Functions, regulation and cellular localization of plant cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors

The cell cycle is regulated by the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), and CDK inhibitors can bind to CDKs and inhibit their activities. This review examines plant CDK inhibitors, with particular emphasis on their molecular and cellular functions, regulation and cellular localization. In plants, a family of ICK/KRP CDK inhibitors represented by ICK1 is known and another type of CDK inhibitor represented by the SIMESE (SIM) has recently been reported. Considerable understanding has been gained with the ICK/KRP CDK inhibitors. These plant CDK inhibitors share only limited sequence similarity in the C-terminal region with the KIP/CIP family of mammalian CDK inhibitors. The ICK/KRP CDK inhibitors thus provide good tools to understand the basic machinery as well as the unique aspects of the plant cell cycle. The ICK/KRP CDK inhibitors interact with D-type cyclins or A-type CDKs or both. Several functional regions and motifs have been identified in ICK1 for CDK inhibition, nuclear localization and protein instability. Clear evidence shows that ICK/KRP proteins are important for the cell cycle and endoreduplication. Preliminary evidence suggests that they may also be involved in cell differentiation and cell death. Results so far show that plant CDK inhibitors are exclusively localized in the nucleus. The molecular sequences regulating the localization and functional significance will be discussed.

Expression of the plant cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor ICK1 affects cell division, plant growth and morphology

The plant CDK inhibitor ICK1 was identified previously from Arabidopis thaliana with its inhibitory activity characterized in vitro. ICK1 displayed several structural and functional features that are distinct from known animal CDK inhibitors. Despite the initial characterization, there is no information on the functions of any plant CDK inhibitor in plants. To gain insight into ICK1 functions in vivo and the role of cell division during plant growth and development, transgenic plants were generated expressing ICK1 driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. In comparison to control plants, growth was significantly inhibited in transgenic 35S-ICK1 plants, with some plants weighing <10% of wild-type plants at the 3 week stage. Most organs of 35S-ICK1 plants were smaller. There were also modifications in plant morphology such as shape and serration of leaves and petals. The changes were so drastic that 35S-ICK1 plants with strong phenotype no longer resembled wild-type plants morphologically. Analyses showed that increased ICK1 expression resulted in reduced CDK activity and reduced the number of cells in these plants. Cells in 35S-ICK1 plants were larger than corresponding cells in control plants. These results demonstrate that ICK1 acts as a CDK inhibitor in the plant, and the inhibition of cell division by ICK1 expression has profound effects on plant growth and development. They also suggest that alterations of plant organ shape can be achieved by restriction of cell division.

The Arabidopsis Cdc2a-interacting protein ICK2 is structurally related to ICK1 and is a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase activity in vitro

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are important regulators of the eukaryotic cell division cycle. To study protein-protein interactions involving plant CDKs, the Arabidopsis thaliana Cdc2aAt was used as bait in the yeast two-hybrid system. Here we report on the isolation of ICK2, and show that it interacts with Cdc2aAt, but not with a second CDK from Arabidopsis, Cdc2bAt. ICK2 contains a carboxy-terminal domain related to that of ICK1, a previously described CDK inhibitor from Arabidopsis, and to the CDK-binding domain of the mammalian inhibitor p27Kip1. Outside of this domain, ICK2 is distinct from ICK1, p27Kip1, and other proteins. At nanogram levels (8 nM), purified recombinant ICK2 inhibits p13Suc1-associated histone H1 kinase activity from Arabidopsis tissue extracts, demonstrating that it is a potent inhibitor of plant CDK activity in vitro. ICK2 mRNA was present in all tissues analysed by Northern hybridization, and its distribution was distinct from that of ICK1. These results demonstrate that plants possess a family of differentially regulated CDK inhibitors that contain a conserved carboxy terminal but with distinct amino terminal regions.

ICK1, a cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor from Arabidopsis thaliana interacts with both Cdc2a and CycD3, and its expression is induced by abscisic acid

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor genes encode low molecular weight proteins which have important functions in cell cycle regulation, development and perhaps also in tumorigenesis. The first plant CDK inhibitor gene ICK1 was recently identified from Arabidopsis thaliana. Although the C-terminal domain of ICK1 contained an important consensus sequence with the mammalian CDK inhibitor p27Kip1, the remainder of the deduced ICK1 sequence showed little similarity to any known CDK inhibitors. In vitro assays showed that recombinant ICK1 exhibited unique kinase inhibitory properties. In the present study we characterized ICK1 in terms of its gene structure, its interaction with both A. thaliana Cdc2a and CycD3, and its induction by the plant growth regulator, abscisic acid (ABA). ICK1 was expressed at a relatively low level in the tissues surveyed. However, ICK1 was induced by ABA, and along with ICK1 induction there was a decrease in Cdc2-like histone H1 kinase activity. These results suggest a molecular mechanism by which plant cell division might be inhibited by ABA. ICK1 clones were also identified from independent yeast two-hybrid screens using the CycD3 construct. The implication that ICK1 protein could interact with both Cdc2a and CycD3 was confirmed by in vitro binding assays. Furthermore, deletion analysis indicated that different regions of ICK1 are required for the interactions with Cdc2a and CycD3. These results provide a mechanistic basis for understanding the role of CDK inhibitors in cell cycle regulation in plant cells.

Induction of microspore-derived embryos of Brassica napus L. with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as osmoticum in a low sucrose medium

Isolated microspores of Brassica napus were cultured on high concentrations of mannitol or polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000), with only a very limited amount of sucrose (0.08-0.1%) provided as carbohydrate source in the medium. While microspores cultured on high mannitol yielded no embryos and no embryogenic cell divisions were observed, microspores on high PEG developed into embryos within 2 weeks, and the embryo yield appeared comparable to that of the sucrose control. When placed under light, PEG embryos quickly changed color from yellow to dark green, while sucrose embryos first remained yellowish and then slowly changed color to pale green. Three-week-old PEG embryos were strikingly similar to immature zygotic embryos developed in ovulo, dissected at 14-15 days post-anthesis (DPA), while sucrose embryos differed from the latter in the size and shape, color and morphology of their cotyledons. These results demonstrate that in microspore embryogenesis of Brassica napus: (1) the level of metabolizable carbohydrate required for microspore embryo induction and formation appears to be substantially less than commonly used amounts, (2) sucrose as an osmoticum can be replaced with high-molecular-weight PEG. With further improvement the new method described here might be suitable for other Brassica species and would have a great potential application in breeding programs.

Visualization of Golgi apparatus in methacrylate embedded conifer embryo tissue using the monoclonal antibody JIM 84

Methacrylate embedding followed by resin removal has been used for the first time to visualize a membrane-associated antigen at the tissue level. Monoclonal antibody JIM 84 was used to stain the Golgi apparatus of gymnosperm (conifer) embryos by light microscope immunocytochemistry. Specificity of labelling was confirmed by electron microscope immunocytochemistry using LR-white resin. GA staining was evident in all stages of white spruce somatic embryo development from immature to mature. Some regions of the somatic embryos (e.g. root cap/suspensor region) stained more vigorously than other regions (hypocotyl/cotyledon end). GA also stained in roots of Monterey pine and Douglas fir. Unlike the situation in most angiosperms, JIM 84 antigen appears to be absent from the conifer plasma membrane. However, it appears to be present in representatives of both major classes of higher plants.

Production of vigorous, desiccation tolerant white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss.) synthetic seeds in a bioreactor

This report describes a low-cost method for generating large numbers of high quality mature white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss) somatic embryos which survived desiccation and grew to plantlets more vigorously than excised zygotic embryos cultured in vitro. Somatic embryos from suspension culture were supported within a culture chamber on a flat absorbent pad above the surface of a liquid culture medium containing 20-50 μM abscisic acid and 7.5 % polyethylene glycol. Throughout a 7 week culture period 3 L of fresh medium was pumped into one end of the chamber, while the spent medium exited by gravity from the opposite end. Over 6,300 cotyledonary stage white spruce somatic embryos were recovered after this time from a single culture chamber without manual manipulation. The somatic embryos were of excellent appearance with well developed cotyledons, and possessed high levels of storage lipids. They survived drying to about 8 % moisture content following treatment for 4 weeks at 63 % relative humidity, and following imbibition converted to normal plantlets at a frequency of 92 %, compared to 80 % for embryos grown in Petri dishes. Somatic embryos cultured within the bioreactor developed to plantlets that were 20 % longer than zygotic embryos excised from mature seed and grown in vitro, and were 38 % longer than somatic embryos cultured upon agar medium in Petri dishes.

Production of vigorous, desiccation tolerant white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss.) synthetic seeds in a bioreactor

This report describes a low-cost method for generating large numbers of high quality mature white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss) somatic embryos which survived desiccation and grew to plantlets more vigorously than excised zygotic embryos cultured in vitro. Somatic embryos from suspension culture were supported within a culture chamber on a flat absorbent pad above the surface of a liquid culture medium containing 20-50 μM abscisic acid and 7.5 % polyethylene glycol. Throughout a 7 week culture period 3 L of fresh medium was pumped into one end of the chamber, while the spent medium exited by gravity from the opposite end. Over 6,300 cotyledonary stage white spruce somatic embryos were recovered after this time from a single culture chamber without manual manipulation. The somatic embryos were of excellent appearance with well developed cotyledons, and possessed high levels of storage lipids. They survived drying to about 8 % moisture content following treatment for 4 weeks at 63 % relative humidity, and following imbibition converted to normal plantlets at a frequency of 92 %, compared to 80 % for embryos grown in Petri dishes. Somatic embryos cultured within the bioreactor developed to plantlets that were 20 % longer than zygotic embryos excised from mature seed and grown in vitro, and were 38 % longer than somatic embryos cultured upon agar medium in Petri dishes.

Ultrastructure of the endocytotic pathway in glutaraldehyde-fixed and high-pressure frozen/freeze-substituted protoplasts of white spruce (Picea glauca)

An ultrastructural study of endocytosis has been made for the first time in protoplasts of a gymnosperm, white spruce (Picea glauca), fixed by high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution. Protoplasts derived from the WS1 line of suspension-cultured embryogenic white spruce were labelled with cationized ferritin, a non-specific marker of the plasma membrane. The timing of cationized ferritin uptake and its subcellular distribution were determined by fixing protoplasts at various intervals after labelling. To address concerns about using chemical fixation to study the membrane-bound transport of cationized ferritin, protoplasts were fixed both by conventional glutaraldehyde fixation and by rapid freezing in a Balzers high-pressure freezing apparatus (followed by freeze substitution). Cationized ferritin appeared rapidly in coated pits and coated vesicles after labelling. Later it was present in uncoated vesicles, and in Golgi bodies, trans-Golgi membranes and partially coated reticula, then subsequently in multivesicular bodies, which may ultimately fuse with and deliver their contents to lytic vacuoles. The results show that the time course and pathway of cationized ferritin uptake in the gymnosperm white spruce is very similar to the time course and pathway elucidated for cationized ferritin uptake in the angiosperm soybean. High-pressure freezing yielded much better preservation of intracellular membranes and organelles, although plasma membranes appeared ruffled. Protoplasts fixed by both methods possessed numerous smooth vesicles in the cortex and smooth invaginations of the plasma membrane. These became labelled with cationized ferritin, but apparently did not contribute directly to the internalization of cationized ferritin, except via the formation of coated pits and vesicles from their surfaces.

Microtubule pattern and the occurrence of pre-prophase bands in embryogenic cultures of black spruce (Pieca mariana Mill.) and non-embryogenic cultures of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.)

The organization of microtubules during interphase and prophase in embryogenic cultures of black spruce (Picea mariana) was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence. Somatic embryos of black spruce possessed an extensively branched and interconnecting network of fine interphase cortical microtubules. The development of pre-prophase bands (PPBs) in embryogenic black spruce cultures was compared with that in non-embryogenic cell cultures of jack pine (Pinus banksiana). PPBs in both species were initially arranged as a very broad array of microtubules, later (early to mid-prophase) becoming narrower and more intensely fluorescent. The occurrence of pre-prophase bands in relation to the number of phragmoplasts (i.e. PPB index) of black spruce somatic embryos was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that found for jack pine cells.

Immunological evidence that plants use both HDEL and KDEL for targeting proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum

The epitopes of two monoclonal antibodies raised to a putative auxin receptor have been mapped. Carboxy-peptidase A digestion of the antigen, auxin-binding protein (ABP) purified from maize, completely abolished binding of antibody MAC 256 and impaired binding of MAC 259, suggesting that they both recognise C-terminal epitopes. Published sequences of ABP showed that the C terminus was KDEL, a tetrapeptide used for targeting proteins to the ER in animal cells. We have used this short homology to confirm that the two monoclonals recognise C-terminal KDEL, showing that animal KDEL proteins and synthetic KDEL peptides are recognised and that animal cell ER is stained strongly and specifically. Sucrose density gradient fractionation of maize microsomal membranes showed that plant KDEL proteins, including ABP, fractionated with markers for the endoplasmic reticulum. However, few proteins are stained by anti-KDEL monoclonals in plants. For comparison, a monoclonal antibody raised to a synthetic HDEL peptide was also used and found to stain a set of proteins in all plant species tested. The anti-HDEL and anti-KDEL monoclonals were sequence specific, staining different proteins. On density gradient fractionation HDEL proteins also banded with ER marker activities. However, the intracellular distribution of HDEL and KDEL proteins determined by immunofluorescence was different. Whereas HDEL proteins showed a distribution characteristic of plant ER, and this localisation was confirmed by immunogold labelling of ultrathin sections and electron microscopy, KDEL proteins showed strong fluorescence in discrete parts of the cell cortex. These observations are discussed in terms of the potential these monoclonal antibodies have as markers for ER and of the role ABP plays in plant cell signalling.

Manipulation of conditions for the culture of somatic embryos of white spruce for improved triacylglycerol biosynthesis and desiccation tolerance

In order to enhance post-germinative vigour, somatic embryos of Picea glauca (Moench) Voss. were matured under in-vitro conditions that stimulated triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis. In P. glauca seeds over 90% of the TAG was stored within the megagametophyte, and isolated zygotic embryos contained twice the amount of TAG of somatic embryos cultured for four weeks on basal medium containing 16 μM abscisic acid (ABA). Polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG) as a non-permeating osmoticum with ABA promoted TAG biosynthesis by somatic embryos and sustained maturation throughout an eight-week culture period. Treatments that promoted TAG biosynthesis also prevented precocious germination and promoted desiccation tolerance. Thus, the optimal culture conditions for maturation, desiccation survival, and plantlet regeneration were 16-24 μM ABA and 7.5% PEG for eight weeks, followed by desiccation. Under these conditions the levels of TAG per somatic embryo were raised ninefold to about five times the zygotic-embryo level, and the TAG fatty-acid composition became similar to that of zygotic embryos. A study of sectioned material, using light and transmission electron microscopy, showed that the structure and distribution of lipid bodies within these somatic embryos and the degree of embryo development were similar to mature zygotic embryos. Up to 81% of the desiccated somatic embryos regenerated to plantlets during which time the TAG was utilised in a manner similar to zygotic seedlings.

Improvements in immunostaining samples embedded in methacrylate: localization of microtubules and other antigens throughout developing organs in plants of diverse taxa

Microtubules are important in plant growth and development. Localizing microtubules in sectioned material is advantageous because it allows any tissue of interest to be studied and it permits the positional relations of the cells within the organ to be known. We describe here a method that uses semi-thin (0.5-2 μm) sections of material embedded in butyl-methylmethacrylate, to which 10 mM dithiothreitol was added. After removing the embedding material and using indirect immunofluorescence staining, we obtain clear images of microtubules, actin microfilaments, callose and pulse-fed bromodeoxyuridine. This method works on the root tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana(L.) Heynh, Pinus radiataD. Don, Zamia furfuraceaAit., Azolla pinnataR. Br. and on sporophytic tissues of Funaria hygrometricaHedw. In general, most of the cells in the organs studied are successfully stained. Using this method, we find that interphase meristematic cells in all of these species have microtubules not only in the usual cortical array but also throughout their cytoplasm. The presence of the calcium chelator ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid EGTA in fixation buffers led to some tissue damage, and did not enhance the preservation of microtubules. The common assumption that EGTA-containing buffers stabilize plant microtubules during fixation appears unwarranted.

Somatic embryogenesis in conifers

Substantial progress has been made towards the development of systems for in vitro embryogenesis in conifers. Since the first report of somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryos of Picea abies in 1985, cultured explants of at least 18 different coniferous species have been induced to produce somatic embryos. Somatic embryos have been cryopreserved, grown in liquid suspensions, and matured into plants. In addition, plantlets have been regenerated from protoplasts isolated from embryogenic suspensions of Picea glauca and Larix ×eurolepis, permitting studies into direct gene transfer and somatic hybridization. Currently however, it is only possible to obtain somatic embryogenesis from embryonic and juvenile explants. Furthermore, for most species the efficiency of plantlet production from somatic embryos is poor and remains a problem for the commercial utilization of this technology. Biochemical, cytological, and physiological studies of conifer somatic embryogenesis have resulted in improved knowledge concerning the origin of somatic embryos, storage product accumulation during embryo development, and similarities with zygotic embryos. Furthermore, the technique of indirect immunofluorescence microscopy has permitted investigations of the cytoskeleton in conifer cells and protoplasts, providing insights into cell division and morphogenesis. In this review, emphasis is placed on the more fundamental aspects of conifer somatic embryogenesis. Where possible, comparisons between zygotic and somatic embryogenesis are made. Key words: somatic embryogenesis, zygotic embryogenesis, conifers, review.

Somatic embryo maturation, germination, and soil establishment of plants of black and white spruce (Picea mariana and Picea glauca)

Somatic embryo maturation, germination, and soil establishment frequencies were compared for two conifer species, white and black spruce (Picea glauca and Picea mariana). The comparison of the two species regenerated and established in soil under the same conditions showed black spruce to be the most responsive. Shorter exposure times to 32 μM abscisic acid were not as effective as maturation on a medium containing 16 μM abscisic acid for 28 days. This gave similar maturation frequencies for the two species (6–8%), and germination frequencies of 64% for white spruce and over 73% for black spruce. Over 1800 black and white spruce plantlets were recovered, and more than 400 were transferred from in vitro to nonsterile conditions. Sixty percent (160) of the black spruce plantlets survived transfer and continued to grow vigorously. By comparison only 18% (29) of the white spruce plantlets survived, and half of these rapidly produced dormant buds and underwent no further shoot growth. White spruce plants that did not produce dormant buds grew vigorously. These results indicate that there are large differences in the ability of these closely related species to respond to plantlet establishment following regeneration from somatic embryos, and that black spruce is highly responsive to micropropagation by this method. Key words: Picea glauca, Picea mariana, somatic embryogenesis, maturation, germination, soil establishment.

Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from cultured shoots and cotyledons of seedlings from stored seeds of black and white sprees (Picea Mariana and Picea glauca)

Embryogenic callus was induced from cultured explants of 12- to 30-day seedlings germinated from 10- and 4-year stored seeds of black and white spruce, respectively. Plantlets were regenerated from a 12-day black spruce seedling derived embryogenic callus. This is the oldest conifer seedling material shown to give rise to embryogenic callus, and the first demonstration in spruce that seedling-derived embryogenic calli are competent of plantlet regeneration. The effect of a cytokinin pretreatment on embryogenic callus induction from 12-day black spruce seedling shoot explants was investigated. Although an induction frequency of 18% occurred after 2 weeks preculture of shoot explants on medium containing 4.5 μM benzyladenine, the cytokinin pretreatment was not significantly superior to controls given no pretreatment (12%). Age of explant influenced embryogenic induction frequencies from black and white spruce. Explants from 21-day black spruce seedlings produced embryogenic calli at a frequency of 5%. In comparison, shoot explants from 12- and 30-day white spruce seedlings given no benzyladenine pretreatment displayed induction frequencies of 38 and 18%, respectively.

Factors affecting transient gene expression in electroporated black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) protoplasts

Methods were developed for transient gene expression in protoplasts of black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana). Protoplasts were isolated from embryogenic suspension cultures of black spruce and from non-embryogenic suspensions of jack pine. Using electroporation, transient expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene was assayed and shown to be affected by the cell line used, by voltage, temperature, and by the plasmid concentration and conformation. Increasing the plasmid DNA concentration (0-150μg ml(-1)) resulted in higher levels of transient CAT expression. In jack pine, linearized plasmid gave 2.5 times higher levels of CAT enzyme activity than circular. Optimal voltage varied for each cell line of the two species within the range 200-350 V cm(-1) (960 μF). A heat shock treatment of protoplasts for 5 min at 45 °C resulted in enhanced CAT gene expression for both species.

Initiation of embryogenic callus and suspension cultures, and improved embryo regeneration from protoplasts, of white spruce (Picea glauca)

Rapid and high frequency somatic embryo regeneration from protoplasts isolated from 10 embryogenic cell lines of white spruce (Picea glauca) is reported. Embryogenic callus was initiated from immature zygotic embryos as source material for protoplast isolation. Individual cell lines exhibited different capabilities for sustained growth. Protoplast plating efficiencies depended on the concentrations of macroelements included in the medium. Using a medium with reduced salts, individual protoplasts developed directly into embryos with no disorganized growth period. Protoplasts from newly established suspension cultures regenerated to recognizable somatic embryos within 8 days of culture. This embryo development was faster than that from protoplasts isolated from longer term suspension cultures. However, the latter suspensions yielded more protoplasts, displayed higher plating efficiencies, and differed in their response to media.

Ultrastructure of the partially coated reticulum and dictyosomes during endocytosis by soybean protoplasts

Individual and serial sections were used to obtain detailed information regarding the morphology and distribution of the partially coated reticulum (PCR) and to determine its relationship with dictyosomes in endocytotically active soybean (Glycine max. (L.) Merr.) protoplasts. The results confirm and extend the description of the PCR provided by T.C. Pesacreta and W.J. Lucas (1985, Protoplasma 125, 173-184) from whole cells of selected angiosperms. The PCR of soybean protoplasts consists of a set of interconnected tubular membranes bearing a clathrin-like coat over part of their cytoplasmic surface. A dilation, sometimes containing small vesicles, is frequently seen in this organelle. The PCR often appears associated with dictyosomes but also occurs independent of other cell organelles. Only one example of a direct connection between the PCR and dictyosomes was observed.Following adsorptive endocytosis of cationized ferritin, the label appears in the PCR within 2 min and accumulates with time. It is never observed in the membrane dilations. Serial sectioning established that dictyosomes are labelled with cationized ferritin around the periphery of several cisternae, including those on both sides of the same dictyosome.

Regeneration of somatic embryos from protoplasts isolated from an embryogenic suspension culture of white spruce (Picea glauca)

Regeneration of white spruce (Picea glauca) somatic embryos from protoplasts derived from an embryogenic suspension culture was accomplished using a culture medium containing 2 mgl(-1) 2,4-D and 1 mgl(-1) 6-BAP. Divisions within 2 days led to plating efficiencies in the order of 24% after 9 days. A reduction in the osmoticum, necessary for sustained growth, was carried out gradually over 30 days. Embedding in agarose and culture in 5 cm petri dishes prior to transfer of agarose blocks to a bead type culture, led to the formation of somatic embryos as early as 23 days after isolation and yielded plating efficiencies in the order of 5-10% after 35 days culture.

The isolation and culture of protoplasts from an embryogenic cell suspension culture of Picea glauca (moench) voss

Conditions were standardized for the isolation and culture of protoplasts from an embryogenic cell suspension culture of Picea glauca. A combination of 0.5% Cellulase R-10, 0.25% Macerozyme, 0.25% Driselase, 0.25% Rhozyme HP-150 with 0.5M mannitol and 5 mM CaCl2.2H2O produced an average of 4.5 × 10(6) protoplasts per gram fresh weight of cells. Of the several protoplast culture media tested, von Arnold and Eriksson and Kao and Michayluk (KM8P) media best supported mitotic divisions of protoplasts. A density of 10(5) protoplasts per ml and the addition of 5 mM glutamine to the culture medium was necessary to induce sustained divisions and microcallus formation. Microcalli grew into subculturable callus using a nurse culture technique.

An embryogenic cell suspension culture of Picea glauca (White spruce)

A cell suspension culture of Picea glauca (White spruce) which continuously produces somatic embryos has been established. Embryogenic callus derived from cultured zygotic embryos was used to initiate the culture. Numerous embryos at various early stages of development were recognized; they exhibited a meristematic embryonic region and suspensor consisting of elongate, vacuolated cells. The culture also contained clumps of meristematic cells and large irregular - shaped cells. The culture could be readily re-established on solid medium.

Transplantation of isolated nuclei into plant protoplasts : A novel technique for introducing foreign DNA into plant cells

The uptake of isolated nuclei from Vicia hajastana Grossh. cells into protoplasts of an auxotrophic cell line of Datura innoxia P. Mill. was induced under the influence of polyethylene glycol and Ca(2+) at pH 6.8. The frequency of nuclear uptake varied from 0.8 to 2.3% and that of the recovery of prototrophic clones from 10(-5) to 6·10(-4). The prototrophic nuclear fusion products following nuclear uptake could be rescued by initial culture of the protoplasts in non-selective conditions and by the subsequent use of feeder cell layers to support the growth of surviving colonies on a selective medium. The presence of Vicia genomic DNA in some prototrophic clones was confirmed by dot-blot hybridization using Datura and Vicia DNA probes. In certain transformed clones, the recovery of prototrophy was accompanied by the restoration of morphogenetic potential. Welldeveloped shoots typical of wild-type Datura could be regenerated employing an appropriate regeneration medium.

Cell-fractionation analysis of glucan synthase I and II distribution and polysaccharide secretion in soybean protoplasts : Evidence for the involvement of coated vesicles in wall biogenesis

The organelles of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) protoplasts were separated using a recently developed procedure which allows rapid (3-h) recovery of a fraction enriched for coated vesicles (CVs). As determined by marker-enzyme enrichment and ultrastructural analysis of isolated membrane fractions, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi membranes, glucan-synthase-II (EC 2.4.1.34)-containing membranes (putative plasma membrane), mitochondria, and CVs were enriched in separate fractions in a sucrose density gradient. Glucan synthase I (EC 2.4.1.12) had the highest specific activity in the Golgi-enriched and CV-enriched fractions and was found to comigrate with CVs upon rate-zonal centrifugation of a CV-enriched fraction. For further elucidation of the role of these latter organelles in cell-wall regeneration, freshly isolated protoplasts were pulsed with [(3)H]glucose for 20 min, and the disappearance of label from the organelles was followed for the ensuing 1 h. Although a CV-enriched fraction contained glucan synthase I, it contained very small amounts of labelled polysaccharide during the period of study. Pulse-chase experiments with [(3)H]glucose helped to confirm the role of the Golgi apparatus in secretion of matrix polysaccharides by protoplasts.

The isolation and cultivation of protoplasts from cell suspensions of a pantothenate-requiring auxotroph of Datura

Protoplasts isolated from Datura cells requiring pantothenate for growth (Pn1 cell line) failed to divide in a medium containing 0.5 M mannitol if the cells from which they were derived had been subcultured in liquid medium more than four times. Division could be reinduced either by increasing the concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in the growth medium from 1 to 2.5–5 mg/L, by adding low concentrations (0.01 – 1 mg/L) of benzyladenine to a growth medium containing 1 mg/L of 2,4-D, or by diluting the 0.5 M mannitol in the medium to 0.2 M immediately after isolation of the protoplasts. Thus, the physiological state of Pn1 cells seems to change significantly after only a few passages in liquid medium. These changes can be prevented or partially reversed by manipulating the medium in which the cells and protoplasts are cultured. Similar physiological changes did not occur in the case of cultured wild-type (Ph4), adenine-requiring (Ad1), or isoleucine–valine-requiring (I–VI) cells of Datura.

Isoelectric focusing of plant cell protoplasts: separation of different protoplast types

The surface charge of plant protoplasts has been measured by a new technique, isoelectric focusing. The protoplasts were loaded in a dextran density gradient over which a pH gradient was superimposed. When voltage was applied, protoplasts moved to a point in the gradient corresponding to their isoelectric point (pI). The pI of the protoplasts varied with the compounds used for pH gradient generation. Using commercial ampholytes for pH gradient formation, the pI of all protoplasts tested was 4.4 +/- 0.2, and viability following electrophoresis was low. Using an acetate/acetic acid mixture to generate the pH gradient, the pI of protoplasts varied from 3.7 to 5.3 depending on the species and tissue type of the parental cells. Postelectrophoresis viability was high. Using isoelectric focusing techniques, it was possible to separate mixtures of protoplasts derived from different species of plants.

The isolation of coated vesicles from protoplasts of soybean

Fractions enriched in coated vesicles were obtained from protoplasts derived from suspension cultured Glycine max (L.) Merr. cells. Initial enrichment was achieved by isopycnic centrifugation of a protoplast homogenate through a linear sucrose gradient in a vertical rotor. The coated-vesicle fractions from this gradient were pooled and centrifuged through a second linear sucrose gradient in a rate zonal fashion to remove the larger contaminating membrane vesicles. The most prominent polypeptide in the coated-vesicle fractions, plant "clathrin", had a relative molecular mass of approx. 190 kdalton as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Other enriched polypeptides included bands at 105, 100, 96, 64, 50, 38 and 32 kdalton. This method was compared with a procedure utilizing sucrose step gradients for preparing coated vesicles from soybean protoplasts. The effectiveness of the isopycnic-rate zonal centrifugation procedure was also tested for the preparation of bovine-brain coated vesicles.

Endocytosis of cationized ferritin by coated vesicles of soybean protoplasts

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) protoplasts have been surface-labelled with cationized ferritin, and the fate of the label has been followed ultrastructurally. Endocytosis of the label occurs via the coated-membrane system. The pathway followed by the label, once it has been taken into the interior of the protoplast, appears to be similar to that found during receptor-mediated endocytosis in animal cells. Cationized ferritin is first seen in coated vesicles but rapidly appears in smooth vesicles. Labelled, partially coated vesicles are occasionally observed, indicating that the smooth vesicles may have arisen by the uncoating of coated vesicles. Structures which eventually become labelled with cationized ferritin include multivesicular bodies, dictyosomes, large smooth vesicles, and a system of partially coated reticula.

Organelles associated with the plasma membrane of tobacco leaf protoplasts

Leaf protoplasts of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) heterozygous (Su/su) and normal (su/su) for the sulfur mutation exhibit a characteristic lag period before initiating cell wall formation. The early wall is composed of a network of Calcofluor positive fibrils. Large fragments of plasma membrane from freshly isolated protoplasts were examined by electron microscopy to determine the distribution of associated organelles. Coated vesicles and patches of coat material were present on the inner surface of the plasma membrane. The frequency of coated vesicles observed was considerably less than reported for protoplasts from suspension cultured tobacco cells. Very few microtubules were associated with the plasma membrane but fine filaments were frequently observed.

Ultrastructural aspects of coated vesicles in tobacco protoplasts

The ultrastructure and distribution of coated vesicles in isolated tobacco protoplasts were investigated using transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of whole protoplasts and stained plasma membrane preparations obtained by osmotic bursting of protoplasts attached to coated microscope grids. Large numbers of coated vesicles were associated with both the plasma membrane and the maturing face of dictyosomes. Dictyosome associated coated vesicles were smaller and had less distinct coats and vesicle membranes than those associated with the plasma membrane. Honeycomb structures believed to be aggregations of coats were also associated with the inner surface of the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that coated vesicles are produced by the Golgi apparatus, fuse with the plasma membrane, their coats remaining attached, at least temporarily, to the plasma membrane inner surface.

Yeast cell wall, membrane, and soluble marker polypeptides identified by comparative two-dimensional electrophoresis

Yeast cell wall, plasma membrane, total spheroplast, and total soluble protein fractions were isolated from exponentially growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae batch cultures. The cell wall, plasma membrane, and soluble protein fractions were obtained by mechanical disruption of intact yeast cells under identical osmotic conditions. Electron micrographs of purified wall fractions appeared free of vesicular membrane contamination and micrographs of plasma membrane vesicles were free of cell wall contamination. Various stages of cell wall purification were monitored by electron microscopy and comparative two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This resulted in the identification of a glycopeptide designated 16w in the cell wall fraction, with an apparent isoelectric point of 5.0 and an apparent molecular weight of 25 000. Protein analyses of soluble and plasma membrane protein fractions failed to detect component 16w. Two-dimensional protein analyses of total cellular homogenates were capable of resolving the cell wall glycopeptide 16w. However, protein separations of spheroplasts formed by glusulase degradation of the cell wall complex did not detect 16w. These observations suggest that component 16w is unique to the cell wall fraction. In addition, comparison of two-dimensional gels of soluble and plasma membrane proteins, with a total cellular homogenate, tentatively identified several polypeptides unique to each of the soluble and plasma membrane fractions.

Transfer of organelles of the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardii into carrot cells by protoplast fusion

A mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardii which lacks a cell wall was fused with Daucus carota protoplasts using polyethylene glycol and the resulting fusion products were cultured. Fusion involved integration of Chlamydomonas and carrot plasma membranes and the release of algal organelles into the carrot cytoplasm. Chlamydomonas basal bodies, nuclei and chloroplasts were frequently observed in the fusion products. Cultured fusion products regenerated cell walls and divided; most Chlamydomonas organelles degenerated during culture but chloroplasts were still recognizable in the carrot cytoplasm after 10.

Fine structure of fusion products from soybean cell culture and pea leaf protoplasts

Protoplasts from pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves and cultured soybean (Glycine max L.) cells were fused by means of polyethylene glycol and subsequently cultured for one week. Both agglutinated protoplasts and cultured fusion products were examined by electron microscopy. Agglutination occurred over large areas of the plasma membranes. The membrane contanct was discontinuous and irregularly spaced. Many cultured fusion products regenerated cell walls and divided to form cell clusters. Fusion of pea and soybean interphase nuclei occurred in some cells. The detection of heterochromatin typical of pea in the synkaryon, even after division, suggests the cells were hybrids. The cytoplasm of the cells from the fusion products contained both soybean leucoplasts and pea chloroplasts. The chloroplasts had apparently ceased dividing and some showed signs of degenerating. Large multinucleate fusion products developed cell walls but failed to divide.

Ultrastructure of fusion products from soybean cell culture and sweet clover leaf protoplasts

Protoplasts from cultured cells of soybean (Glycine max L.) and from sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis L.) mesophyll cells were fused with polyethylene glycol and subsequently cultured for six days. The resulting fusion products as well as unfused protoplasts of each parental species regenerated cell walls and divided. The fusion products were characterized by the presence of soybean leucoplasts and sweet clover chloroplasts. The chloroplasts appeared to be degenerating but other cytoplasmic organelles were typical of actively growing plant cells. The fate of individual nuclei could not be determined.

Electron-microscope observations of mitosis and cytokinesis in multinucleate protoplasts of soybean

Multinucleate soybean protoplasts produced by spontaneous fusion during enzyme digestion of the cell wall initiated cell division after approximately 40 h in culture. The structure of these protoplasts during mitosis and cytokinesis was studied with both light and electron microscopes. Most nuclei did not fuse but divided synchronously. Interphase nuclei was commonly connected by short narrow nuclear bridges. At prophase and metaphase the nuclei appeared typical of those in most higher plants; technical difficulties prevented an adequate examination of protoplasts at anaphase. Telophase was characterized by cytokinesis involving phragmoplast and cell plate formation; however, complete partitioning of the cytoplasm by cell plants was not observed. Numerous coated vesicles were present near to or continuous with the cell plate and plasmalemma. The presence of a few dividing protoplasts with at least double the normal chromosome number suggests that some nuclear fusion occurred prior to mitosis. Very little cell wall material was detected at the margin of the dividing protoplasts.

Ultrastructure of somatic mitosis in a diploid strain of the plant pathogenic fungus Cochliobolus sativus

An ultrastructural study of mitosis in a diploid strain of Cochliobolus sativus showed the event to be intranuclear. Two nucleoli occasionally were present in interphase nuclei. During division the spindle pole body peripheral to the nuclear envelope divided; spindle microtubules radiated into the nucleoplasm from the amorphous granular region abutting the nuclear envelope beneath the bodies; chromosomes condensed at prophase, approached the equatorial plane at metaphase, and moved asynchronously at anaphase; single microtubules appeared attached to kinetochore-like structures. At telophase, nuclei exhibited maximal elongation; fissures of the nuclear envelope appeared in the interzonal region; the nucleolus dispersed. The polar nuclear areas became new daughter nuclei with nucleoli.

Stellaria media embryogenesis: the development and ultrastructure of the suspensor

As early as the three-celled stage of embryogenesis, the basal cell of chickweed, Stellaria media, is larger than the other embryonic cells and contains large differentiating plastids, microbodies, and wall ingrowths of the transfer cell type at the micropylar end of the cell. Subsequent development produces a suspensor with unique plastids, microbodies, and extensive profiles of dilated endoplasmic reticulum not found in the embryo proper. The suspensor plastids, which appear to be different from any other plastids previously described on the ultra-structural level, are large and contain two types of tubules and electron-translucent inclusions. Plasmodesmata occur in the end walls but not in the side walls of the suspensor cells. It is suggested that the suspensor of chickweed is involved in important, possibly essential, translocation and metabolic activities during early embryogenesis.

Cell Division in Oedogonium II. Nuclear Division in O. Cardiacum

Nuclear division in O. cardiacum is described. Before division, the nucleus enlarges considerably. At prophase, the nucleolus starts dispersing and kinetochores appear on the condensing chromatin, situated and oriented apparently at random in the nucleus. By prometaphase, the kinetochore pairs become aligned along the spindle axis before moving into the metaphase-plate configuration; this supports an earlier theory explaining metakinesis. During prophase and metaphase particularly, the nuclear envelope at the poles forms channels that extend for some distance into the cytoplasm; these may also bifurcate. The nucleolus disperses but remains in the intranuclear spindle throughout division as a loosely knit skein of granular material. The kinetochores have a complex structure, up to seven distinct layers being detectable; the kinetochore pairs split, and then migrate polewards at anaphase with the rest of the chromosome trailing behind. Large numbers of microtubules run from the kinetochore into evaginations of the nuclear envelope which increase in size during anaphase. The spindle grows in length considerably during anaphase, this coinciding with a proliferation of interzonal microtubules, first seen amongst the trailing chromosome arms. The nuclear envelope enclosing the spindle becomes severely stretched at this stage; it contracts closely around each of the daughter nuclei, isolating them from the rest of the spindle (including microtubules and the remains of the nucleolus). The spindle then collapses; the nuclei come together and then flatten against one another; between them, vesicles and other components of the septum collect amongst a large number of transversely oriented micro tubules.

Cell Division in Oedogoniu M III. Golgi Bodies, Wall Structure, and Wall Formation in O. Cardiagum

The structure of the ring in o. cardiacum is described; it is laid down adjacent to a circumferential weakening in the inner wall layer (present in interphase cells as well) which predicts precisely the rupture site. In basal daughter cells, this weakening is derived originally from a discontinuity in the basal lip of the ring itself. Two types of caps are formed; the classical series of single caps in sequence in apical daughter cells is matched by the invariable formation in basal daughter cells of a single large cap, which has added to it one tier per division, the next ring being formed each time adjacent to this "tiered" cap. The golgi bodies become hypertrophied early in mitosis (after the ring has been initiated); they remain thus during cell extension that follows wall rupture. However, once the septum reaches its final position forming a new cross wall, the golgi bodies in the ba8al daughter cell revert to the interphase condition, while the golgi bodies in the apical daughter cell remain hypertrophied during further extension. The cytochemical staining properties of the cell wall with silver-hexamine are described; peroxidation before staining induces a reaction in two types of golgi vesicles, and also in a diffuse fibrillar material in the vacuole, as well as in the cell wall structures. The septum vesicles are essentially unreactive, but the new cross wall reacts very strongly. The possible relationship of the golgi apparatus to both cell wall deposition and turgor pressure control is discussed.

Multivesicular structures and cell wall growth

Applied auxin caused cells of artichoke tuber slices to expand and deposit significant amounts of new wall material while cells in slices held on water remained essentially inert in both respects. Cells in all physiological treatments showed multivesicular structures at the plasma membrane (plasmalemmasomes, lomasomes), within the cytoplasm and within the central vacuoles. The number of plasmalemmasomes was considerably greater in cells not depositing wall than in cells treated with auxin to stimulate wall synthesis. Multivesicular structures showed no relation to Golgi bodies, which increase in number and apparent activity in response to auxin treatment. It is concluded that plasmalemmasomes are not involved in cell wall deposition. Multivesicular structures in plant cells could have several origins and it is suggested that some may represent artifactual reorganization of plasmalemma and tonoplast membranes during cytological processing. Such reorganization would presumably be sensitive to the physiological state of the tissue.

CELL DIVISION IN SPIROGYRA. II. CYTOKINESIS

Cytokinesis in cells of Spirogyra sp. was studied with both light and electron microscopes. Early formation of the cross wall was achieved by annular ingrowth of a septum; the cross wall was completed by a phragmoplast containing Golgi vesicles, longitudinally aligned microtubules, and associated electron-dense material. Spirogyra may represent an intermediate stage in the evolution of the phragmoplast seen in higher plants.

CELL DIVISION IN SPIROGYRA. I. MITOSIS

Dividing cells of Spirogyra sp. were examined with both the light and electron microscopes. By preprophase many of the typical transverse wall micro-tubules disappeared while others were seen in the thickened cytoplasmic strands. Microtubules appeared in the polar cytoplasm at prophase and by prometaphase they penetrated the nucleus. They were attached to chromosomes at metaphase and early anaphase, and formed a sheath surrounding the spindle during anaphase; they were seen in the interzonal strands and cytoplasmic strands at telophase. The interphase nucleolus, containing 2 distinct zones and chromatinlike material, fragmented at prophase; at metaphase and anaphase nucleolar material coated the chromosomes, obscuring them by late anaphase. The chromosomes condensed in the nucleoplasm at prophase, moving into the nucleolus at prometaphase. The nuclear envelope was finally disrupted at anaphase during spindle elongation; at telophase membrane profiles coated the reforming nuclei. During anaphase and early telophase the interzonal region contained vacuoles, a few micro-tubules, and sometimes eliminated n ucleolar material; most small organelles, including swollen endoplasmic reticulum and tubular membranes, were concentrated in the polar cytoplasm. Quantitative and qualitative cytological observations strongly suggest movement of intact wall rnicrotubules to the spindle at preprophase and then back again at telophase.