Speaker: Dr Sebastian Bargmann Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Location: Wageningen Campus, Radix, meeting room W1

To Cell and Back: the study of plant regeneration from protoplasts

Recalcitrance in tissue culture is a significant bottleneck in the application of biotechnological approaches for crop trait improvement. The ability to regenerate a fertile plant from genetically modified cells is essential to many methodologies. Non-transgenic gene editing through transient transformation and subsequent regeneration of protoplasts is especially hampered by genotype dependence in regenerability. We have established a protoplast culture system in Arabidopsis to study the fundamental basis of regeneration. Our method allows us to track protoplast division and microcallus development microscopically over time. In addition, we can use single-cell and single-colony transcriptomic analysis to characterize the gene-regulatory networks that guide re-entry into the cell cycle and subsequent growth and differentiation. Lastly, we have studied the ability of morphogenic transcription factors to enhance regeneration by mapping their direct and indirect downstream effects using the TARGET-seq system (Transient Assay Reporting Genome-wide Effects of Transcription factors). A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in protoplast regeneration and the development of methods to enhance regeneration efficiency can broaden the applicability of biotechnological tools to improve sustainability and resilience of our agricultural systems.

For more information please contact Dr Renze Heidstra (Renze.Heidstra@wur.nl)