Insertional Mutagenesis in the Diploid Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

摘要

Insertional mutant collections are essential tools in plant genomic research and functional genomics. Extensive collections in Arabidopsis and rice are used to gain intimate knowledge of gene function. These collections are less useful for understanding gene function and expression of native genes associated with the development of fleshy fruit that comprise the edible product of many horticultural crops. We have therefore undertaken a program to develop an insertional mutant collection of the diploid strawberry, Fragaria vesca, as a model crop for fleshy fruit. An accession of F. vesca has been selected for photoperiod insensitivity, short life cycle (16-20 weeks from seed to seed) and facility of Agrobacterium-mediated leaf explant transformation. We are currently evaluating several hundred insertional mutants bearing the GFP reporter gene and hygromycin resistance for antibiotic selection. Single gene insertional mutants in the T1 generation have expressed unusual phenotypes for leaf morphology, anthocyanin development, flower morphology and plant habit. Interrupted genes that control the expression of these mutant phenotypes have been revealed by analysis of flanking regions adjacent to T-DNA insertions through TAIL-PCR. Gene discovery resulting from current and future analyses of the mutant collection may lead to development of transgenic or cisgenic fruit crops that have various commercial advantages.