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Genetic transformation and somaclonal variation in conifers

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Abstract

Production of biotic and abiotic resistant conifers is now primarily accomplished through production of embryo-derived transgenics. Furthermore, gene-drive systems like CRISPR/Cas9 are now providing optimistic outlooks for more precise manipulation of genes in the conifer genome. Nonetheless, experimental guidelines suggest that the careless mass production of propagates might result in severe commercial loss because infrequent mutations sometimes go unnoticed until much later stages in plant development or even in offspring. The micropropagation procedure, types of explants, subculture duration, and PGRs, mostly through hypermethylation, can all contribute to variations in mutation frequency. Furthermore, rapidly dividing cells may undergo mutation in genes essential for regeneration, causing genetic instability in offspring as a result. Monitoring the MET1, KYP, H3K4 JMJ14, HAC1, and sRNAs can potentially highlight epigenetic changes during micropropagation. Decrease in frequency of tissue culture-induced variation may be achieved by applying a cocktail of visual inspections, molecular markers, cytogenetic surveys through Mass/Flow cytometery, the consideration of hypo/hypermethylation, and acetylation percentages, assessing key genes involved in this process, and by further related monitoring strategies. Together, scrutinizing different aspects of conifer tissue culture and genetic transformation would contribute to a better understanding of pivotal elements that can boost higher quality and quantity of conifer production. Furthermore, this can prevent unwanted phenotypic plasticity which may sometimes go unnoticed until very late stages in offspring.

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Abbreviations

AC:

Activated charcoal

AMT:

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation

BA:

6-Benzyladenine

GDM:

Global DNA methylation

GE:

Germinated embryo

IAA:

Indole-3-acetic acid

MSG:

Modified Murashige and Skoog medium

NAA:

Naphthalene acetic acid

PGRs:

Plant growth regulators

SE:

Somatic embryogenesis

TF:

Transcription factor

2, 4-D:

2,4-dichloro-phenoxy-acetic acid

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Acknowledgements

We apologize to colleagues whose original work has not been cited due to the lack of space. Our special thanks to Jenna E. Gallegos (Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis) for critical reading the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (GUASNR), Gorgan, Golestan, 49189-43464, Iran

    Mostafa K. Sarmast

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Sarmast, M.K. Genetic transformation and somaclonal variation in conifers. Plant Biotechnol Rep 10, 309–325 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11816-016-0416-5

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