Target identification strategies in plant chemical biology

The current needs to understand gene function in plant biology increasingly require more dynamic and conditional approaches opposed to classic genetic strategies. Gene redundancy and lethality can substantially complicate research, which might be solved by applying a chemical genetics approach. Now understood as the study of small molecules and their effect on biological systems with subsequent target identification, chemical genetics is a fast developing field with a strong history in pharmaceutical research and drug discovery. In plant biology however, chemical genetics is still largely in the starting blocks, with most studies relying on forward genetics and phenotypic analysis for target identification, whereas studies including direct target identification are limited. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in chemical genetics in plant biology with a focus on target identification. Furthermore, we discuss different strategies for direct target identification and the possibilities and challenges for plant biology

Plant Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology: Following Mariotti's Steps

This review is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Domenico Mariotti, who significantly contributed to establishing the Italian research community in Agricultural Genetics and carried out the first experiments of Agrobacterium-mediated plant genetic transformation and regeneration in Italy during the 1980s. Following his scientific interests as guiding principles, this review summarizes the recent advances obtained in plant biotechnology and fundamental research aiming to: (i) Exploit in vitro plant cell and tissue cultures to induce genetic variability and to produce useful metabolites; (ii) gain new insights into the biochemical function of Agrobacterium rhizogenes rol genes and their application to metabolite production, fruit tree transformation, and reverse genetics; (iii) improve genetic transformation in legume species, most of them recalcitrant to regeneration; (iv) untangle the potential of KNOTTED1-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factors in plant morphogenesis as key regulators of hormonal homeostasis; and (v) elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the transition from juvenility to the adult phase in Prunus tree species

Plant chemical genetics : from phenotype-based screens to synthetic biology

The treatment of a biological system with small molecules to specifically perturb cellular functions is commonly referred to as chemical biology. Small molecules are used commercially as drugs, herbicides, and fungicides in different systems, but in recent years they are increasingly exploited as tools for basic research. For instance, chemical genetics involves the discovery of small-molecule effectors of various cellular functions through screens of compound libraries. Whereas the drug discovery field has largely been driven by target-based screening approaches followed by drug optimization, chemical genetics in plant systems tends to be fueled by more general phenotype-based screens, opening the possibility to identify a wide range of small molecules that are not necessarily directly linked to the process of interest. Here, we provide an overview of the current progress in chemical genetics in plants, with a focus on the discoveries regarding small molecules identified in screens designed with a basic biology perspective. We reflect on the possibilities that lie ahead and discuss some of the potential pitfalls that might be encountered upon adopting a given chemical genetics approach

Genetics and Plant Development

There are only three grand theories in biology: the theory of the cell, the theory of the gene, and the theory of evolution. Two of these, the cell and gene theories, originated in the study of plants, with the third resulting in part from botanical considerations as well. Mendel's elucidation of the rules of inheritance was a result of his experiments on peas. The rediscovery of Mendel's work in 1900 was by the botanists de Vries, Correns, and Tschermak. It was only in subsequent years that animals were also shown to have segregation of genetic elements in the exact same manner as had been shown in plants. The story of developmental biology is different – while the development of plants has long been studied, the experimental and genetic approaches to developmental mechanism were developed via experiments on animals, and the importance of genes in development (e.g., Waddington, 1940) and their use for understanding developmental mechanisms came to botanical science much later – as late as the 1980s

Breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg

Despite its widespread distribution and use, little work has been done on characterization, evaluation and description of breadfruit germplasm. This publication describes the genetic resources of breadfruit and provides an in-depth look at the current status of breadfruit conservation and the extent of ex situ germplasm collections, especially in the Pacific Islands. Chapters cover the following topics: taxonomy, botany, evolution and domestication, properties and uses, conservation and genetic diversity, breeding, production, ecology, agronomy, and limitations, prospects and research needs. Two appendices detail research contacts and research centres, both by country. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Sago palm, Metroxylon sagu Rottb.

The true sago palm, Metroxylon sagu, has been described as mankind's oldest food plant with the starch contained in the trunk used as a staple food in southeast Asia. This booklet provides an overview of existing knowledge of the genus, with emphasis on genetic resources. Chapters cover the following topics: taxonomy, botanical description, centres of diversity, properties and uses, genetic diversity and folk taxonomy, breeding, production areas, ecology, agronomy and technology, limitations, prospects, and research needs. Two appendices are supplied listing: (1) existing collections; and (2) research workers. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International

Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentus Moench

Following a general account of the crop, including importance and distribution, physiology, diseases, genetics and breeding, and the need for unconventional breeding methods, information is reviewed on in vitro methods, including the composition of culture media, establishment of callus culture, organogenesis, plant regeneration and transfer, culture of apical buds, protoplast culture, genetic stability in callus and plants, and biochemical studies using in vitro systems. (Abstract © CAB ABSTRACTS, CAB International