Further evidence that mechanisms of host/symbiont integration are dissimilar in the maternal versus embryonic Acyrthosiphon pisum bacteriome

Background Host/symbiont integration is a signature of evolutionarily ancient, obligate endosymbioses. However, little is known about the cellular and developmental mechanisms of host/symbiont integration at the molecular level. Many insects possess obligate bacterial endosymbionts that provide essential nutrients. To advance understanding of the developmental and metabolic integration of hosts and endosymbionts, we track the localization of a non-essential amino acid transporter, ApNEAAT1, across asexual embryogenesis in the aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Previous work in adult bacteriomes revealed that ApNEAAT1 functions to exchange non-essential amino acids at the A. pisum/Buchnera aphidicola symbiotic interface. Driven by amino acid concentration gradients, ApNEAAT1 moves proline, serine, and alanine from A. pisum to Buchnera and cysteine from Buchnera to A. pisum. Here, we test the hypothesis that ApNEAAT1 is localized to the symbiotic interface during asexual embryogenesis. Results During A. pisum asexual embryogenesis, ApNEAAT1 does not localize to the symbiotic interface. We observed ApNEAAT1 localization to the maternal follicular epithelium, the germline, and, in late-stage embryos, to anterior neural structures and insect immune cells (hemocytes). We predict that ApNEAAT1 provisions non-essential amino acids to developing oocytes and embryos, as well as to the brain and related neural structures. Additionally, ApNEAAT1 may perform roles related to host immunity. Conclusions Our work provides further evidence that the embryonic and adult bacteriomes of asexual A. pisum are not equivalent. Future research is needed to elucidate the developmental time point at which the bacteriome reaches maturity.

Transformation of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) with Genes Involved in Carbohydrate Metabolism and Partitioning via Hypocotyl Tissue Cultures

A study was initiated to characterize key enzymes that influence sweetness in carrot (Daucus carota L.) roots. Sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPL) genes were isolated from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and cloned in an anti-sense orientation into Agrobacterium tumefaciens Bin19, which has a CaMV 35S promoter. Seedling hypocotyl sections of selected carrot lines were pre-incubated on B5 medium for 2 days, co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens Bin 19 for additional 3 days, and then transferred to a modified B5 medium containing 50 g/mL kanamycin and 400 g/mL carbenicillin. In 4 weeks, 18.6%, 33.3%, and 26.7% of the cultures from a breeding line (W204-C) were found to be transformed, respectively, with SS, SPS, and UDPL as determined by kanamycin resistance. In contrast, no kanamycin-resistant calli were obtained from a commercial cultivar (Navajo) in these transformation studies. The transformed calli proliferated in the medium containing 50 g/mL kanamycin and 400 g/mL carbenicillin, whereas non-transformed calli died in the same medium. These transformed calli are currently being used to regenerate plants via asexual embryogenesis using a suspension culture. The influence of these additional genes on sugar metabolism and accumulation in root tissues of transformed carrots will be characterized in the future.

Asexual Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Male Catkins of Quercus

Partially expanded male catkins of swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor Willd.) and red oak (Quercus rubra L.) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BA or 2,4-D. Explants on 2,4-D produced a yellow embryogenic callus originating from the junction of the pedicel and peduncle. Subsequent transfers to MS with BA and then MS without growth regulators resulted in callus proliferation. After 10 to 14 weeks in culture, white embryoids developed from the callus of Q. bicolor. Separated and individually cultured embryoids underwent direct, repetitive embryogenesis. Upon transfer to l/2-strength MS, embryoid germination and plant regeneration occurred. Callus of Q. rubra degenerated after 5 months in culture, failing to yield embryogenic structures. Chemical names used: dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); benzyladenine (BA).

ASEXUAL EMBRYOGENESIS AND PLANT REGENERATION FROM MALE CATKINS OF QUERCUS

Partially expanded male catkins at the pre-pollen shedding stage of Quercus rubra L. and Quercus bicolor Willd. were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BA or 2,4D Explants on 2,4D produced a yellow embryogenic callus, seeming to originate from the pedicels. Subsequent transfers to BA and then, MS without growth regulators, resulted in callus proliferation. After ten weeks in culture, white embryoids developed from the callus of Q. bicolor. Separated and individually cultured embryoids underwent direct, repetitive embryogenesis. Upon transfer to ½-strength MS, embryoid germination and plant regeneration occurred, Callus of Q. rubra degenerated after five months in culture, failing to produce embryogenic structures.