title: Expression of the gene encoding transcription factor PaVP1 differs in Picea abies embryogenic lines depending on their ability to develop somatic embryos.
abstract: Maturation of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) somatic embryos is induced by abscisic acid (ABA). Several proteins were proven to be involved in ABA sensing including ABI3/VP1 transcription factors and their orthologue PaVP1 was characterized in spruce. To evaluate the role of PaVP1 both in embryogenic potential and in the process of embryo maturation, we studied PaVP1 expression in lines with contrast embryogenic capacities in parallel with detailed anatomical characterization. PaVP1 expression was determined by northern blot hybridisation, which revealed presence of two differentially regulated VP1-like B3-domain transcripts. Full-length PaVP1 transcript level was negligible in all lines on the proliferation media, but it differed strongly on the maturation media containing ABA. In non-embryogenic line, lacking any differentiated structures, the transcript remained undetectable. In contrast, in embryogenic lines with meristematic centres attached to suspensor cells, PaVP1 expression increased strongly after transition onto the maturation media. In highly embryogenic lines, it kept on a high level until the embryos reached cotyledonary stage, while in developmentally arrested line incapable to form mature embryos, the expression dropped down in connection with advanced disintegration of the meristematic centres. Removal of ABA from the maturation media after 2 weeks of maturation resulted in aberrant embryo development and rapid decrease in PaVP1 expression, indicating the impact of exogenously supplemented ABA on both initiation and maintenance of PaVP1 expression and proper embryo development. Since permanently high or increasing PaVP1 transcript levels accompanied proper embryo development in all experiments, it could be regarded as a good marker of this process.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Experimental Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rozvojova 135, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Lucie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fischerova
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: Zuzana
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Vondrakova
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vagner
mesh_terms: D000040:Abscisic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D017398:Alternative Splicing; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000187:drug effects; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000187:drug effects; D028222:Picea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D010940:Plant Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000040:Abscisic Acid