Expression analyses for the molecular physiologically founded progression of somatic embryogenesis in the horticultural model culture Cyclamen persicum

• Applicants: Dr. Annette Hohe; Professor Dr. Stefan A. Rensing
• Subject Area: Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology
• Term: from 2006 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 29917205

In the proposed project the in-vitro propagation system for somatic embryogenesis of the horticultural model species Cyclamen persicum will be systematically modified based on gene expression studies. Herewith, we are aiming to develop hypotheses on the suitability of gene expression studies for systematic development of in-vitro propagation systems in general. The project is divided into two parts: In Part A a microarray will be developed using 1,216 functionally annotated transcripts from embryogenic cell cultures of C. persicum. The expression of the represented genes will be analysed during zygotic and somatic embryo development under standard conditions as well as in cultures exhibiting a high rate of developmental aberrations or loss of embryogenic competence. Based on this data, hypotheses will be deduced on the relevance of different functional gene groups. In project part B the expression of selected functional gene groups will be analysed in detail using real-time PCR. Based on preliminary studies, genes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis have been selected as the first functional group to be analysed. Expression of these genes will be investigated in an in-vitro culture test system. These data will be used for systematic modification of the in-vitro culture conditions, which will in turn be validated by gene expression studies. This procedure will be carried out accordingly for two other functional gene groups to be selected based on the results from part A.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants