Molecular characterization of the Glechoma hederacea virescent-like mutant: Discovery of differentially expressed genes
Advisor Information
Mark Schoenbeck
Location
Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
8-3-2013 9:00 AM
End Date
8-3-2013 12:00 PM
Abstract
A spontaneously occurring virescent-like mutant has been identified within a local Glechoma hederacea population, which is highly sensitive to light levels. The virescent-like genotype of G. hederacea, or ground ivy, was discovered occurring as a somatically-arising mutation. Virescence is the phenomenon in which the maturation of chloroplasts, and development of their associated function, is delayed relative to the non-mutant “wildtype”. This is distinct from the condition of albinism, the absence of pigmentation and photosynthetic capacity. The G. hederacea virescent-like lesion has multiple developmental and physiological consequences, which may be caused by pathogenic agents, though many instances of virescence are known to be caused by mutations in the plant nuclear or plastid genomes. The objective of this study was the identification of genes whose expression is differentially impacted between the two G. hederacea genotypes using a range of molecular tools. First, in order to demonstrate that the virescent-like genotype is genuinely a member of the species G. hederacea, and not a distinct species of Glechoma, we have used inter-simple sequence repeat analysis to show the similarity between the wildtype and mutant genomes. Second, amplification from reversetranscribed RNA of G. hederacea using arbitrary primers yielded distinct amplification patterns that can be used to identify differentially-expressed transcripts between the two genotypes. Third, plastome sequencing of both genotypes has yielded data for comparative analysis in the search for the genetic basis of the mutant phenotype.
Molecular characterization of the Glechoma hederacea virescent-like mutant: Discovery of differentially expressed genes
Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom
A spontaneously occurring virescent-like mutant has been identified within a local Glechoma hederacea population, which is highly sensitive to light levels. The virescent-like genotype of G. hederacea, or ground ivy, was discovered occurring as a somatically-arising mutation. Virescence is the phenomenon in which the maturation of chloroplasts, and development of their associated function, is delayed relative to the non-mutant “wildtype”. This is distinct from the condition of albinism, the absence of pigmentation and photosynthetic capacity. The G. hederacea virescent-like lesion has multiple developmental and physiological consequences, which may be caused by pathogenic agents, though many instances of virescence are known to be caused by mutations in the plant nuclear or plastid genomes. The objective of this study was the identification of genes whose expression is differentially impacted between the two G. hederacea genotypes using a range of molecular tools. First, in order to demonstrate that the virescent-like genotype is genuinely a member of the species G. hederacea, and not a distinct species of Glechoma, we have used inter-simple sequence repeat analysis to show the similarity between the wildtype and mutant genomes. Second, amplification from reversetranscribed RNA of G. hederacea using arbitrary primers yielded distinct amplification patterns that can be used to identify differentially-expressed transcripts between the two genotypes. Third, plastome sequencing of both genotypes has yielded data for comparative analysis in the search for the genetic basis of the mutant phenotype.