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Intraocular injections of tetrodotoxin reduce transiently expressed acetylcholinesterase activity in developing rat visual cortex.

Geniculo-recipient layers of primary visual cortex in the rat display a transient pattern of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity during the second postnatal week of life. Previous work has demonstrated that neonatal enucleations markedly reduce the transient AChE activity in visual cortex. The present studies were undertaken to determine the effects of reduced afferent neural activity on expression of the transient pattern of AChE activity. Rat pups received intraocular injections of tetrodotoxin (TTX) on postnatal days (PND) 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 and were sacrificed on PND 12. Some animals were enucleated on PND 3. Brain sections were processed for AChE histochemistry and analyzed by optical densitometry. These experiments show that uniocular injections result in a markedly decreased level of AChE activity in layer IV of the medial part of cortical area 17 contralateral to the injected eye. The degree of reduction of AChE activity from repeated TTX injections was similar to the degree of reduction following enucleation on PND 3. Binocular injections of TTX result in a reduction of AChE activity in layer IV throughout cortical area 17, similar to the effects of binocular enucleation on PND 3. Experiments combining injection of horseradish peroxidase along with TTX on PND 11 demonstrate that retinal ganglion cells of TTX injected eyes are still capable of anterograde axonal transport. These data demonstrate that normal innervation and afferent activity are necessary for the transient expression of AChE activity by geniculocortical neurons.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Functional characterization of a recombinant sodium-dependent nucleoside transporter with selectivity for pyrimidine nucleosides (cNT1rat) by transient expression in cultured mammalian cells.

We have demonstrated that monkey kidney (COS-1) cells have a single type of nucleoside transport process, which, because it was equilibrative, sodium-independent and could be inhibited by nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR), was identified as the 'equilibrative sensitive' or 'es' transporter. Using NBMPR or dilazep to inhibit the endogenous nucleoside transport activity, we have transiently expressed a cDNA that encodes an inhibitor-insensitive, concentrative nucleoside transporter protein (cNT1rat) of rat intestine in COS-1 cells. The production of recombinant cNT1rat was examined by immunoblotting using an epitope-tagged construct and by analysis of inward fluxes of 3H-labelled nucleosides. Recombinant cNT1rat was sodium-dependent and selective for pyrimidine nucleosides, with approximately Km values of 21 microM, 12.5 microM and 15 microM for uridine, thymidine and adenosine, respectively. Although adenosine exhibited high affinity for the recombinant transporter, its Vmax value was low. A variety of anti-viral and anti-cancer nucleoside drugs inhibited cNT1rat-mediated uptake of uridine by transfected COS-1 cells although to different extents (Floxidine > Idoxuridine > Zidovudine > Zalcitabine > Cytarabine > Gemcitabine), suggesting that the concentrative pyrimidine-selective nucleoside transporters, of which cNT1rat is a representative, may play a role in cellular uptake of these drugs. The cNT1rat/COS-1 expression system is a useful tool for analysis of cNT1rat-mediated transport processes.

Adenosine↗

Determinants of inhibition of transiently expressed voltage-gated calcium channels by omega-conotoxins GVIA and MVIIA.

The Conus magus peptide toxin omega-conotoxin MVIIA is considered an irreversible, specific blocker of N-type calcium channels, and is now in clinical trials as an intrathecal analgesic. Here, we have examined the action of MVIIA on mutant and wild type calcium channels transiently expressed in tsA-201 cells. Although we have shown previously that mutations in a putative external EF-hand motif in the domain IIIS5-H5 region alters block by both omega-conotoxin GVIA and MVIIA (Feng, Z. P., Hamid, J., Doering, C., Bosey, G. M., Snutch, T. P., and Zamponi, G. W. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 15728-15735), the introduction of five point mutations known to affect GVIA blocking (and located downstream of the EF-hand) affected MVIIA block to a smaller degree compared with GVIA. These data suggest that despite some overlap, MVIIA and GVIA block does not share identical channel structural determinants. At higher concentrations (approximately 3 microm), MVIIA reversibly blocked L-, P/Q-, and R-type, but not T-type channels, indicating that the overall architecture of the MVIIA site is conserved in all types of high voltage-activated calcium channels. A kinetic analysis of the MVIIA effects on the N-type channel showed that MVIIA blocked resting, open, and inactivated channels. Although the development of MVIIA block did not appear to be voltage-, nor frequency-dependent, the degree of recovery from block strongly depended on the potential applied during washout. Interestingly, the degree of washout was highly variable and appeared to weakly depend on the holding potential applied during toxin application. We propose a model in which N-type calcium channels can form both reversible and irreversible complexes with MVIIA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Dopamine D(3) receptor is selectively and transiently expressed in the developing whisker barrel cortex of the rat.

The rodent primary somatosensory cortex (SI) contains a map of the body surface, the most conspicuous part of which are "barrels," neuronal aggregates in layer IV that receive somatotopic projections from whiskers on the rodent's snout. We report that the D(3) dopamine receptor (D(3)R) is selectively and transiently expressed in SI during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. D(3)R binding sites and mRNA overlap completely and are limited to layer IV of SI. D(3)R/mRNA are organized in a pattern corresponding to somatotopic representations of the body (e.g., whiskers, jaws, paws, etc.) with the highest expression in the barrel field. D(3) mRNA is first detected at postnatal day (P)4, increases rapidly until P7-10, and sharply decreases after P14. D(3)R binding sites are detectable at P6, peak at P14, and decline afterwards. D(1), D(2), D(4), or D(5) mRNAs display dissimilar expression pattern. D(1) mRNA is mostly confined to infragranular layers throughout the cortex. D(4) mRNA expression in layer IV rises by 4 weeks postnatal, when D(3)R expression is virtually undetectable. Quantitative analysis of D(3) mRNA expression demonstrates that the proportion of D(3) mRNA-positive cells decreases between P7 and P14, whereas mRNA concentration per cell remains stable. Moreover, D(3)R number continues to rise, whereas mRNA levels begin to decline. Thus, a process limiting D(3)R expression to fewer cells may occur that also induces changes in post-transcriptional regulation of D(3)R expression in remaining cells. These findings indicate that dopamine acting via D(3)R may play an important role in the development or function of the SI.

Age Factors↗

Early appearance and transient expression of putative amino acid neurotransmitters and related molecules in the developing rabbit retina: an immunocytochemical study.

We have studied, by immunocytochemistry, the ontogeny of GABA, glycine, glutamate, glutamine, and taurine-containing cells in the rabbit retina. Amacrine cells show GABA immunoreactivity by embryonic day 25 (E25) and throughout postnatal life. By contrast, ganglion cells and horizontal cells are only transiently GABA-immunoreactive (-IR); few appear GABA-IR by the third postnatal week. At maturity, glycine is present in amacrine cells and in some bipolar cells. During development, putative ganglion cells transiently contained glycine between E25 and postnatal day 3 (P3), whereas immunolabelling in presumed amacrine cells and bipolar cells persists after birth. Ganglion cells, bipolar cells, photoreceptors, and some amacrine cells are glutamate-IR in the adult retina. Glutamate immunoreactivity first appears in the somata and processes of cytoblastic cells by E20 and is prominent by E25. Surprisingly, ganglion cells are not strongly glutamate-IR until just before eye-opening, at postnatal day 10 (P10), coincident with the appearance of glutamine in their somata and in Müller glial cells. Bipolar cells are glutamate-IR before they or Müller cells contain high levels of glutamine (at P10). Glutamate immunoreactivity in photoreceptors is progressively restricted to the inner segments by eye-opening. At no stage are presumed horizontal cells glutamate-IR or glutamine-IR, but some amacrine cells show glutamate- and glutamine-IR by P10. Taurine is localized to photoreceptors and Müller glial in the adult retina. Some cytoblasts are taurine-IR at E20; with ensuing development, taurine labelling becomes restricted primarily to Müller cells and photoreceptors; some putative bipolar cells may also be labelled. However, for a few days around birth, cells resembling horizontal cells, also show taurine immunoreactivity. The early appearance and often transient expression of these amino acids in retinal cells suggests that these neuroactive molecules may be involved in the structural and functional development of the retina.

Animals↗

Formation of circular satellite tobacco ringspot virus RNA in protoplasts transiently expressing the linear RNA.

The most abundant form of the satellite RNA of tobacco ringspot virus (sTRSV RNA) is a linear, unit length molecule of 359 nucleotide residues, designated L-(+)M. A postulated replication scheme for the satellite RNA has as its first, and apparently virus-independent, step the ligation of L-(+)M into the corresponding circular form C-(+)M. We transiently expressed L-(+)M wild type and L-(+)M mutants in tobacco protoplasts using an African cassava mosaic geminivirus vector. Measured extents of C-(+)M accumulation were correlated with computer-predicted folding to suggest wild-type secondary structure elements that might be deleted without reducing ligation. A 127-nucleotide residue mutant L-(+)M was created by replacing, with 7 and 3 residues, respectively, nucleotide residues 53-211 and 268-350, each of which was predicted to form a set of three adjacent imperfect stem-loops in wild-type L-(+)M. The mutant L-(+)M was found to be extensively ligated to C-(+)M in protoplasts and to retain a calculated helix of the wild-type molecule that incorporates the 3' terminal sequence. A trinucleotide in the 3' region was mutated so as to disrupt and restore, respectively, the calculated helix, reducing and restoring, respectively, C-(+)M formation. These results suggest that the 3' stem contributes to the suitability of the small L-(+)M molecules as a substrate for a protoplast RNA ligase and that computed folding of sTRSV RNA may be predictive of sTRSV RNA structure in vivo.

Base Sequence↗

Transient expression of CD44 variant isoforms in the ontogeny of the rat: ectoderm-, endoderm- and mesoderm-derived cells express different exon combinations.

Expression on rat tumor cells of CD44 variant isoforms containing exons v4-v7 or v6-v7 has been described as sufficient for initiation of the metastatic cascade. The question arose as to whether physiological programs may be reactivated by particular CD44 isoforms. With this in mind, expression of mRNAs for the CD44 isoforms was surveyed during ontogeny of the rat. Using available monoclonal antibodies, expression of the CD44 standard isoform (CD44s) and of an epitope of CD44 exon v6 (CD44v6) were evaluated by immunohistology also. While CD44s was expressed in cells of all three germ layers, CD44v6 expression was restricted to distinct epithelial layers and cells of the hematopoietic system. During ontogeny, expression of CD44v6 was first noted in the neural tube and the leading epithelial layer of the limb buds. Later, anti-CD44v6 (1.1ASML) stained basal layers of the epidermis, the epithelium of the gut, and the acini of the submandibular gland. Strong, but transient expression of CD44v6 was seen during lung development, in hematopoietic stem cells of the liver, in thymic epithelia and early thymic immigrants. Expression in these organs was downregulated shortly before or after birth. As revealed by Southern blotting after use of the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), most CD44v6-positive organs contained more than one CD44 variant isoform, and the expression patterns differed between individual organs. Hematopoietic cells preferentially expressed exons v4-v7, endodermal tissue exons v4-v10 and only in the epidermis were exons v1-v10 detected. The temporally regulated expression during ontogeny and the different exon compositions suggest a pivotal role of CD44 isoforms particularly in hematopoesis and in pattern formation by instructive epithelia.

Animals↗

Comparative effects of methylmercury and Hg(2+) on human neuronal N- and R-type high-voltage activated calcium channels transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells.

Expression cDNA clones of alpha1B-1 or alpha1E-3 subunits coding for human neuronal N-(Cav2.2) or R-subtype (Cav2.3) Ca2+ channels, respectively, was combined with alpha2-bdelta and beta3-a Ca2+ channel subunits, and transfected into human embryonic kidney cells for transient expression to determine whether specific types of neuronal voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels are affected differentially by methylmercury (MeHg) and Hg2+. For both Ca2+ channel subtypes, MeHg (0.125-5.0 microM) or Hg2+ (0.1-5 microM) caused a time- and concentration-dependent reduction of current. MeHg caused an initial, rapid component and a subsequent more gradual component of inhibition. The rapid component of block was completed between 100 and 150 s after beginning treatment. At 0.125 to 1.25 microM, MeHg caused a more gradual decline in current. Apparent IC50 values were 1.3 and 1.1 microM for MeHg, and 2.2 and 0.7 microM for Hg2+ on N- and R-types, respectively. For N-type current, effects of Hg2+ were initially greater on the peak current than on the sustained current remaining at the end of a test pulse; subsequently, Hg2+ blocked both components of current. For R-type current, Hg2+ affected peak and sustained current approximately equally. Kinetics of inactivation also seemed to be affected by Hg2+ in cells expressing N-type but not R-type current. Washing with MeHg-free solution could not reverse effects of MeHg on either type of current. The effect of Hg2+ on N- but not R-type current was partially reversed by Hg2+-free wash solution. Therefore, different types of Ca2+ channels have differential susceptibility to neurotoxic mercurials even when expressed in the same cell type.

Calcium↗

Serologic specificity of antibodies to herpes simplex virus glycoprotein B present in human sera. Analysis by transient expression of glycoprotein B-derivatives.

Glycoprotein B (gB) is an essential glycoprotein of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and a major target for cellular and humoral immune response in the infected host. In the present study, we have analyzed the pattern of reactivity of a panel of 23 HSV-seropositive patient sera using as test antigens gB derivatives made in COS cells in a transient expression assay. Our results show that nearly all the sera tested, reacted with wild-type gB or tgB (772) (that lacks 102 amino acids cytoplasmic domain). However, when tgB (477 amino acids) or gBdl (an inframe deletion between amino acids 477-772) were used as test antigens only 12 out of 23 sera tested positive. Further analysis using competition assays revealed that these sera can be classified into at least two groups: (i) that contain gB-reactive antibodies reactive to intact gB or tgB (772); (ii) that contain antibodies that recognize all forms of gB-derivatives tested. The results presented here underscore the potential limitations in using certain truncated forms of gB as antigens for subunit vaccine or in the serodiagnosis of HSV infection.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Efficiency of recombination by Cre transient expression in embryonic stem cells: comparison of various promoters.

The Cre-loxP recombination system of bacteriophage P1 is frequently utilized in genetic manipulation in embryonic stem (ES) cells. The level of Cre expression is critical to induce loxP site-specific recombination in ES cells. To compare the efficiency of recombination, we constructed four Cre expression vectors driven by different promoters: cytomegarovirus/chicken beta-actin (CAG) promoter, human polypeptide chain elongation factor 1alpha (hEF-1alpha) promoter, mouse phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (mPGK) promoter, and polyoma enhancer/herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (MC1) promoter. We introduced these Cre expression vectors by electroporation into three ES cell lines carrying a single copy of CAG-loxP-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene-loxP-beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) gene construct. Since the Cre-mediated recombination leads to excision of the CAT gene, the efficiency of recombination can be monitored as beta-gal expression. No selection system was used in the experiments. The maximum recombination frequency was obtained when the CAG promoter was used, followed by the hEF-1alpha promoter, the mPGK promoter and the MC1 promoter in order. These results indicate that the efficiency of recombination in transient expression system correlates with the promoter activity of Cre expression vector. Thus, it is important to choose the promoter for effective recombination by Cre.

Actins↗

Protoplasts transiently expressing the 200K coding sequence of cowpea mosaic virus B-RNA support replication of M-RNA.

In order to identify the viral polymerase involved in cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) RNA replication the 87K, 110K and 170K proteins as well as the complete 200K polyprotein of CPMV B-RNA have been produced in cowpea protoplasts, using expression vectors based on the 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus. CPMV-specific proteins were obtained that were indistinguishable from proteins found in CPMV-infected protoplasts. Proteolytic processing of precursor proteins synthesized from the expression vectors proved that the 24K protease contained within these proteins is active. Moreover, it was established that protoplasts transfected with the expression vector containing the entire 200K coding sequence, but not those transfected with vectors containing the 170K, 110K or 87K coding sequences, were able to support replication of co-inoculated M-RNA. Despite the ability to support replication of M-RNA for protoplasts transiently expressing the 200K coding region, CPMV-specific RNA polymerase activity dependent on exogenous added template RNA could not be detected in extracts of these protoplasts in assays using poly(A).oligo(U) or other template/primer combinations. In contrast, extracts of protoplasts in which poliovirus polymerase was produced exhibited RNA polymerase activity in such assays. These results indicate that the CPMV polymerase, unlike the poliovirus polymerase, is not able to use oligo(U) as a primer or cannot function on exogenous template and primer RNA.

Base Sequence↗

Human papillomavirus type 1 E4 proteins differing by their N-terminal ends have distinct cellular localizations when transiently expressed in vitro.

Two major human papillomavirus type 1 (HPV-1) E4 proteins are found in large amounts in productively infected differentiating wart cells, a 17-kDa protein translated from an E1-E4 transcript and a processed 16-kDa protein lacking the E1 amino acids at least. The functions of the E4 proteins are still unknown. We have designed an in vitro system allowing the transient expression of three forms of HPV-1 E4 proteins: the 17-kDa E1-E4 protein, an E4 protein without the five E1 amino acids (E4-3200), and E4 protein initiated at the E4 ATG located upstream of the splice acceptor site (E4-3181). The E4-3181 protein has five additional N-terminal amino acids compared with E4-3200. The E4-3181 protein has not yet been detected in vivo but could, in principle, be translated from any transcript encoding the E2 protein. The constructs were transfected in two keratinocyte lines, one derived from a rabbit transplantable carcinoma (VX2R) and the other from a human penile carcinoma (SK-p). E4 transcripts with the expected size were detected in both cell lines by Northern (RNA) blot analysis. Surprisingly, the E4 proteins were found only in the VX2R cells by radioimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments. The E1-E4 and the E4-3200 proteins were both cytoplasmic and were associated with granules reminiscent of the cytoplasmic inclusions pathognomonic of the HPV-1 infection. Moreover, each protein showed a specific staining pattern of the inclusions. In contrast, the E4-3181 protein was essentially intranuclear and perinuclear. Thus, HPV-1 E4 proteins differing in their N-terminal ends have distinct cellular localizations and arrangements. It is tempting to assume that this may relate to different roles.

Base Sequence↗

Transient expression of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine nuclear receptors in rat oligodendrocytes: in vivo and in vitro immunocytochemical studies.

It is generally accepted that the action of thyroid hormones is mediated through specific nuclear receptors. Recent studies have demonstrated the homology of the thyroid receptor with the cellular product of the oncogen v-erbA. So far, two genes have been identified and classified as alpha and beta subtypes. In this study, the expression of nuclear triiodothyronine (T3) receptors (NT3Rs) was examined in secondary cultures containing 85-90% oligodendrocytes (OL) prepared from newborn rat brain primary cultures enriched in OL. These cultures, which are able to produce myelin membranes, were examined by double immunolabelling with a monoclonal antibody (2B3) raised against purified rat liver NT3Rs and with antibodies against two maturation markers of OL: an early marker, galactocerebroside (GC), and myelin basic protein (MBP), which is expressed later than GC. 2B3 recognized three nuclear proteins with the same molecular weights as beta 1, alpha 1, and alpha 2 subtypes with different capacities for binding T3. In 5-day-old OL secondary cultures (25 days, total time in culture), 2B3-NT3R immunoreactivity was located in 77% of morphologically immature OL (GC)+ cells, whereas only 44% of morphologically mature OL were immunoreactive. Only 35% of the MBP+ cells co-expressed NT3Rs. In the corpus callosum of developing rat brain, at all ages studied from 7-60 days postnatal, the total absence of NT3Rs in dark OL (morphologically mature), confirmed by ultrastructural immunocytochemistry, indicates an even more dramatic decrease during maturation. Furthermore, the percentage of medium OL (less mature) stained by 2B3 is reduced by approximately half in 60- compared to 20-day-old rat brain. It is of interest to note that the in vitro observation with maturation markers mirrors the in vivo decrease of NT3R expression during development. It is interesting that NT3Rs are absent in vivo before the critical period of active myelination. These data indicate the presence of a nuclear T3 binding protein in the nuclei of OL at the time of myelination both in vitro and in vivo. The transient expression of these NT3Rs during active myelination argues in favour of a direct effect of thyroid hormones on OL.

Animals↗

Transient expression of IL-2 receptor precedes the differentiation of immature thymocytes.

The growth of mature T lymphocytes after activation by antigen is regulated by the binding and endocytosis of interleukin-2 (IL-2). In the thymus, approximately 50% of adult thymocytes that carry neither the CD4 nor the CD8 antigen and day 14-15 fetal CD4-8- thymocytes express receptors for IL-2(IL-2R). The CD4-8- (double-negative) subpopulation of thymocytes contains the precursors of cells that can differentiate along an unknown pathway into thymocytes bearing either CD8 or CD4, with the characteristics of mature T lymphocytes. The basis for IL-2R expression by double-negative thymocytes is unclear as they appear to lack a functional T-cell receptor/CD3 complex through which activation of peripheral T cells is mediated. The argument for a role for IL-2 in thymocyte differentiation has also been complicated by conflicting reports on the inability or capability of double-negative thymocytes to respond to IL-2 in vitro. At present, both the nature of the stimuli within the thymic micro-environment which induce IL-2R expression and its relevance to thymocyte differentiation are not known. We show here that the IL-2R-bearing subset has a greater potential to differentiate into phenotypically mature T lymphocytes than do IL-2R-negative thymocytes. In addition, progeny of IL-2R-negative donor cells transiently express IL-2R in the thymuses of adoptive hosts before generating CD8 and/or CD4-positive thymocytes. These results identify the IL-2R-positive cells as a more differentiated double-negative thymocyte subset on the pathway to mature T lymphocytes.

Animals↗

Characteristics of block by Pb2+ of function of human neuronal L-, N-, and R-type Ca2+ channels transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells.

Lead (Pb(2+)) is a well-known inhibitor of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in their native environments in several types of cells. However, its effects on discrete Ca(2+) channel phenotypes in isolation have not been well studied. We compared how specific subtypes of human neuronal high-voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels were affected by acute exposure to Pb(2+). Expression cDNA clones of human alpha(1C), alpha(1B), or alpha(1E) subunit genes encoding neuronal L-, N-, and R-subtypes of Ca(2+) channels, respectively, along with a constant alpha(2)delta and beta(3) subunits were transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Currents through the respective transiently expressed channels were measured using whole-cell recording techniques with Ba(2+) (20 mM) as charge carrier. Extracellular bath applications of Pb(2+) significantly reduced current amplitude through all three types of Ca(2+) channels in a concentration-dependent manner. The order of potency was: alpha(1E) (IC(50) = 0.10 microM), followed by alpha(1C) (IC(50) = 0.38 microM) and alpha(1B) (IC(50) = 1.31 microM). Pb(2+)-induced perturbation of function of alpha(1C) and alpha(1B) containing Ca(2+) channels was more easily reversed than for alpha(1E)-containing Ca(2+) channels after washing with Pb(2+) free solution. The current-voltage relationships were not altered after 3-min exposure to Pb(2+) for any of the three types. However, the steady-state inactivation relationships were shifted to more negative potentials for channels containing alpha(1B) and alpha(1E) subunits, but not for those containing alpha(1C) subunits. Pb(2+) accelerated the inactivation time of current in all three subtypes of Ca(2+) channels in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. Therefore, different subtypes of Ca(2+) channels exhibit differential susceptibility to Pb(2+) even when expressed in the same cell type. Current expressed by alpha(1E)-containing channels is more sensitive to Pb(2+) than that expressed by alpha(1C)- or alpha(1B)-containing channels. Several Ca(2+) channel phenotypes are quite sensitive to the inhibitory action of Pb(2+). Furthermore, it seems that Pb(2+) is more likely to combine with Ca(2+) channels in the closed state.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗

Control of transient expression of chimaeric genes by gibberellic acid and abscisic acid in protoplasts prepared from mature barley aleurone layers.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) control the transcription of alpha-amylase genes in barley aleurone cells. This control is likely to be exerted through cis-acting hormone-responsive elements in the promoter region of the gene. In order to further define these elements, we have developed procedures for obtaining transient expression of chimaeric genes in protoplasts prepared from mature barley aleurone layers. Constructs with heterologous constitutive promoters and with heterologous and homologous GA3- and ABA-regulated promoters were expressed specifically by these cells. This system would appear to offer great potential in gene regulation studies especially for hormonally regulated homologous genes. Functional analysis of a barley alpha-amylase gene has been performed using this system. A 2050 bp fragment from a high-pI alpha-amylase gene was fused to a reporter gene (GUS) and control of its expression was examined. Deletion analysis of this promoter fragment showed that major GA- and ABA-responsive elements occurred between 174 and 41 bp upstream from the transcription initiation site.

Abscisic Acid↗

Transient expression of the plasmid pCaMVCAT in plant protoplasts following transformation with polyethyleneglycol.

Petunia and carrot protoplasts have been transformed with the plasmid pCaMVCAT by the use of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) as a facilitator. Transformation was revealed by the appearance of the chloramphenicol-acetyl transferase (CAT) enzyme within the transformed cells. Maximal activity of the CAT enzyme was detected within 15 h following transformation, while after 60 h, its activity was significantly reduced, indicating transient expression of the CAT gene. The efficiency of transformation was highly dependent on the presence of CaCl2 in the transformation system, was stimulated by non-functional carrier DNA and was independent on the molecular weight (MW) of PEG used.

Acetyltransferases↗

Factors influencing Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of uidA in wheat inflorescence tissue.

A critical step in the development of Agrobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation is the establishment of optimal conditions for T-DNA delivery into tissue from which whole plants can be regenerated. The efficient transformation of inflorescence tissue from 'Baldus', a commercial wheat variety, using the Agrobacterium strain AGLI harbouring the binary vector pAL156 is reported here. The effects of various factors on delivery and the transient expression of the uidA gene were studied including the duration of preculture, vacuum infiltration, the effect of sonication treatments, and Agrobacterium cell density. Optimal T-DNA delivery (as measured by uidA activity) was obtained from inflorescence tissues precultured for 21 d and sonicated. Increasing Agrobacterium cell density, the duration of inoculation/co-cultivation, and vacuum pressure, up to a threshold, increased uidA expression. The investigation of factors that influence T-DNA delivery is an important first step in the utilization of Agrobacterium in the transformation of immature wheat inflorescence tissue.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗