In Planta Gene Expression and Gene Editing in Moso Bamboo Leaves

Summary

In this study, a novel in planta gene expression and gene editing method mediated by Agrobacterium was developed in bamboo. This method greatly improved the efficiency of gene function validation in bamboo, which has significant implications for accelerating the process of bamboo breeding.

Abstract

A novel in planta gene transformation method was developed for bamboo, which avoids the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive callus induction and regeneration processes. This method involves Agrobacterium-mediated gene expression via wounding and vacuum for bamboo seedlings. It successfully demonstrated the expression of exogenous genes, such as the RUBY reporter and Cas9 gene, in bamboo leaves. The highest transformation efficiency for the accumulation of betalain in RUBY seedlings was achieved using the GV3101 strain, with a percentage of 85.2% after infection. Although the foreign DNA did not integrate into the bamboo genome, the method was efficient in expressing the exogenous genes. Furthermore, a gene editing system has also been developed with a native reporter using this method, from which an in situ mutant generated by the edited bamboo violaxanthin de-epoxidase gene (PeVDE) in bamboo leaves, with a mutation rate of 17.33%. The mutation of PeVDE resulted in decreased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values under high light, which can be accurately detected by a fluorometer. This makes the edited PeVDE a potential native reporter for both exogenous and endogenous genes in bamboo. With the reporter of PeVDE, a cinnamoyl-CoA reductase gene was successfully edited with a mutation rate of 8.3%. This operation avoids the process of tissue culture or callus induction, which is quick and efficient for expressing exogenous genes and endogenous gene editing in bamboo. This method can improve the efficiency of gene function verification and will help reveal the molecular mechanisms of key metabolic pathways in bamboo.

Introduction

The investigation of gene function in bamboo holds great promise for the advanced understanding of bamboo and unlocking its potential for genetic modification. An effective way of this can be achieved through the process of Agrobacterium-mediated infection in bamboo leaves, whereby the T-DNA fragment containing exogenous genes is introduced into the cells, subsequently leading to the expression of the genes within the leaf cells.

Bamboo is a valuable and renewable resource with a wide range of applications in manufacturing, art, and research. Bamboo possesses excellent wood properties such as high mechanical strength, toughness, mo....

Protocol

1. Preparation of bamboo seedlings

1. Prepare moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) seedlings using seeds harvested in Guilin, Guangxi, China. Begin by soaking the seeds in water for 2-3 days, making sure to change the water daily. Next, create a substrate by mixing soil and vermiculite in a ratio of 3:1.
2. Sow the soaked seeds into the substrate for germination. Maintain the seedlings under laboratory conditions, keeping the temperature between 18-25 °C. Ensure a 16 h light/8.......

Discussion

This method significantly reduces the time required compared to traditional genetic transformation methods, which typically take 1-2 years, and achieves transient expression of exogenous genes and gene editing of endogenous genes within 5 days. However, this method has limitations as it can only transform a small proportion of cells, and the gene-edited leaves are chimeric and lack the ability to regenerate into complete plants. Nevertheless, this in planta gene expression and gene editing technology provides a .......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
35S::RUBY	Addgene, United States	160908	Plamid construct
Agrobacterium competent cells of GV3101, EHA105,LBA4404, and AGL1	Biomed, China	BC304-01, BC303-01, BC301-01, and BC302-01	For Agrobacterium infection
CTAB	Sigma-Aldrich, United States	57-09-0	DNA extraction
Imaging-PAM fluorometer	Walz, Effeltrich, Germany		Detect chlorophyll fluorescence of bamboo leaves
ImagingWin	Walz, Effeltrich, Germany		Software for Imaging-PAM fluorometer
Paq CI or Aar I	NEB, United States	R0745S	Incorporate the target sequence onto the CRISPR/Cas9 vector.
PrimeSTAR Max DNA polymerase	Takara, Japan	R045Q	For gene cloning
T4 DNA ligase	NEB, United States	M0202V	Incorporate the target sequence onto the CRISPR/Cas9 vector.