This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (EDGE IOS-1923557 to C.Z. and Y.Z.).

NOTE: Steps 1.4-1.8, 2.3-2.5, 3.3-3.6, 4.1-4.6, 5.1-5.7, and 6.1-6.3 must be performed in aseptic conditions, using a clean hood to prevent contamination.
1. Plant material propagation for transformation
<ol>
	<li>Place commercially available wild-type (WT) Plantago lanceolata seeds (see Table of Materials) in a 50 mL centrifuge tube up to the 5 mL line, depending on the number of plants desired. 
	NOTE: Alternatively, a 2 mL microcentrifuge tube can be used when a small number of seeds are needed, but it should be filled to a volume no greater than 0.1 mL, as too many seeds can reduce the efficiency of sterilization.</li>
	<li>Immerse the seeds in 75% ethanol for 60 s.</li>
	<li>Discard the ethanol, then immerse the seeds in 20% sodium hypochlorite (20% NaClO, 80% sterile water) for 40 min, gently inverting the tube so that all the seeds come into contact with the solution. 
	NOTE: The sodium hypochlorite solution must be freshly made for optimal results.</li>
	<li>Under a laminar flow hood, discard the sodium hypochlorite solution, then wash the seeds with distilled water (five times). Add a small volume of water to the seeds after the final rinse, as this can help aid the movement of the plants onto plates.</li>
	<li>Using sterilized forceps, transfer the seeds onto pre-prepared 95 mm x 100 mm Petri dishes with solid MS medium (Table 1). Spread the seeds evenly across the surface of the plate, with approximately 1 cm between each seed to prevent overcrowding of the germinated seedlings (Figure 1A) .</li>
	<li>Seal the plates with two layers of paraffin film to prevent contamination, then incubate under a cool white grow light (see Table of Materials) at room temperature (22 &#176;C with 50 &#181;mol m-2s-1, 12 h days). The seeds typically germinate within 5-6 days.</li>
	<li>When the seedlings have germinated and are large enough to transfer (Figure 1B), typically 2 or 3 days after germination, use sterilized forceps to transfer the seedlings into sterile boxes with the 50-100 mL of MS medium (Table 1). Ideally, plant only five seedlings per box to obtain the best quality roots.</li>
	<li>Seal the boxes with surgical tape, then allow the plants to grow under a cool white grow light (see Table of Materials), in the same conditions mentioned in step 1.6. The plants should be ready for transformation in about 3-4 weeks, or when the main roots have grown about 2 cm in length and the lateral roots appear white. 
	NOTE: Medium preparation recipes and vitamin stocks are included in Table 1 and Table 2.</li>
</ol>
2. Plasmid construction and E. Coli transformation
NOTE: The exact plasmid construction procedure varies depending on the gene of interest. In this procedure, the restriction enzymes HindIII and SalII were used to insert the 1.5 kb AtPP2 promoter into the binary plasmid pBI101 (see Table of Materials) with GUS, using the standard cloning procedure20. AtPP2 (phloem protein 2) is a gene that is specifically expressed in phloem21.
<ol>
	<li>Clone the promoter using primer pairs 5&#39;-AGTCAAGCTTCAAGTCCCTGTGGCTACTGAAC-3&#39; (Forward) and 5&#39;-AGTCGTCGACAAACCAGTATGATGTATTTATTTTTG-3&#39; (Reverse) from Arabidopsis. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the binary plasmid vector with the AtPP2:GUS insert.</li>
	<li>After plasmid construction, transform the plasmids into DH5a E. coli (see Table of Materials) competent cells using the heat shock method22, and then incubate for 1.5 h at 37 &#176;C with shaking (150 rpm).</li>
	<li>Take 150 &#181;L of each transformation culture, plate onto LB agar media plates (Table 1) with the appropriate selection (50 mg/L kanamycin for the strain used in this protocol; see Table of Materials), and then incubate the plates for 16-24 h at 37 &#176;C. 
	NOTE: The bacterial strain used in this study is A. tumefaciens GV3101.</li>
	<li>Next, use colony PCR to screen the colonies for positive recombinants23. 
	NOTE: In this protocol, the following primers were used to amplify the targeted gene; 5&#39;-ATGTTACGTCCTGTAGAAACCCCAA-3&#39;(Forward) and 5&#39;-TCATTGTTTGCCTCCCTGCTGC-3&#39; (Reverse).
	<ol>
		<li>Run the reaction in a thermocycler (see Table of Materials) with cycling conditions of 3 min at 95 &#176;C, followed by 35 cycles of: 30 s at 95 &#176;C, 30 s at 55 &#176;C, 2 min at 72 &#176;C, and a final 10 min elongation step at 72 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Inoculate the positive colonies in 6 mL of LB broth (Table 1) with the appropriate antibiotic (50 mg/L kanamycin) and grow at 37 &#176;C overnight, at 200-250 rpm.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>After overnight growth, extract the plasmids from the bacteria using standard procedures24.</li>
</ol>
3. A. tumefaciens transformation with plasmid
<ol>
	<li>After plasmid extraction, use electroporation to transform the modified plasmid into the desired strain of competent cells. In this procedure, A. tumefaciens strain GV3101&#160;was used. Follow standardized methods for electroporation techniques25.</li>
	<li>After electroporation, resuspend the competent cells in 1 mL of LB broth and then incubate for 2-4 h at 28 &#176;C at 100 rpm.</li>
	<li>Collect the cells through centrifugation at 6,800 x g for 3 min in a tabletop microcentrifuge (see Table of Materials) at room temperature (22 &#176;C), then spread 50-100 &#181;L onto an LB agar plate with an appropriate selection agent (50 mg/L kanamycin for the plasmid used in this protocol).</li>
	<li>After the cells have incubated for 2 days at 28 &#176;C, identify positive colonies containing the gene of interest through the use of colony PCR. In this protocol, use the primers and conditions mentioned in step 2.4.</li>
	<li>Next, use the positive colonies to streak a stock plate with LB agar media + selection. The plate can be stored at 4 &#176;C for up to 1 month.</li>
	<li>Alternatively, for long-term storage, inoculate a positive colony with a small volume of LB with appropriate selection. Shake the inoculated culture overnight at 28 &#176;C at 200 rpm, then prepare a glycerol stock (50% w/v glycerol in a 50:50 mix of bacteria and glycerol), which can be stored at -80 &#176;C for up to 10 years.</li>
</ol>
4. A. tumefaciens preparation
<ol>
	<li>Streak A. tumefaciens containing the desired plasmid onto prepared 95 mm x 100 mm solid LB plates with the appropriate selection agent. In this protocol, the bacterial strain GV3101 with the plasmid insert AtPP2:GUS was used, with 50 mg/L kanamycin added for the selection.</li>
	<li>Seal the plates with paraffin film, then incubate at 28 &#176;C for up to 48 h, or until the bacteria grows large enough to pick.</li>
	<li>Use a pipette tip to pick a bacteria colony 2 days before transformation, and inoculate it in a 15 mL round bottom tube containing 6 mL of liquid LB with appropriate selection. Shake at 200 rpm in a 28&#160;&#176;C tabletop shaker overnight, until OD600 reaches 0.6-0.7. 
	NOTE: Plates and the 6 mL bacterial inoculation can be stored at 4&#160;&#176;C for up to 1 month.</li>
	<li>When the bacteria reach the correct OD600, use a pipette to transfer A. tumefaciens to a sterile flask containing 100 mL of liquid LB with a selection agent. Typically, 200 &#181;L of bacteria per 100 mL LB is appropriate for propagation. Shake at 200 rpm at 28 &#176;C overnight, until OD600 reaches 0.6-0.7.</li>
	<li>Transfer the bacteria into 50 mL sterile centrifuge tubes, and centrifuge at 2,200 xg for 10 min at room temperature (22 &#176;C) in a tabletop centrifuge to collect the bacteria.</li>
	<li>Discard the supernatant using a pipette. Resuspend the bacterial pellet in 5 mL of room temperature (22 &#176;C) liquid suspension solution (SS) (Table 1) by pipetting, then add up to 50 mL of SS and invert several times to mix. The bacteria is now ready for transformation. 
	NOTE: The liquid SS must be prepared freshly, within 1 week of transformation. 
	&#8203;CAUTION: All material that comes into contact with A. tumefaciens needs to be discarded in a biohazard waste bin. Leftover liquids from bacterial cultures can be sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at a concentration of 20% or higher.</li>
</ol>
5. Transformation of Plantago roots
<ol>
	<li>When the plants reach the ideal stage for transformation (seedlings are 3 weeks old) (Figure 1C), use sterile forceps and scissors to separate the roots from the rest of the plant (Figure 3A). Discard the leaf and stem material.</li>
	<li>Immediately after cutting, transfer the root pieces to sterile boxes containing sterile water using sterile forceps. This step allows the roots to stay hydrated while all tissue is collected.</li>
	<li>When all the roots are cut, pour the A. tumefaciens/SS suspension into sterile 150 mm x 15 mm disposable Petri dishes. Transfer the roots into the A. tumefaciens culture and inoculate for at least 20 min (Figure 3B).</li>
	<li>During incubation, use a sterile scalpel with a sharp blade to cut the roots into 1 cm fragments, separating the primary roots from the lateral roots. Make thin, shallow cuts on the surface of the roots to allow the bacteria to infect the plant. 
	NOTE: If dealing with a large number of plants, transfer the root pieces into the bacterial culture in batches, to ensure that all the roots are immersed during inoculation.</li>
	<li>After incubation, use the sterile forceps to transfer the root pieces to sterile paper towels to remove excess bacteria. Avoid drying the roots for more than 60 s, as this can cause dehydration and damage the root tissue. Ideally, 10-15 roots can be dried simultaneously (Figure 3C).</li>
	<li>Transfer the dried roots to prepared 95 mm x 15 mm Petri dishes with solid co-culture media (Table 1), around 10-20 roots per plate, depending on the size of the roots (Figure 3D).</li>
	<li>Seal the plates with two layers of transparent plastic film, then cover with aluminum foil. Incubate at room temperature (22&#160;&#176;C) for 3 days. This step provides time for the bacteria to infect the roots without the presence of an antibiotic selection (Figure 3E).</li>
</ol>
6. Selection and whole plant regeneration
<ol>
	<li>After incubation in co-culture media, transfer the root pieces to prepared 95 mm x 15 mm Petri dishes with solid shoot induction media (SIM) (Table 1) with Timentin (500 mg/L; see Table of Materials) and appropriate antibiotic selection. In this protocol, we used kanamycin (100 mg/L). 
	NOTE: The bottom of the roots must come into complete contact with the medium. Roots that do not touch the medium&#39;s surface are too long and must be cut to prevent the tissue from escaping selection.</li>
	<li>Seal the plates with two layers of transparent plastic film, then grow under a grow light for 1 month (see step 1.6 for appropriate conditions), or until the shoots begin to emerge. 
	NOTE: Typically, shoot initials can be observed after 2 weeks of growth, and the shoots are typically visible after 1 month.</li>
	<li>When the plantlets are 1.5-2.0 cm long (Figure 1D), transfer them into prepared sterile boxes with solid root induction media (Table 1).</li>
	<li>Grow the plants under a grow light (see step 1.6 for conditions) for several weeks, until roots form. Roots can typically first be seen after 1 week. 
	&#8203;NOTE: It is recommended to allow the roots to grow for several weeks before moving to the soil, as plants with larger root systems tend to have a higher survival rate in soil.</li>
</ol>
7. Soil transfer
<ol>
	<li>When the root systems have become large enough to transfer (Figure 1E), typically after 1 month of growth, transfer the plants into 3.5 in square pots containing pre-wetted all-purpose soil (BM7). In this protocol, BM7 bark mix was used (see Table of Materials).
	<ol>
		<li>Remove any medium that sticks to the roots by washing them gently in water. 
		NOTE: The plants can be grown to maturity in a greenhouse at 800 to 1400 &#181;mol photons m-2 s-2 using 600 W high sodium pressure lights (see Table of Materials), or in a growth chamber at room temperature (22 &#176;C) with cool white lights at 50 &#181;mol m-2s-1, 12 h days.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Cover the plants with a plastic potting cover, then cover them with a clear plastic bag. This step allows the plants to remain in a humid environment as they adapt to the soil.</li>
	<li>After about 3-5 days, remove the plastic bag, then slowly remove the lid to allow acclimation to the outside environment. 
	NOTE: Depending on the time of the year and the environment to which the plants are transferred, the time that the plants need to adapt can vary. Checking the plants daily and adding water to the pots as needed is recommended.</li>
	<li>Water the plants regularly and add fertilizer as needed. Plants can also be transferred to larger pots for further growth (Figure 1F).</li>
</ol>
8. &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical staining
<ol>
	<li>Prepare &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) staining solution, according to published protocols15.</li>
	<li>When the shoot initials are about 0.5-1 cm long, remove a small tip of a young, fully expanded leaf (&#60;5 mm in length is usually sufficient) and immediately transfer to 0.5-1 mL of GUS staining solution in a 1.5 or 2 mL microcentrifuge tube. The solution should fully cover the plant tissue.</li>
	<li>Place the opened tubes in a vacuum desiccator and vacuum at 20-25 kPa for 5-10 min. Small bubbles should be visible in the solution during the vacuum procedure. This allows the solution to enter the cells of the plant.</li>
	<li>Allow air to filter back into the vacuum desiccator. Close the tubes and incubate at 37&#160;&#176;C overnight (12 h), or until the blue color is visible. 
	NOTE: In this study, GUS activity was localized to the phloem, meaning that in positively transformed plants, blue staining should only be visible in the phloem tissue. Plants without the transgene do not experience staining (Figure 4).</li>
	<li>To better visualize the stain, transfer the plants to 100% ethanol to remove chlorophyll. To increase the efficiency of the chlorophyll removal process, incubate the tubes at 60&#160;&#176;C for 10 min. 
	NOTE: The ethanol may need to be changed several times before all chlorophyll is removed, depending on the size of the leaf being stained.</li>
</ol>

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

The lack of a transformation protocol for plants in the genus Plantago limits the use of these plants as models, particularly when researchers are interested in exploring gene functions. P. lanceolata was chosen to develop a genetic transformation protocol because it is the most commonly studied plant of its genus16. The protocol that has been developed will likely be used as a tool to further advance studies related to vascular biology, ecology, plant-insect interactions, and abiotic stress physiology.
The protocol presented clearly outlines steps that allow a user to obtain transgenic plants. Besides the ability of P. lanceolata to thrive in a tissue culture environment, multiple factors contributed to the success of our transformation method. First, the importance of using high-quality, sterile plant root tissue for transformation was observed. Roots had the highest transformation rates when they were taken from 3-4-week-old plants, and appeared green or pale white. Roots taken from boxes with any amount of bacterial or fungal contamination often resulted in contaminated shooting cultures, and older roots that appeared brown did not result in successful transformation. Root tissue was the most efficient tissue type for transformation using the current method, as leaf and petiole tissue were unsuccessful at developing shoots.
Another important observation was that the optimal method for collecting root tissue for transformation was to place freshly cut root material in sterile water. This step effectively allowed root material to remain hydrated while the remainder of the tissue was collected, as roots tend to dry out quickly when being removed from their growth containers. This step also helped to increase the success rate of the transformation, because it allowed more roots to be incubated in the bacteria at one time.
This protocol could be modified by decreasing the time that the root tissue incubates in the co-culture media to 2 days. It was observed that a 2 or 3 day incubation period is sufficient to allow infection that results in shoot initials. However, longer incubation times are not recommended, since it was observed that the absence of an antibiotic inhibitor in the media often results in A. tumefaciens overgrowth, which can kill the emerging tissue.
A limitation of this study is the lack of available data on the performance of other methods or species of A. tumefaciens in P. lanceolata transformation for comparison. To our knowledge, this protocol is novel. During the initial trials, a high transformation efficiency was noted with A. tumefaciens GV3101,&#160;and we focused on refining the technique using this strain instead of experimenting with other strains. Our transformation efficiency of 20% is relatively high for plant transformation-many conventional methods consider anything &#62;1% to be successful26,27,28. However, using another strain of A. tumefaciens, such as A. rhizogenes, known for its use in root transformation in multiple species29,30,31, may result in an even higher success rate. Further experimentation would be needed to assess the impact of using other strains to promote increased transformation efficiency in P. lanceolata. 
The successful transformation of P. lanceolata will likely benefit many fields of study. The high transformation efficiency, and the rapid growth of the plant in tissue culture media, make P. lanceolata a feasible candidate for gene function studies15.

The concept of using model species to investigate multiple aspects of plant biology emerged with the widespread use of Arabidopsis thaliana1. Arabidopsis was initially chosen because it shares features with many other flowering plants and has multiple traits that make it convenient to study in a laboratory environment, such as being small and having a short generation cycle. The large volume of research papers published with it as a subject, along with its small genome size and ease of genetic transformation2, enable it to persist as a widely-used experimental organism. However, Arabidopsis can be limited as a model for species with different characteristics or unique traits3. This has prompted the development of new model systems, such as maize (Zea mays), an important plant for developmental genetics in monocots4, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which is an important model for evolutionary studies, fruit development, and production, and is a good representation for vegetable crops5. A method for genetic transformation is a prerequisite for a plant species to serve as a model organism2. An Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation is a reliable tool in plant biology; it has been used to transform a few model species and major crops, including tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)6, rice (Oryza sativa)7, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)8, soybean (Glycine max)9, potato (Solanum tuberosum)10, and canola (Brassica napus)11. Plant&#160;species are highly variable in how successfully they respond to A. tumefaciens infection, and transformation protocols often need to be individually tailored to each species6,12.
The genus Plantago includes a total of 256 plant species, widely distributed worldwide13. The species in this genus often have unique characteristics that make them desirable as model species for studying genetics, ecology, stress physiology, secondary metabolites, medicinal chemistry, plant-microbe interactions, plant development, and evolution. Plantago lanceolata, also called the narrowleaf or ribwort plantain, has been a popular plant of interest since the 19th century, when it was first used to describe the phenomenon of male sterility14. Like other plants of its genus, it has been used in studies across various research fields. More recently, it has been proposed as a model for vascular biology, as its vascular tissue can be collected easily15. P. lanceolata is the most commonly studied species in the genus Plantago; a 2021 article reported that there were &#62;1,400 publications including or relating to this species at that time16, and an additional 102 articles have been published since the beginning of 2022, according to a PubMed search conducted on December 9th 2022. The next most studied plant in the genus, P. major, is the subject of only 414 articles when searched using the same criteria on the same date.
Despite the research interest in P. lanceolata, studies, especially on gene function characterization, are often limited by the lack of a genetic manipulation toolkit for the species.&#160;Pommerrienig et al. made efforts to develop a transformation protocol for P. major using a floral dip technique17. However, this method cannot be applied to P. lanceolata because of the&#160;male sterility characteristic of this species18,19. To our knowledge, there is no existing protocol for the transformation of P. lanceolata.
This study presents a simple protocol for A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation of P. lanceolata. By targeting root tissues, fully grown transgenic plants can be generated within 3 months of transformation.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
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			<td>14 mL Round Bottom TubeA4A2:A34</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>150268</td>
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			<td>N-780</td>
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			<td>3M Micropore Surgical Paper Tape</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>19-027761</td>
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			<td>50 mL Centrifuge Tubes</td>
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			<td>ddH2O</td>
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			<td>DH5a E. coli&#160;</td>
			<td>Invitrogen, USA&#160;</td>
			<td>18258012</td>
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			<td>Disposable Petri Dishes, Sterile 150 x 16 mm</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>Decon Labs</td>
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			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
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			<td>Research Products International Corp.</td>
			<td>G35020-1000</td>
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			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>Glycine</td>
			<td>Sigma&#160;</td>
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			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA)</td>
			<td>Gold Biotechnology</td>
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			<td>Kanamycin Monosulfate</td>
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			<td>Macrocentrifuge&#160;</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>Micro Pipet Tips 1000 &#181;L</td>
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			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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			<td>Micropipettor 0.5-10 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
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			<td>Micropipettor 100-1000 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
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			<td>Micropipettor 20-200 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>4074</td>
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			<td>Micropipettor 2-20 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>4072</td>
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			<td>Murashige &#38; Skooge Basal Medium with Vitamins</td>
			<td>PhytoTech</td>
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			<td>PhytoTech</td>
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			<td>myo-Inositol</td>
			<td>Gold Biotechnology</td>
			<td>I-25</td>
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			<td>Nicotinic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>N0761-100g</td>
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			<td>Parafilm (paraffin film)&#160;</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>S37440</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)</td>
			<td>Research Products International Corp.</td>
			<td>P44000</td>
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			<td>Pyridoxine HCl</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>P6280-10g</td>
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			<td>Scalpel Blade Handle</td>
			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
			<td>38DI36419</td>
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			<td>Scalpel Blades</td>
			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
			<td>3802181</td>
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			<td>Sodium Chloride, Crystal (NaCl)</td>
			<td>Mallinckrodt Chemicals</td>
			<td>7581-06</td>
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		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)</td>
			<td>Research Products International Corp.</td>
			<td>S24000</td>
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			<td>Sodium Hypochlorite</td>
			<td>Walmart</td>
			<td>23263068401</td>
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			<td>Soil- Bark Mix</td>
			<td>Berger, USA</td>
			<td>BM7</td>
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			<td>Square Pots (3.5 inches squared)</td>
			<td>Greenhouse Megastore</td>
			<td>CN-TRK-1835</td>
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			<td>Research Products International Corp.</td>
			<td>S24060</td>
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			<td>Thermocycler</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A24811</td>
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			<td>Thiamine HCl</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>T4625-5G</td>
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			<td>Timentin Ticarcillin/Clavulanate (15/1) (Timentin)</td>
			<td>Gold Biotechnology</td>
			<td>T-104</td>
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			<td>trans-Zeatin Riboside (ZR)</td>
			<td>Gold Biotechnology</td>
			<td>Z-100</td>
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			<td>Tryptone</td>
			<td>Thermofisher Scientific</td>
			<td>211705</td>
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		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wild Type Plantago lanceolata seeds</td>
			<td>Outsidepride Seed Source, OR, USA</td>
			<td>F1296</td>
			<td>Outsidepride.com</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Yeast Extract Granulated</td>
			<td>Research Products International Corp.</td>
			<td>Y20025-1000&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of narrowleaf plantain

Species in the genus Plantago have several unique traits that have led to them being adapted as model plants in various fields of study. However, the lack of a genetic manipulation system prevents in-depth investigation of gene function, limiting the versatility of this genus as a model. Here, a transformation protocol is presented for Plantago lanceolata, the most commonly studied Plantago species. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, 3 week-old roots of aseptically grown P. lanceolata plants were infected with bacteria, incubated for 2-3 days, and then transferred to a shoot induction medium with appropriate antibiotic selection. Shoots typically emerged from the medium after 1 month, and roots developed 1-4 weeks after the shoots were transferred to the root induction medium. The plants were then acclimated to a soil environment and tested for the presence of a transgene using the &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter assay. The transformation efficiency of the current method is ~20%, with two transgenic plants emerging per 10 root tissues transformed. Establishing a transformation protocol for narrowleaf plantain will facilitate the adoption of this plant as a new model species in various areas.

A simple protocol is reported here for obtaining transgenic P. lanceolata plants using A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The reporter gene GUS (encoding&#160;&#946;-glucuronidase) is transformed, driven by the phloem-expressed promoter of AtPP2, into 3-week-old P. lanceolata roots through A. tumefaciens strain GV3101 (Figure 2). A phloem-specific promoter was chosen because our main interest was to establish a system for the functional genomics of plant vascular tissues, particularly phloem. The method was tested on the root, leaf, and petiole tissue in the preliminary experiment. Although callus could be induced in all tissue types, only the root tissue produced shoot initials (Figure 5A) after 1 month in SIM; the leaf and petiole turned brown and died (Figure 5B). This led to the conclusion that root tissue was the optimal tissue type for use in the transformation method. The roots were incubated in the prepared bacteria resuspended in suspension solution (SS) (Table 1) for a minimum of 20 min, then incubated at room temperature on solid SS plates for up to 3 days in the dark (Figure 3E).&#160;The roots were then transferred to the shoot induction medium (SIM) and kept under a grow light, in the conditions indicated in the protocol (step 1.6). Figure 1 and Figure 3 show representative images of each step of the protocol for reference.
Figure 6&#160;shows the progression of shoot initials emerging from transformed tissue, from the first day the roots were placed on the SIM (Figure 6A) to when the shoots were ready to be rooted (Figure 6D). After 1 week, the root tissue formed callus (Figure 6B), and the beginnings of shoot initials could be observed (Figure 6B1). Shoots continued to emerge during weeks 2 and 3 (Figure 6C), and after 4 weeks, the shoots were ready to be transferred to the root induction medium (Figure 6D).
Identification of the putative transgenic plants was conducted using the &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical assay, using leaf segments taken once the shoots were around 0.5 cm long. Positive transgenic plants showed the expected staining pattern in the phloem localized tissue, demonstrated in Figure 4. Positive GUS-stained shoots were transferred to the root induction medium, in which they developed robust rooting systems after 4 weeks (Figure 1E). Rooted plants were then transferred to the soil. Figure 4 shows the result of staining in a narrowleaf plantain transformed with the AtPP2 promoter and the &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) gene, along with a wild-type and a narrowleaf plantain transformed with the AtPP2 promoter, for comparison. All shoots that emerged were confirmed as transgenic. The transformation efficiency was determined to be an average of 20%, with approximately two shoots emerging for every 10 roots that were transformed. Confirmed transgenic plants were transferred to larger pots and grown for 4-8 weeks until they reached the adult stage (Figure 1F).
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig01.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Timeline of Plantago lanceolata transformation. Representative images of each stage of the protocol. (A) Ungerminated seeds plated on an MS plate. (B) Seeds germinated after 1 week, ready to be transferred into magenta boxes. (C) Plants in MS boxes after 3 weeks of growth. Roots are green and healthy, at the ideal stage for transformation. (D) Shoots in shoot induction media after 4 weeks are ready to be transferred into the rooting medium. At this stage, &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical staining can be conducted, if applicable. (E) Plants in boxes with root induction media, where roots have formed after 4 weeks of growth. (F) Transgenic plants are grown to full length after 4 weeks of growth in soil. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig02.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Diagram of the binary vector plasmid pBI101 + &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) with the inserted phloem-specific promoter AtPP2. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig02large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig03.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Steps of transformation. Representative images of each step of transformation. (A) Separating roots from shoots during transformation. (B) Soaking roots in bacteria/SS suspension. (C) Drying roots on paper towels to remove excess bacteria. (D) Roots plated on co-culture medium. (E) SS plates wrapped in aluminum foil. Plants were incubated for 2-3 days before being transferred to the shooting medium. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig03large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 4" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig04.jpg" /> 
Figure 4: GUS-staining. &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) staining results of narrowleaf plantain leaf segments. (A) Wild type. (B) Narrowleaf plantain transformed with the plasmid that harbors the AtPP2 promoter (empty vector). (C) Narrowleaf plantain transformed with the plasmid that harbors the AtPP2 promoter and the &#946;-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. Each leaf was stained using the GUS histochemical staining protocol, then imaged with a microscopic camera. Images (B) and (C) show no staining pattern due to the absence of the GUS gene. The right image shows a clear blue staining pattern in the veins, confirming that the plants are transgenic. The bar represents 1 mm, with each leaf segment measuring approximately 1 cm in length. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig04large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 5" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig05.jpg" /> 
Figure 5: Comparison of transformation efficiency of different tissue types after &#62;1 month incubation on shooting media. (A) Root tissues after over 1 month of growth. Roots have experienced expanded callus, and shoot initials have emerged. Non-transformed callus has begun to die in response to antibiotic selection. (B) Leaf and petiole tissues after over 1 month of growth. Tissues experienced some callus expansion but soon died in response to the antibiotic. No shoots emerged from either tissue. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig05large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 6" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig06.jpg" /> 
Figure 6: Emergence of callus and shoots on transformed tissue. Representative images of tissues placed on shooting medium after different lengths of incubation. (A) Root tissues just after being plated on the shooting medium. (B) Root tissues after 1 week on shooting medium. Callus expansion can be observed, and (B1) the first shoot initials have begun to emerge. (C) Root tissues after 3 weeks on shooting medium. More shoot initials have emerged. (C1) The shoot that emerged from the B1 shoot initial. (D) Root&#160;tissues after 4 weeks of incubation. Non-transformed tissue has begun to turn black/brown and die, and emerging shoots continue to grow. At this stage, shoots are ready to be moved to the rooting medium. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777fig06large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
Table 1: Media preparation recipes. A description of how to prepare mediums for transformation. The quantity of vitamins added is calculated based on the indicated stock solution concentration. See Table 2 for vitamin stock solution preparation. For all mediums, add reagents to 900 mL of double-distilled H2O, pH to the indicated level, and then add water to a final volume of 1,000 mL. * = add after sterilization. ** = pH with 1 M KOH. *** = pH with 1 M NaOH. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777_Table 1_Media Preparation Recipes.xlsx" target="_blank">Please click here to download this Table.</a>
Table 2: Vitamin stocks for Plantago mediums. All vitamins must be filter sterilized and labeled accurately before storage. Where indicated, dissolve the powders first in 1 N NaOH, then make up the desired volume with double distilled H2O. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/64777/64777_Table 2_Vitamin Stocks for Plantago Mediums.xlsx" target="_blank">Please click here to download this Table.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Narrowleaf Plantain at JoVE.com

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Narrowleaf Plantain

Because of its versatile application as a model species in various fields of study, there is a need for a genetic transformation toolkit in narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Here, using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, a protocol is presented that results in stable transgenic lines with a transformation efficiency of 20%.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Narrowleaf Plantain

Species in the genus Plantago have several unique traits that have led to them being adapted as model plants in various fields of study. However, the lack ...

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4.1K Views.  Purdue University. Because of its versatile application as a model species in various fields of study, there is a need for a genetic transformation toolkit in narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Here, using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, a protocol is presented that results in stable transgenic lines with a transformation efficiency of 20%.

Video: Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Narrowleaf Plantain

Method for Culture of Early Chick Embryos ex vivo (New Culture)

The chick embryo is a valuable tool in the study of early embryonic development. Its transparency, accessibility and ease of manipulation, make it an ideal tool for studying  the formation and patterning of brain, neural tube, somite and heart primordia. Applications of chick embryo culture include electroporation of DNA or RNA constructs in order to analyze gene function, grafts of growth factor coated beads such as FGFs and BMPs , as well as whole mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. This video demonstrates the different steps in chick embryo culture; First, the embryo is explanted in saline. Then, the embryo is centered on a glass ring. The membranes surrounding the embryo are lifted along the walls of the ring. The ring is then placed in a culture dish containing a pool of albumine. The culture dish is sealed and placed in a humid chamber, where the embryo is cultured for up to 24 hrs. Finally, the embryo is removed from the ring, fixed and processed for further applications. A troubleshooting guide is also presented.

Method for Culture of Early Chick Embryos ex vivo New Culture

This video demonstrates New culture, a method by which chick embryos are cultured outside the egg for up to 24 hr. This method enables one to study early development (primitive streak to 14 som.), a period corresponding to E7-9 in mouse. Applications of this technique include electroporation, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

The chick embryo is a valuable tool in the study of early embryonic development. Its transparency, accessibility and ease of manipulation, make it an ...

Double Whole Mount in situ Hybridization of Early Chick Embryos

The chick embryo is a valuable tool in the study of early embryonic development. Its transparency, accessibility and ease of manipulation, make it an ideal tool for studying  gene expression in brain, neural tube, somite and heart primordia formation. This video demonstrates the different steps in 2-color whole mount in situ hybridization; First, the embryo is dissected from the egg and fixed in paraformaldehyde. Second, the embryo is processed for prehybridization. The embryo is then hybridized with two different probes, one coupled to DIG, and one coupled to FITC.  Following overnight hybridization, the embryo is incubated with DIG coupled antibody. Color reaction for DIG substrate is performed, and the region of interest appears blue. The embryo is then incubated with FITC coupled antibody. The embryo is processed for color reaction with FITC, and the region of interest appears red. Finally, the embryo is fixed and processed for phtograph and sectioning. A troubleshooting guide is also presented.

This video demonstrates 2-color whole mount in situ hybridization, a method by which the spatial and temporal expression pattern of 2 different genes can be visualized in young chick embryos. This method was originally introduced by David Wilkinson, Domingos Henrique, Phil Ingham and David Ish -Horowicz.

DNA Electroporation, Isolation and Imaging of Myofibers

Mature muscle has a unique structure that is amenable to live cell imaging. Herein, we describe the experimental protocol for expressing fluorescently labeled proteins in the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle. Conditions have been optimized to provide a large number of high quality myofibers expressing the electroporated plasmid while minimizing muscle damage. The method employs fluorescent tags on various proteins. Combining this expression method with high resolution confocal microscopy permits live cell imaging, including imaging after laser-induced damage. Fluorescent dyes combined with imaging of fluorescently-tagged proteins provides information regarding the basic structure of muscle and its response to stimuli.

This protocol utilizes electroporation to introduce and express fluorescently labeled proteins in mouse muscle fibers. Following recovery after electroporation, fibers are isolated. Individual fibers are then imaged using high resolution confocal microscopy to visualize muscle structure.

Mature muscle has a unique structure that is amenable to live cell imaging. Herein, we describe the experimental protocol for expressing fluorescently ...

Agrobacterium-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation of Recalcitrant Maize Inbred Lines Using Morphogenic Genes

Demonstrated here is a detailed protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of maize inbred lines using morphogenic genes Baby boom (Bbm) and Wuschel2 (Wus2). Bbm is regulated by the maize phospholipid transferase gene (Pltp) promoter, and Wus2 is under the control of a maize auxin-inducible (Axig1) promoter. An Agrobacterium strain carrying these morphogenic genes on transfer DNA (T-DNA) and extra copies of Agrobacterium virulence (vir) genes are used to infect maize immature embryo explants. Somatic embryos form on the scutella of infected embryos and can be selected by herbicide resistance and germinated into plants. A heat-activated cre/loxP recombination system built into the DNA construct allows for removal of morphogenic genes from the maize genome during an early stage of the transformation process. Transformation frequencies of approximately 14%, 4%, and 4% (numbers of independent transgenic events per 100 infected embryos) can be achieved for W22, B73, and Mo17, respectively, using this protocol.

Agrobacterium-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation of Recalcitrant Maize Inbred Lines Using Morphogenic Genes

Plant morphogenic genes can be used to improve genetic transformation of recalcitrant genotypes. Described here is an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation (QuickCorn) protocol for three important public maize inbred lines.

Demonstrated here is a detailed protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of maize inbred lines using morphogenic genes Baby boom (Bbm) ...

Preparing and Injecting Embryos of Culex Mosquitoes to Generate Null Mutations using CRISPR/Cas9

Culex mosquitoes are the major vectors of several diseases that negatively impact human and animal health including West Nile virus and diseases caused by filarial nematodes such as canine heartworm and elephantasis. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been used to induce site-directed mutations by injecting a Cas9 protein that has been complexed with a guide RNA (gRNA) into freshly laid embryos of several insect species, including mosquitoes that belong to the genera Anopheles and Aedes. Manipulating and injecting Culex mosquitoes is slightly more difficult as these mosquitoes lay their eggs upright in rafts rather than individually like other species of mosquitoes. Here we describe how to design gRNAs, complex them with Cas9 protein, induce female mosquitoes of Culex pipiens to lay eggs, and how to prepare and inject newly laid embryos for microinjection with Cas9/gRNA. We also describe how to rear and screen injected mosquitoes for the desired mutation. The representative results demonstrate that this technique can be used to induce site-directed mutations in the genome of Culex mosquitoes and, with slight modifications, can be used to generate null-mutants in other mosquito species as well.&#160;

Preparing and Injecting Embryos of Culex Mosquitoes to Generate Null Mutations using CRISPR/Cas9

CRISPR/Cas9 is increasingly used to characterize gene function in non-model organisms. This protocol describes how to generate knock-out lines of Culex pipiens, from preparing injection mixes, to obtaining and injecting mosquito embryos, as well as how to rear, cross, and screen injected mosquitoes and their progeny for desired mutations.

Culex mosquitoes are the major vectors of several diseases that negatively impact human and animal health including West Nile virus and diseases caused by ...

Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation, Transgenic Production, and Its Application for the Study of Male Reproductive Development in Rice

Male sterility is an important agronomic trait for hybrid seed production that is usually characterized by functional defects in male reproductive organs/gametes. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology allow for high editing efficacy and timesaving knockout mutations of endogenous candidate genes at specific sites. Additionally, Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of rice is also a key method for gene modification, which has been widely adopted by many public and private laboratories. In this study, we applied CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools and successfully generated three male sterile mutant lines by targeted genome editing of OsABCG15 in a japonica cultivar. We used a modified Agrobacterium-mediated rice transformation method that could provide excellent means of genetic emasculation for hybrid seed production in rice. Transgenic plants can be obtained within 2&#8211;3 months and homozygous transformants were screened by genotyping using PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. Basic phenotypic characterization of the male sterile homozygous line was performed by microscopic observation of the rice male reproductive organs, pollen viability analysis by iodine potassium iodide (I2-KI) staining semi-thin cross-sectioning of developing anthers.

Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation, Transgenic Production, and Its Application for the Study of Male Reproductive Development in Rice

This work describes the use of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to knockout endogenous gene OsABCG15 followed by a modified Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol to produce a stable male-sterile line in rice.

Male sterility is an important agronomic trait for hybrid seed production that is usually characterized by functional defects in male reproductive ...

One-Step Hairy Root Transformation Method for Advancing Root-Related Biology

An Efficient and Reproducible Method for Producing Composite Plants by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-Based Hairy Root Transformation

Producing composite plants with transgenic roots and nontransgenic stems and buds using Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation is a powerful tool to study root-related biology. Hairy root transformation is established in a wide range of dicotyledons and in several monocotyledon species and is almost independent of the genotype. The traditional method of hypocotyl injection with A. rhizogenes to obtain composite plants is inefficient, time-consuming, laborious, and frequently causes the death of tender and tiny hypocotyl plants. A highly efficient, one-step hairy root transformation mediated by A. rhizogenes was established previously, which eliminates the need for transplanting after producing hairy roots. In this study, a partial hypocotyl and primary root were removed, the hypocotyl incision site was coated with A. rhizogenes, and&#160;then hypocotyls were planted in sterile vermiculite. After 12 days of cultivation, the hypocotyl incision expanded and new hairy roots were induced. This article provides the detailed protocol of a one-step transformation method mediated by A. rhizogenes, with its effectiveness demonstrated by producing composite plants of wild soybean, Solanum americanum, and pumpkin.

Author Spotlight: Streamlining Composite Plant Production via Agrobacterium rhizogenes-Mediated Hairy Root Transformation 

Here, we provide the detailed protocol of a one-step transformation method mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens to produce composite plants.

Producing composite plants with transgenic roots and nontransgenic stems and buds using Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation is a ...

In Planta Transient Transformation of Cacao Plants Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Vacuum-Forced Agroinfiltration for In planta Transformation of Recalcitrant Plants: Cacao as a Case Study

Transient in planta transformation is a fast and cost-effective alternative for plant genetic transformation. Most protocols for in planta transformation rely on the use of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. However, the protocols currently in use are standardized for small-sized plants due to the physical and economic constraints of submitting large-sized plants to a vacuum treatment. This work presents an effective protocol for localized vacuum-based agroinfiltration customized for large-sized plants. To assess the efficacy of the proposed method, we tested its use in cacao plants, a tropical plant species recalcitrant to genetic transformation. Our protocol allowed applying up to 0.07 MPa vacuum, with repetitions, to a localized aerial part of cacao leaves, making it possible to force the infiltration of Agrobacterium into the intercellular spaces of attached leaves. As a result, we achieved the Agrobacterium-mediated transient in planta transformation of attached cacao leaves expressing for the RUBY reporter system. This is also the first Agrobacterium-mediated in planta transient transformation of cacao. This protocol would allow the application of the vacuum-based agroinfiltration method to other plant species with similar size constraints and open the door for the in planta characterization of genes in recalcitrant woody, large-size species.

Author Spotlight: Tissue Culture-Free Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation in Large Woody Plants

Here, we present the first protocol for localized vacuum infiltration for in vivo studies of the genetic transformation of large-sized plants. Using this methodology, we achieved for the first time the Agrobacterium-mediated in planta transient transformation of cacao.

Transient in planta transformation is a fast and cost-effective alternative for plant genetic transformation. Most protocols for in planta transformation ...

Agrobacterium-Mediated Hairy Root Induction and Regeneration in Plants

Hairy Root Transformation and Regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus

Hairy root transformation represents a versatile tool for plant biotechnology in various species. Infection by an Agrobacterium strain carrying a Root-inducing (Ri) plasmid induces the formation of hairy roots at the wounding site after the transfer of T-DNA from the Ri plasmid into the plant genome. The protocol describes in detail the procedure of the injection-based hairy root induction in Brassica napus DH12075 and Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0. The hairy roots may be used to analyze a transgene of interest or processed for the generation of transgenic plants. Regeneration medium containing cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (5 mg/L) and auxin 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (8 mg/L) successfully elicits shoot formation in both species. The protocol covers the genotyping and selection of regenerants and T1 plants to obtain plants carrying a transgene of interest and free of T-DNA from the Ri plasmid. An alternative process leading to the formation of a composite plant is also depicted. In this case, hairy roots are kept on the shoot (instead of the natural roots), which enables the study of a transgene in hairy root cultures in the context of the whole plant.

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Hairy Root-Based Transformation Protocols for Enhanced Efficiency in Brassicaceae

The protocol describes hairy root induction using Arabidopsis primary inflorescence stems and Brassica napus hypocotyls. The hairy roots can be cultured and used as explants to regenerate transgenic plants.

Hairy root transformation represents a versatile tool for plant biotechnology in various species. Infection by an Agrobacterium strain carrying a ...

Protocol for Wet Beveling of Microinjection Needles Under Constant Air Pressure

Wet Beveling of Microinjection Needles Utilizing Constant Air Pressure for Feedback on Needle Opening

Microinjection needles are a critical tool in the delivery of genome modification reagents, CRISPR components (guide RNAs, Cas9 protein, and donor template), and transposon system components (plasmids and transposase mRNA) into developing insect embryos. Sharp microinjection needles are particularly important during the delivery of these modifying agents since they help minimize damage to the embryo being injected, thereby increasing the survival of these embryos as compared to injection with non-beveled needles. Further, the beveling of needles produces needles that are more consistent from needle to needle as compared to needles opened by randomly breaking the needle tip by brushing the tip against an object (side of a coverslip, the surface of the embryo to be injected, etc.). The process of wet beveling of microinjection needles with constant pressure air delivered to the needle allows the person beveling the needle to know when the needle is open (presence of bubbles) and also gives a relative indication of how large a needle opening has been created. The relative opening size in the needle can be determined by adjusting the air pressure delivered to the needle until an equilibrium is reached and bubbles stop flowing from the tip of the needle. The lower the pressure at which the equilibrium is reached, the larger the needle size; and conversely, the higher the pressure, the smaller the needle size.

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Microinjection Needle Quality by Wet Beveling

This protocol describes the assembly of a pneumatic system for the delivery of pressurized air to a needle during the process of needle beveling. The protocol further describes the beveling process for creating sharp microinjection needles and how to gauge the relative opening size of the needle.