Establishment of Robust Maize Transformation Systems

Kan Wang，首席研究员，爱荷华州州立大学Stanton Gelvin，联合首席研究员，普渡大学Heidi Kaeppler，联合首席研究员，威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校Bill Thompson，联合首席研究员，北卡罗来纳州州立大学 随着植物基因组计划的成熟，改进植物转化技术变得至关重要。鉴于基因组信息的迅速增加和了解众多基因的生物功能的需要，必须建立有效的转化系统，并向公共部门的研究人员提供。 玉米是研究最多的模式植物，具有重要的经济价值。 虽然私人实验室已经建立了玉米遗传转化系统，但缺乏这种系统仍然是公共研究人员的一个关键限制。 这是因为大多数公共研究团体无法获得通过现有程序进行玉米转化所需的资源和基础设施。 此外，目前的技术具有严重的局限性，包括低效率和通量、难以进行近交系转化、不可预测的转基因拷贝数和完整性、以及在发育期间和世代中不期望的转基因沉默。 该项目的长期目标是开展旨在建立稳健的玉米转化技术的研究：1）开发常规的农杆菌介导的转化系统，2）增强转基因整合和表达，3）研究使用非组织培养方法的替代转化方案，以及4）将转化扩展到更多的玉米自交系。 此外，该方案将通过提供更有效的转化服务、培训研究人员和组织转化讲习班，促进将改进后的方案转移到公共部门。

Kan Wang, Principal Investigator, Iowa State UniversityStanton Gelvin, Co- Principal Investigator, Purdue UniversityHeidi Kaeppler, Co- Principal Investigator, University of Wisconsin-MadisonBill Thompson, Co- Principal Investigator, North Carolina State University As the Plant Genome Project matures, improved technologies for plant transformation are becoming essential. Given the rapid increase in genomic information and the need to understand the biological functions of numerous genes, it is essential to establish efficient transformation systems and make them available to researchers in the public sector. Maize is the most studied model plant that has important economic value. Although genetic transformation systems for maize have been established in private laboratories, the lack of such systems is still a key limitation for public researchers. This is because most public research groups do not have access to the resources and infrastructure necessary for maize transformation by currently available procedures. In addition, the current technology has serious limitations, including low efficiency and throughput, difficulty with inbred line transformation, unpredictable transgene copy numbers and integrity, and undesirable transgene silencing during development and over generations. The long term goal for this program is to conduct research aimed at establishing robust maize transformation technologies by: 1) developing a routine Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system, 2) enhancing transgene integration and expression, 3) investigating alternative transformation protocols using non-tissue culture approaches, and 4) expand transformation to more maize inbred lines. In addition, this program will facilitate transfer of improved protocols to the public sector by providing a more efficient transformation service, training research staff, and organizing transformation workshops.