved in protoplast culture of embryogenic cells (ECs) of a conifer, Larix leptolepis (Sieb. et Zucc.) Gord., by pre-culturing ECs in a medium containing a high concentration of glutamine (13.7 mM). The fibrillar substructures of large and elongated fibers of protoplasts isolated from Larix ECs were investigated by laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM) after Aniline Blue staining and atomic force microscopy (AFM) using a micromanipulator without any pre-treatment. Fibers were composed of bundles of fibrils and subfibrils, whose diameters were defined as 0.7 and 0.17 mum, respectively, by image analysis after LCSM and AFM. These fibers were proven to be composed of callose by using specific degrading enzymes for beta-1,4-glucan and beta-1,3-glucan.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Somatic embryogenesis in cultured immature zygotic embryos and leaf protoplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes.

Immature zygotic embryos of six ecotypes (Nd-0, Ler, C24, Col-0, Nossen, Ws-2) of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. were cultured in vitro. The same ecotypes, except Nossen, were used for studies on leaf protoplast culture. Experimental conditions for the induction of somatic embryos were established in both culture systems. In the case of immature zygotic embryos, the parameters investigated were the influence of developmental stage of the explant, the ecotypes used, and various concentrations and combinations of growth regulatory substances (phytohormones). In the ecotype Ler, structures were discovered which were very similar to those found in the early stages of zygotic embryo-genesis: globular structures at the end of a suspensor-like single file of cells were frequently observed. In the case of leaf protoplasts, high efficiencies of colony formation and plant regeneration occurred in Ws-2 and C24. A novel type of cell division pattern was found in Col-0 and C24, again highly reminiscent of the early division patterns in zygotic embryos. Similarities and differences between zygotic and somatic embryogenesis are discussed.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Gravitropism and gravimorphism during regeneration from protoplasts of the moss Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid.

Wild-type (WT) protonemata of the moss Ceratodon purpureus grow upwards in darkness (negative gravitropism), whereas protonemata of the mutant, wrong-way response (wwr-1) grow down. Since Ceratodon protoplasts regenerate to form new protonemata, we analyzed whether the direction of filament emergence was influenced by gravity (gravimorphism) and determined the cytological events that correlated with the onset of gravitropism in WT and wwr-1 filaments formed de novo. In the WT the direction of filament emergence appeared to be gravimorphic as more than 66% of the new filaments emerged above the horizontal. In contrast, the direction of filament emergence was random in wwr-1. Tip-growing cells of both genotypes became gravitropic within a total of one to two cell divisions. Gravitropic curvature in wwr-1 was opposite in direction to that of WT, and the timing of curvature was comparable, indicating that the wwr-1 mutation acts during the onset of gravitropic competence. In time-lapse studies of both genotypes, neither a plastid-free zone nor obvious and extensive plastid sedimentation characteristic of mature dark-grown protonemata was observed in the new filaments prior to gravitropic curvature. Thus, it appears that these latter two features are not required for gravitropism in new protonemal filaments from protoplasts.

Bryopsida↗

Soft material-based microculture system having air permeable cover sheet for the protoplast culture of Nicotiana tabacum.

In plant cell culture, the delivery of nutrition and gas (mainly oxygen) to the cells is the most important factor for viability. In this paper, we propose a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microculture system that is designed to have good aeration. PDMS is known to have excellent air permeability, and through the experimental method, we investigated the relation between the degree of air delivery and the thickness of the PDMS sheet covering the culture chamber. We determined the proper thickness of the cover sheet, and cultured protoplasts of Nicotiana tabacum in a culture chamber covered with a PDMS sheet having thickness of 400 microm. The cells were successfully divided, and lived well inside the culture chamber for 10 days. In addition, protoplasts were cultured inside the culture chambers covered with the cover glass and the PDMS sheet, respectively, and the microcolonies were formed well inside the PDMS covered chamber after 10 days.

Air↗

Activation of the alfalfa mosaic virus genome by viral coat protein in non-transgenic plants and protoplasts. The protection model biochemically tested.

In non-transgenic host plants and protoplasts alfalfa mosaic virus displays a strong need for coat protein when starting an infection cycle. The "protection model" states that the three viral RNAs must have a few coat protein subunits at their 3' termini in order to protect them in the host cell against degradation by 3'- to- 5' exoribonucleases [Neeleman L, Van der Vossen EAG, Bol JF (1993) Virology 196: 883-887]. We demonstrated that the naked genome RNAs are slightly infectious, if the inoculation is done at very high concentrations, or if it is preceded by an additional inoculation with the RNAs 1 and 2 (encoding subunits for the viral RNA polymerase). This could mean that the necessity for protection by coat protein is lost if the RNAs in large quantities can overcome the activity of the degrading enzymes, or are protected by association with the RNA polymerase, respectively. However, after having tested in protoplasts the survival of separately preinoculated naked RNA 1 during several hours before RNA 2 was inoculated, on the one hand, or of simultaneously inoculated RNAs 1 and 2, with cycloheximide in the medium during the first hours after inoculation, on the other hand, we had to conclude that the viral genome RNAs are quite stable in the cell in the absence of coat protein or RNA polymerase, respectively. This invalidates the protection model. Accommodation of the above findings by our published "messenger release model" for genome activation [Houwing CJ, Jaspars EMJ (1993) Biochimie 75: 617-621] is discussed.

Alfalfa mosaic virus↗

Regulation of single-strand RNA synthesis of alfalfa mosaic virus in non-transgenic cowpea protoplasts by the viral coat protein.

We have compared the RNA synthesis of alfalfa mosaic virus in complete (by RNAs 1, 2 and 3) and incomplete infections (by RNAs 1 and 2) of cowpea protoplasts. Both viral RNA polymerase activity and accumulation of viral RNA were measured. By annealing RNA in solution with 32P-labelled probes of plus and minus polarity followed by treatment with ribonucleases, we determined viral RNAs quantitatively in both single- and double-stranded RNA fractions. The accumulation of single-stranded RNA of positive polarity differed considerably between the two types of infection (250 ng vs. less than 1 ng per 10(5) protoplasts), although viral RNA polymerase activities as measured in vitro and the concentrations of minus RNA were similar. Since the method also measured fragmented RNA, this difference is probably not due to lack of protection of viral RNA by coat protein during incomplete infection. Synthesis of single-stranded plus RNA requires either RNA 3 itself or one of its gene products. We postulate that coat protein is the stringent regulator of alfalfa mosaic virus genomic expression.

Alfalfa mosaic virus↗