ESKIMO1 Disruption in Arabidopsis Alters Vascular Tissue and Impairs Water Transport

Water economy in agricultural practices is an issue that is being addressed through studies aimed at understanding both plant water-use efficiency (WUE), i.e. biomass produced per water consumed, and responses to water shortage. In the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, the ESKIMO1 (ESK1) gene has been described as involved in freezing, cold and salt tolerance as well as in water economy: esk1 mutants have very low evapo-transpiration rates and high water-use efficiency. In order to establish ESK1 function, detailed characterization of esk1 mutants has been carried out. The stress hormone ABA (abscisic acid) was present at high levels in esk1 compared to wild type, nevertheless, the weak water loss of esk1 was independent of stomata closure through ABA biosynthesis, as combining mutant in this pathway with esk1 led to additive phenotypes. Measurement of root hydraulic conductivity suggests that the esk1 vegetative apparatus suffers water deficit due to a defect in water transport. ESK1 promoter-driven reporter gene expression was observed in xylem and fibers, the vascular tissue responsible for the transport of water and mineral nutrients from the soil to the shoots, via the roots. Moreover, in cross sections of hypocotyls, roots and stems, esk1 xylem vessels were collapsed. Finally, using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, severe chemical modifications of xylem cell wall composition were highlighted in the esk1 mutants. Taken together our findings show that ESK1 is necessary for the production of functional xylem vessels, through its implication in the laying down of secondary cell wall components

An accurate real-time PCR test for the detection and quantification of cauliflower mosaïc virus (CaMV):applicable in GMO screening

International audienceDue to its very large use in the first generation of genetically modified organisms (GMO), the 35S promoter derived from the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) is the most used PCR target for screening tests in GMO routine analysis, before any identification and quantification of GMOs. Accordingly, a specific detection of the virus donor organism is required to avoid false positives. A new qualitative and quantitative method based on real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques was developed for the detection and quantification of CaMV. The region targeted was an internal part of a qualitative test previously published using the ORFIII of the CaMV genome. It codes for a protein (P3) responsible for the pathogen infectivity and not in the ORFIV coding for a coat protein (P4), which can be used for GMO constructions. In this paper, we show the high reliability of the PCR test both in simplex and duplex (with P35S of the CaMV). This test shows high specificity and sensitivity (LODa ≤ 10 copies and LOQa ≤ 100 copies). Advantages and drawbacks of this test with a previously published test are discussed. Finally, the ORFIII PCR product was cloned in a pGEM-T vector for further use in the near future as an alternative calibrant for quantitative analyses through its availability from the international BCCM/LMBP Ghent plasmid ban

Detection of approved and unapproved GMO by the "matrix approach"

International audienc

Detection of approved and unapproved GMO by the "matrix approach"

International audienc

Persistence of plant DNA sequences in the blood of dairy cows fed with genetically modified (Bt176) and conventional corn silage

Chantier qualité GAInternational audienceTo determine whether plant sequences, including transgenic sequences, are present in animal blood, we tested blood samples from Holstein cows fed with either Bt176 genetically modified corn or conventional corn. We used previously described sensitive real-time PCR assays targeting transgenic sequences (35S promoter and Bt176 specific junction sequence), a monocopy maize-specific sequence (ADH promoter), and two multicopy sequences from plant nucleus (26S rRNA gene) and chloroplast (psaB gene). The presence of Cry1A(b) protein in bovine blood samples was also tested using a sandwich ELISA kit. Our study shows the ability of plant nuclear and/or chloroplast DNA fragments to enter bovine blood circulation. However, maize nuclear DNA, both mono- and multicopy sequences, was less detected than chloroplast DNA, probably because the higher number of chloroplast copies and also possibly because nuclear DNA might be less protected by the nuclear membrane. Despite our data confirm the ability of small (ca.150 bp) plant DNA fragments to cross the intestinal barrier, we were unable to demonstrate clearly the presence of transgenic DNA or proteins in bovine blood. No sample tested positive with the two real-time PCR assays targeting transgenic sequences (35S promoter and Bt176 specific junction sequence). Only faint punctual positive results occurred randomly and were probably due to postsample collection or laboratory contamination or can be considered as artifact as they have never been confirmed. Our data highlight the difficulties to detect transgenic sequences in blood of dairy cows fed genetically modified corn (Bt176) silage. Those results show that in order to meet the consumers’ demand of animals fed with GM products there is currently no cost-effective analytical procedure to replace documentary traceability

Detection of approved and unapproved GMO by the "matrix approach"

International audienc