Genetic transformation of monocotyledonous plants still presents a challenge for plant biologists and biotechnologists, since monocots are difficult to transform with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, whereas other transgenesis methods, such as gold particle-mediated transformation, result in poor transgene expression due to integration of truncated DNA molecules. We developed a novel method of transgene delivery into monocots. This method relies on the use of in vitro prepared nano-complex consisting of T-DNA, VirD2 and RecA proteins delivered to triticale microspores with the help of Tat2 cell penetrating peptide. We showed that this approach (i) allowed for single transgene copy integration events, and (ii) prevented degradation of delivered DNA, thus leading to the integration of intact copies of the transgene into the genome of triticale plants. This resulted in transgene expression in all transgenic plants regenerated from microspores transfected with full T-DNA/protein complex. This approach can easily substitute bombardment technique currently used for monocots and will be highly valuable for plant biology and biotechnology.
A novel method of transgene delivery into triticale plants using the Agrobacterium T-DNA-derived nano-complex.: "Publication Date: 2012 Jan 30 PMID: 22291201
Authors: Ziemienowicz, A. - Shim, Y. S. - Matsuoka, A. - Eudes, F. - Kovalchuk, I.
Journal: Plant Physiol
(Via Plant Physiology.)