Research
Somatic embryogenesis (SE) in conifers: a powerful research tool and a method to capture genetic gains from the breeding programs
Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is an in vitro based clonal propagation method that can be used as a model system for research, or for multiplication of valuable seeds of commercial value or for conservation of threatened species.
In order to meet the demands on future forests for higher productivity and also for higher adaptability to climate change, it is necessary to capture the genetic gains from the breeding programs. This can only be done by large-scale clonal propagation of elite trees selected from the breeding programs.
For spruce and other conifers, somatic embryogenesis (SE) is the only method that has the potential for clonal propagation to sufficiently large numbers of elite trees for commercial planting.
Cost effective SE-plant production requires automated methods. Such methods have been demonstrated on a pilot scale for Swedish forestry operations.
In the UPSC SE lab, we have an automated instrument based on the same key technology utilized in the pilot system for SE plant production (the SE Fluidics System). The instrument is a valuable tool in fundamental research projects to study embryo development. It can perform dispersion, separation/singulation, image analysis and selection of plant propagules such as somatic embryos.
Our research interest is to understand and explain the different processes that regulate development of conifer embryos into early-stage plants. We utilize somatic embryogenesis as a model system to study how metabolic processes are required and regulated during embryo development. By studying the nutritional requirements of the embryo during development and the correlated active cellular processes, we have found that nitrogen utilization appears to be regulated over the course of embryo development with the earlier embryo stages benefiting from a supply of organic nitrogen such as glutamine (Dahrendorf et al. 2018). During later stages of embryo development, our results indicate the importance of desiccation tolerance and suggest key functions for different types of carbohydrates (Businge et al. 2013). Key metabolic events during shoot and root apical meristem formation are associated with morphological events during early plant formation (Dobrowolska et al. 2016)
Key publications
- Dahrendorf, J., Clapham, D., Egertsdotter, U. 2018. Analysis of Nitrogen Utilization Capability during the Proliferation and Maturation Phases of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.) Somatic Embryogenesis. Forests 9(6): 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9060288
- Dobrowolska, I., Businge, E., Abreu, I.N., Moritz, T., Egertsdotter, U. 2017. Metabolome and transcriptome profiling reveal new insights into somatic embryo germination in Norway spruce (Picea abies). Tree Physiology 00, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpx078
- Businge E, Bygdell J, Wingsle G, Moritz T, Egertsdotter U. (2013). The effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on storage reserve accumulation and germination of Norway spruce somatic embryos. Physiologia plantarum 149(2): 273–285. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.12039
Team
- 1996-1998: Post doc on Signal transduction, University of York, UK
- 1996: Ph.D. in Molecular biology, Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
- 1989: B.Sc. Biology/Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
- 2009-current: Professor (part time), Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish Agricultural University, Umeå, Sweden
- 2016-current: Principal research Scientist, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- 2008-2015: VINNMER Marie Curie Fellow, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- 2006-2016: Project leader, SweTree Technologies
- 2004-2008: Associate Professor of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
- 2000-2003: Research Faculty, Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Atlanta, GA
- 1998-2000: Senior Scientific Officer, Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Ås, Norway
- 1989-1990: Research scientist, Genetic Center, Uppsala, Sweden
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CV U. Egertsdotter
Professional Preparation
Positions
Publications
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Paper doi link bibtex abstract
@article{le_vitro_2023, title = {In {Vitro} {Propagation} of the {Blueberry} ‘{Blue} {Suede}™’ ({Vaccinium} hybrid) in {Semi}-{Solid} {Medium} and {Temporary} {Immersion} {Bioreactors}}, volume = {12}, copyright = {http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/}, issn = {2223-7747}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/15/2752}, doi = {10.3390/plants12152752}, abstract = {The production of blueberries for fresh and processed consumption is increasing globally and has more than doubled in the last decade. Blueberry is grown commercially across a variety of climates in over 30 countries. The major classes of plants utilized for the planting and breeding of new cultivars are highbush, lowbush, half-high, Rabbiteye, and Southern highbush. Plants can be propagated by cuttings or in vitro micropropagation techniques. In vitro propagation offers advantages for faster generation of a large number of disease-free plants independent of season. Labor costs for in vitro propagation can be reduced using new cultivation technology and automation. Here, we test and demonstrate successful culture conditions and medium compositions for in vitro initiation, multiplication, and rooting of the Southern highbush cultivar ‘Blue Suede™’ (Vaccinium hybrid).}, language = {en}, number = {15}, urldate = {2023-08-21}, journal = {Plants}, author = {Le, Kim-Cuong and Johnson, Shannon and Aidun, Cyrus K. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = jul, year = {2023}, note = {Number: 15 Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute}, keywords = {blueberry, micropropagation, temporary immersion bioreactor, ‘Blue Suede™’ (\textit{Vaccinium} hybrid)}, pages = {2752}, }
Paper link bibtex abstract
@article{nielsen_accumulated_2022, title = {Accumulated effects of factors determining plant development from somatic embryos of {Abies} nordmanniana and {Abies} bornmuelleriana}, volume = {13}, issn = {1664-462X}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.989484}, abstract = {Despite a much later inception of somatic embryogenesis (SE) propagation protocols for gymnosperms than for angiosperm species, SE is becoming increasingly important due to its applications for commercial forestry. For many conifers, there are however still major bottlenecks in the SE plant production process limiting the use of SE for forestry operations, Christmas tree production and research projects. In the present case study, the effects on plant growth from different cultural factors applied during the SE developmental process were studied in two conifer species of high value for Christmas tree production. Seven clones of Abies nordmanniana and two clones of Abies bornmuelleriana were included in the study. Accumulated effects from cultural treatments were recorded from the start of germination of mature embryos of different quality scores through development into plants in the third growing period. Experimental factors of the cultural treatments included were: germination temperature, germination time, light conditions, survival ex vitro and traits for plant growth and vitality. The results reveal that most of the studied experimental factors influenced plant growth during the first three years however their relative importance was different. Plant survival rate at end of the nursery stage was strongly impacted by germination temperature (p{\textless}0.001), initial embryo score (p=0.007), clone (p{\textless}0.001) and to a lesser extend week of germination (p=0.017). This case-study highlights and quantifies the strong interrelation between the developmental steps of somatic embryogenesis and show the importance of considering all cultural steps when optimizing SE plant production protocols.}, urldate = {2022-11-03}, journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science}, author = {Nielsen, Ulrik Braüner and Hansen, Camilla Bülow and Hansen, Ulrich and Johansen, Vivian Kvist and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = oct, year = {2022}, keywords = {⛔ No DOI found}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract
@article{aghbolaghi_stipagrostis_2022, title = {Stipagrostis pennata ({Trin}.) {De} {Winter} {Artificial} {Seed} {Production} and {Seedlings} {Multiplication} in {Temporary} {Immersion} {Bioreactors}}, volume = {11}, copyright = {http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/}, issn = {2223-7747}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/22/3122}, doi = {10.3390/plants11223122}, abstract = {This study was conducted to develop the protocol for artificial seed production of Stipagrostis pennata (Trin.) De Winter via somatic embryo encapsulation as well as test a temporary bioreactor system for germination and seedling growth. Embryogenic calli were encapsulated using sodium alginate and calcium chloride and then sowed in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) germination medium in in vitro cultures. The experiments were conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments include three concentrations of sodium alginate (1.5\%, 2.5\%, and 3.5\%), two ion exchange times (20 and 30 min), and two artificial seed germination media (hormone-free MS and MS supplemented with zeatin riboside and L-proline). Germination percentage and number of days needed until the beginning of germination were studied. The highest percentage of artificial seed germination was obtained when 2.5\% sodium alginate was used for 30 min (ion exchange time) and when the seeds were placed on the MS germination medium supplemented with zeatin riboside and L-proline. The results of the analysis of variance in the temporary immersion bioreactor system showed that the main effects observed on the seedling growth were associated with different growth hormones in culture media and the number of feeding cycles. Experimental results also indicated that the total protein analyses of zygotic seedlings and seedlings originating from the synthetic seeds showed no statistically significant differences between these samples.}, language = {en}, number = {22}, urldate = {2022-12-02}, journal = {Plants}, author = {Aghbolaghi, Masoumeh Asadi and Dedicova, Beata and Sharifzadeh, Farzad and Omidi, Mansoor and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = jan, year = {2022}, note = {Number: 22 Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute}, keywords = {in vitro cultures, protein analyses, somatic embryogenesis}, pages = {3122}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract 9 downloads
@article{ranade_silico_2021, title = {In silico characterization of putative gene homologues involved in somatic embryogenesis suggests that some conifer species may lack {LEC2}, one of the key regulators of initiation of the process}, volume = {22}, issn = {1471-2164}, url = {https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-021-07718-8}, doi = {10/gkbhh3}, abstract = {Abstract Background Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is the process in which somatic embryos develop from somatic tissue in vitro on medium in most cases supplemented with growth regulators. Knowledge of genes involved in regulation of initiation and of development of somatic embryos is crucial for application of SE as an efficient tool to enable genetic improvement across genotypes by clonal propagation. Results Current work presents in silico identification of putative homologues of central regulators of SE initiation and development in conifers focusing mainly on key transcription factors (TFs) e.g. BBM , LEC1 , LEC1-LIKE, LEC2 and FUSCA3 , based on sequence similarity using BLASTP. Protein sequences of well-characterised candidates genes from Arabidopsis thaliana were used to query the databases (Gymno PLAZA, Congenie, GenBank) including whole-genome sequence data from two representative species from the genus Picea ( Picea abies ) and Pinus ( Pinus taeda ), for finding putative conifer homologues, using BLASTP. Identification of corresponding conifer proteins was further confirmed by domain search (Conserved Domain Database), alignment (MUSCLE) with respective sequences of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins and phylogenetic analysis (Phylogeny.fr). Conclusions This in silico analysis suggests absence of LEC2 in Picea abies and Pinus taeda , the conifer species whose genomes have been sequenced. Based on available sequence data to date, LEC2 was also not detected in the other conifer species included in the study. LEC2 is one of the key TFs associated with initiation and regulation of the process of SE in angiosperms. Potential alternative mechanisms that might be functional in conifers to compensate the lack of LEC2 are discussed.}, language = {en}, number = {1}, urldate = {2021-06-03}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, author = {Ranade, Sonali Sachin and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = dec, year = {2021}, pages = {392}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract 2 downloads
@article{asadi-aghbolaghi_protocol_2021, title = {Protocol development for somatic embryogenesis, {SSR} markers and genetic modification of {Stipagrostis} pennata ({Trin}.) {De} {Winter}}, volume = {17}, issn = {1746-4811}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-021-00768-9}, doi = {10.1186/s13007-021-00768-9}, abstract = {Stipagrostis pennata (Trin.) De Winter is an important species for fixing sand in shifting and semi-fixed sandy lands, for grazing, and potentially as a source of lignocellulose fibres for pulp and paper industry. The seeds have low viability, which limits uses for revegetation. Somatic embryogenesis offers an alternative method for obtaining large numbers of plants from limited seed sources.}, number = {1}, urldate = {2021-10-14}, journal = {Plant Methods}, author = {Asadi-Aghbolaghi, Masoumeh and Dedicova, Beata and Ranade, Sonali Sachi and Le, Kim-Cuong and Sharifzadeh, Farzad and Omidi, Mansoor and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = jun, year = {2021}, keywords = {Agrobacterium, Grass, Plant regeneration, SSR markers, Somatic embryogenesis, Stipagrostis pennata (Trin.) De Winter}, pages = {70}, }
link bibtex
@article{le_scale-up_2021, title = {Scale-up of {Somatic} {Embryogenesis} {Plant} {Production} of {Hybrid} {Larch} ({Larix} x eurolepis) {Using} {Temporary} {Immersion} {Bioreactors}}, volume = {57}, issn = {1071-2690}, language = {English}, number = {SUPPL 1}, journal = {In Vitro Cellular \& Developmental Biology-Animal}, author = {Le, K.-C. and Egertsdotter, U.}, month = jun, year = {2021}, keywords = {⛔ No DOI found}, pages = {S38--S39}, }
Paper doi link bibtex 1 download
@article{ahmad_sucrose-dependent_2021, title = {Sucrose-dependent production of biomass and low-caloric steviol glycosides in adventitious root cultures of {Stevia} rebaudiana ({Bert}.)}, volume = {164}, issn = {09266690}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0926669021001461}, doi = {10/gj6thz}, language = {en}, urldate = {2021-06-03}, journal = {Industrial Crops and Products}, author = {Ahmad, Naveed and Rab, Abdur and Sajid, Muhammad and Ahmad, Nisar and Fazal, Hina and Ali, Mohammad and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = jun, year = {2021}, pages = {113382}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract 1 download
@article{le_temporary_2021, title = {Temporary immersion bioreactor system for propagation by somatic embryogenesis of hybrid larch ({Larix} × eurolepis {Henry})}, volume = {32}, issn = {2215-017X}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215017X21001004}, doi = {10/gnj3pm}, abstract = {Somatic embryogenesis (SE) has high potential for large-scale clonal propagation of conifers. Different types of bioreactor cultures have been tested for the conifer SE process where the temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs) have proved to be useful across the different developmental steps of the SE process. In the present study the use of TIBs was tested for hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis Henry). The results showed two-fold increases in both fresh weight (FW) of pro-embryogenic masses (PEMs) and yield of cotyledonary embryos in the TIBs compared to solid medium in plates. For the germination phase, the highest number of roots per plant, the root length and height of plants were also obtained in the TIBs. The results show that the TIB system can be successfully used to support scale up of plant production in all steps of the SE process from proliferation to germination of hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis Henry).}, language = {en}, urldate = {2021-11-12}, journal = {Biotechnology Reports}, author = {Le, Kim-Cuong and Dedicova, Beata and Johansson, Sofie and Lelu-Walter, Marie-Anne and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = dec, year = {2021}, keywords = {Germination, Horizontal TIB, Larix × eurolepis, Scale up, Somatic embryogenesis, Vertical TIB, ×}, pages = {e00684}, }
Paper doi link bibtex 3 downloads
@article{egertsdotter_automation_2019, title = {Automation and {Scale} {Up} of {Somatic} {Embryogenesis} for {Commercial} {Plant} {Production}, {With} {Emphasis} on {Conifers}}, volume = {10}, issn = {1664-462X}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpls.2019.00109/full}, doi = {10/gjcrmh}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science}, author = {Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Ahmad, Iftikhar and Clapham, David}, month = feb, year = {2019}, pages = {109}, }
Paper doi link bibtex 1 download
@article{carlsson_nitrogen_2019, title = {Nitrogen utilization during germination of somatic embryos of {Norway} spruce: revealing the importance of supplied glutamine for nitrogen metabolism}, volume = {33}, issn = {0931-1890, 1432-2285}, shorttitle = {Nitrogen utilization during germination of somatic embryos of {Norway} spruce}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00468-018-1784-y}, doi = {10.1007/s00468-018-1784-y}, language = {en}, number = {2}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Trees}, author = {Carlsson, Johanna and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Ganeteg, Ulrika and Svennerstam, Henrik}, month = apr, year = {2019}, pages = {383--394}, }
Paper doi link bibtex 3 downloads
@article{egertsdotter_plant_2019, title = {Plant physiological and genetical aspects of the somatic embryogenesis process in conifers}, volume = {34}, issn = {0282-7581, 1651-1891}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02827581.2018.1441433}, doi = {10.1080/02827581.2018.1441433}, language = {en}, number = {5}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research}, author = {Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = jul, year = {2019}, pages = {360--369}, }
Paper doi link bibtex 1 download
@article{rosvall_using_2019-1, title = {Using {Norway} spruce clones in {Swedish} forestry: implications of clones for management}, volume = {34}, issn = {0282-7581, 1651-1891}, shorttitle = {Using {Norway} spruce clones in {Swedish} forestry}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02827581.2019.1590631}, doi = {10/gjcr7k}, language = {en}, number = {5}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research}, author = {Rosvall, Ola and Bradshaw, Richard H. W. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Ingvarsson, Pär K. and Mullin, Tim J. and Wu, Harry}, month = jul, year = {2019}, pages = {390--404}, }
Paper doi link bibtex
@article{rosvall_using_2019, title = {Using {Norway} spruce clones in {Swedish} forestry: introduction}, volume = {34}, issn = {0282-7581, 1651-1891}, shorttitle = {Using {Norway} spruce clones in {Swedish} forestry}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02827581.2018.1562565}, doi = {10/gjcr7h}, language = {en}, number = {5}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research}, author = {Rosvall, Ola and Bradshaw, Richard H.W. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Ingvarsson, Pär K. and Wu, Harry}, month = jul, year = {2019}, pages = {333--335}, }
Paper doi link bibtex
@article{dahrendorf_analysis_2018, title = {Analysis of {Nitrogen} {Utilization} {Capability} during the {Proliferation} and {Maturation} {Phases} of {Norway} {Spruce} ({Picea} abies ({L}.) {H}.{Karst}.) {Somatic} {Embryogenesis}}, volume = {9}, issn = {1999-4907}, url = {http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/9/6/288}, doi = {10/gdw3gf}, language = {en}, number = {6}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Forests}, author = {Dahrendorf, Julia and Clapham, David and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = may, year = {2018}, pages = {288}, }
Paper doi link bibtex
@article{mamun_improved_2018, title = {Improved and synchronized maturation of {Norway} spruce ({Picea} abies ({L}.) {H}.{Karst}.) somatic embryos in temporary immersion bioreactors}, volume = {54}, issn = {1054-5476, 1475-2689}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11627-018-9911-4}, doi = {10.1007/s11627-018-9911-4}, language = {en}, number = {6}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {In Vitro Cellular \& Developmental Biology - Plant}, author = {Mamun, Nazmul H. A. and Aidun, Cyrus K. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = dec, year = {2018}, pages = {612--620}, }
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@article{businge_evaluation_2017, title = {Evaluation of a {New} {Temporary} {Immersion} {Bioreactor} {System} for {Micropropagation} of {Cultivars} of {Eucalyptus}, {Birch} and {Fir}}, volume = {8}, issn = {1999-4907}, url = {http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/8/6/196}, doi = {10/gbm5gp}, language = {en}, number = {6}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Forests}, author = {Businge, Edward and Trifonova, Adelina and Schneider, Carolin and Rödel, Philipp and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = jun, year = {2017}, pages = {196}, }
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@article{dobrowolska_histological_2017, title = {Histological analysis reveals the formation of shoots rather than embryos in regenerating cultures of {Eucalyptus} globulus}, volume = {128}, issn = {0167-6857, 1573-5044}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11240-016-1111-5}, doi = {10/f9szwr}, language = {en}, number = {2}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC)}, author = {Dobrowolska, Izabela and Andrade, Gisele M. and Clapham, David and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = feb, year = {2017}, pages = {319--326}, }
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@article{dobrowolska_metabolome_2017, title = {Metabolome and transcriptome profiling reveal new insights into somatic embryo germination in {Norway} spruce ({Picea} abies)}, volume = {37}, issn = {0829-318X, 1758-4469}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/37/12/1752/3896382}, doi = {10/gcwvts}, language = {en}, number = {12}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Tree Physiology}, author = {Dobrowolska, Izabela and Businge, Edward and Abreu, Ilka N and Moritz, Thomas and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = dec, year = {2017}, pages = {1752--1766}, }
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@article{carlsson_nitrogen_2017, title = {Nitrogen uptake and assimilation in proliferating embryogenic cultures of {Norway} spruce—{Investigating} the specific role of glutamine}, volume = {12}, issn = {1932-6203}, url = {https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181785}, doi = {10/gcjnr5}, language = {en}, number = {8}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, author = {Carlsson, Johanna and Svennerstam, Henrik and Moritz, Thomas and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Ganeteg, Ulrika}, editor = {Min, Xiang Jia}, month = aug, year = {2017}, pages = {e0181785}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract
@article{ausin_dna_2016, title = {{DNA} methylome of the 20-gigabase {Norway} spruce genome}, volume = {113}, issn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/lookup/doi/10.1073/pnas.1618019113}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1618019113}, abstract = {DNA methylation plays important roles in many biological processes, such as silencing of transposable elements, imprinting, and regulating gene expression. Many studies of DNA methylation have shown its essential roles in angiosperms (flowering plants). However, few studies have examined the roles and patterns of DNA methylation in gymnosperms. Here, we present genome-wide high coverage single-base resolution methylation maps of Norway spruce ( Picea abies ) from both needles and somatic embryogenesis culture cells via whole genome bisulfite sequencing. On average, DNA methylation levels of CG and CHG of Norway spruce were higher than most other plants studied. CHH methylation was found at a relatively low level; however, at least one copy of most of the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway genes was found in Norway spruce, and CHH methylation was correlated with levels of siRNAs. In comparison with needles, somatic embryogenesis culture cells that are used for clonally propagating spruce trees showed lower levels of CG and CHG methylation but higher level of CHH methylation, suggesting that like in other species, these culture cells show abnormal methylation patterns.}, language = {en}, number = {50}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, author = {Ausin, Israel and Feng, Suhua and Yu, Chaowei and Liu, Wanlu and Kuo, Hsuan Yu and Jacobsen, Elise L. and Zhai, Jixian and Gallego-Bartolome, Javier and Wang, Lin and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Street, Nathaniel R. and Jacobsen, Steven E. and Wang, Haifeng}, month = dec, year = {2016}, pages = {E8106--E8113}, }
Paper doi link bibtex
@article{pullman_fraser_2016, title = {Fraser fir somatic embryogenesis: high frequency initiation, maintenance, embryo development, germination and cryopreservation}, volume = {47}, issn = {0169-4286, 1573-5095}, shorttitle = {Fraser fir somatic embryogenesis}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11056-016-9525-9}, doi = {10.1007/s11056-016-9525-9}, language = {en}, number = {3}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {New Forests}, author = {Pullman, Gerald S. and Olson, Katie and Fischer, Taylor and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Frampton, John and Bucalo, Kylie}, month = may, year = {2016}, pages = {453--480}, }
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@article{mamun_bioreactor_2015, title = {Bioreactor technology for clonal propagation of plants and metabolite production}, volume = {10}, issn = {1674-7984 1674-7992}, doi = {10.1007/s11515-015-1355-1}, language = {en}, number = {2}, urldate = {2021-06-07}, journal = {Frontiers in Biology}, author = {Mamun, Nazmul H. A. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Aidun, Cyrus K.}, month = apr, year = {2015}, note = {Section: 177}, pages = {177--193}, }
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@article{businge_possible_2014, title = {A possible biochemical basis for fructose-induced inhibition of embryo development in {Norway} spruce ({Picea} abies)}, volume = {34}, issn = {0829-318X, 1758-4469}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/treephys/tpu053}, doi = {10/f3m3sv}, language = {en}, number = {6}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {Tree Physiology}, author = {Businge, E. and Egertsdotter, U.}, month = jun, year = {2014}, pages = {657--669}, }
Paper doi link bibtex 1 download
@article{businge_effect_2013, title = {The effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on storage reserve accumulation and germination of {Norway} spruce somatic embryos}, volume = {149}, issn = {00319317}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/ppl.12039}, doi = {10/f2zr7w}, language = {en}, number = {2}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {Physiologia Plantarum}, author = {Businge, Edward and Bygdell, Joakim and Wingsle, Gunnar and Moritz, Thomas and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = oct, year = {2013}, pages = {273--285}, }
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@article{lara-chavez_comparison_2012, title = {Comparison of gene expression markers during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis in pine}, volume = {48}, issn = {1054-5476, 1475-2689}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11627-012-9440-5}, doi = {10/f328xq}, language = {en}, number = {3}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {In Vitro Cellular \& Developmental Biology - Plant}, author = {Lara-Chavez, Alejandra and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Flinn, Barry S.}, month = jun, year = {2012}, pages = {341--354}, }
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@article{businge_metabolite_2012, title = {Metabolite profiling reveals clear metabolic changes during somatic embryo development of {Norway} spruce ({Picea} abies)}, volume = {32}, issn = {0829-318X, 1758-4469}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/treephys/tpr142}, doi = {10/f24n88}, language = {en}, number = {2}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {Tree Physiology}, author = {Businge, E. and Brackmann, K. and Moritz, T. and Egertsdotter, U.}, month = feb, year = {2012}, pages = {232--244}, }
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@article{lara-chavez_initiation_2011, title = {Initiation of somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of {Oocarpa} pine ({Pinus} oocarpa {Schiede} ex {Schlectendal})}, volume = {31}, issn = {0829-318X, 1758-4469}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/treephys/tpr126}, doi = {10/fjp4pt}, language = {en}, number = {12}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {Tree Physiology}, author = {Lara-Chavez, A. and Flinn, B. S. and Egertsdotter, U.}, month = dec, year = {2011}, pages = {1422--1422}, }
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@article{sun_possible_2011, title = {Possible {Effect} {From} {Shear} {Stress} on {Maturation} of {Somatic} {Embryos} of {Norway} {Spruce} ({Picea} abies)}, volume = {108}, issn = {00063592}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/bit.23040}, doi = {10/cpn47k}, language = {en}, number = {5}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {Biotechnology and Bioengineering}, author = {Sun, Hong and Aidun, Cyrus K. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = may, year = {2011}, pages = {1089--1099}, }
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@article{kvaalen_somatic_2011, title = {Somatic embryogenesis for plant production of {Abies} lasiocarpa}, url = {https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/x05-035}, doi = {10/fqvm8p}, abstract = {Seeds of Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. (subalpine fir) were dissected, and the different parts were analyzed for elemental composition. The data were used to design a novel growth medium for initi...}, language = {en}, urldate = {2021-06-11}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Forest Research}, author = {Kvaalen, Harald and Daehlen, Ola Gram and Rognstad, Anne Tove and Grønstad, Borgny and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = feb, year = {2011}, note = {Publisher: NRC Research Press Ottawa, Canada}, }
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@article{sun_effects_2010, title = {Effects from shear stress on morphology and growth of early stages of {Norway} spruce somatic embryos}, volume = {105}, issn = {00063592, 10970290}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/bit.22554}, doi = {10/ft23qd}, language = {en}, number = {3}, urldate = {2021-06-08}, journal = {Biotechnology and Bioengineering}, author = {Sun, Hong and Aidun, Cyrus K. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = feb, year = {2010}, pages = {588--599}, }
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@article{wadenback_lignin_2008, title = {Lignin biosynthesis in transgenic {Norway} spruce plants harboring an antisense construct for cinnamoyl {CoA} reductase ({CCR})}, volume = {17}, issn = {0962-8819, 1573-9368}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11248-007-9113-z}, doi = {10/cr7v44}, language = {en}, number = {3}, urldate = {2021-06-10}, journal = {Transgenic Research}, author = {Wadenbäck, Johan and von Arnold, Sara and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Walter, Michael H. and Grima-Pettenati, Jacqueline and Goffner, Deborah and Gellerstedt, Göran and Gullion, Terry and Clapham, David}, month = jun, year = {2008}, pages = {379--392}, }
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@article{wadenback_comparison_2005, title = {Comparison of standard exponential and linear techniques to amplify small {cDNA} samples for microarrays}, volume = {6}, issn = {1471-2164}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-6-61}, doi = {10/fmgwt5}, abstract = {The need to perform microarray experiments with small amounts of tissue has led to the development of several protocols for amplifying the target transcripts. The use of different amplification protocols could affect the comparability of microarray experiments.}, number = {1}, urldate = {2021-06-11}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, author = {Wadenbäck, Johan and Clapham, David H. and Craig, Deborah and Sederoff, Ronald and Peter, Gary F. and von Arnold, Sara and Egertsdotter, Ulrika}, month = may, year = {2005}, keywords = {Amplification Method, Linear Amplification, Percentage Unit, Pinus Taeda, Technical Repeat}, pages = {61}, }
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@article{egertsdotter_gene_2004, title = {Gene {Expression} during {Formation} of {Earlywood} and {Latewood} in {Loblolly} {Pine}: {Expression} {Profiles} of 350 {Genes}}, volume = {6}, issn = {1438-8677}, shorttitle = {Gene {Expression} during {Formation} of {Earlywood} and {Latewood} in {Loblolly} {Pine}}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1055/s-2004-830383}, doi = {10/cndbxc}, abstract = {Abstract: The natural variability of wood formation in trees affords opportunities to correlate transcript profiles with the resulting wood properties. We have used cDNA microarrays to study transcript abundance in developing secondary xylem of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) over a growing season. The cDNAs were selected from a collection of 75 000 ESTs that have been sequenced and annotated (http:web.ahc.umn.edubiodatansfpine). Cell wall thickness and climatic data were related to earlywood and latewood formation at different time points during the growing season. Seventy-one ESTs showed preferential expression in earlywood or latewood, including 23 genes with no significant similarity to genes in GenBank. Seven genes involved in lignin synthesis were preferentially expressed in latewood. The studies have provided initial insights into the variation of expression patterns of some of the genes related to the wood formation process.}, language = {en}, number = {6}, urldate = {2021-06-15}, journal = {Plant Biology}, author = {Egertsdotter, U. and Zyl, L. M. van and MacKay, J. and Peter, G. and Kirst, M. and Clark, C. and Whetten, R. and Sederoff, R.}, year = {2004}, note = {\_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1055/s-2004-830383}, keywords = {Microarray analysis, Pinus taeda, earlywood, latewood, transcript abundance}, pages = {654--663}, }
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@article{stasolla_variation_2004, title = {Variation in transcript abundance during somatic embryogenesis in gymnosperms}, volume = {24}, issn = {0829-318X}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/24/10/1073/1646975}, doi = {10/fxjbcn}, abstract = {Abstract. Somatic embryogenesis of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) is a versatile model system to study molecular mechanisms regulating embryo development becaus}, language = {en}, number = {10}, urldate = {2021-06-15}, journal = {Tree Physiology}, author = {Stasolla, Claudio and Bozhkov, Peter V. and Chu, Tzu-Ming and van Zyl, Leonel and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Suarez, Maria F. and Craig, Deborah and Wolfinger, Russ D. and Von Arnold, Sara and Sederoff, Ronald R.}, month = oct, year = {2004}, note = {Publisher: Oxford Academic}, pages = {1073--1085}, }
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@article{stasolla_analysis_2003, title = {Analysis of lignin produced by cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase-deficient {Pinus} taeda cultured cells}, volume = {41}, issn = {0981-9428}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0981942803000512}, doi = {10/bkcwgq}, abstract = {Comparative studies were conducted on composition of lignin produced both in vivo and in vitro by cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD)-deficient mutant loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). In vivo studies were performed using differentiating xylem obtained from two genotypes of heterozygous (CAD/cad) and two genotypes of homozygous (cad/cad) CAD-deficient mutant trees. In vitro studies were performed using a culture system in which cells, generated from the same genotypes, were induced to produce lignin in culture. Steady state RNA levels and enzyme activity of CAD were dramatically reduced in both xylem and cultured cells obtained from homozygous mutant trees, compared to their heterozygous counterparts. Light microscopic studies showed pronounced differences during the lignin formation between homozygous and heterozygous cells. Phenolic compounds in the heterozygous (CAD/cad) cells were deposited around the cell wall, accumulated preferentially in vacuoles of the homozygous (cad/cad) cells. Differences in lignin composition as revealed by thioacidolysis were also observed. Lignin of both xylem tissue and cultured cells obtained from CAD-deficient homozygotes showed lower levels of coniferyl alcohols and significant enrichments in dihydroconiferyl alcohol (DHCA) and coniferyl aldehyde, compared to their heterozygous counterparts. The striking similarities in lignin composition observed both in vivo and in vitro, open new possibilities for the use of culture systems aimed at revealing the mechanisms controlling lignin biosynthesis, and the formation of DHCA subunits.}, language = {en}, number = {5}, urldate = {2021-07-05}, journal = {Plant Physiology and Biochemistry}, author = {Stasolla, Claudio and Scott, Jay and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Kadla, John and O’ Malley, David and Sederoff, Ronald and van Zyl, Leonel}, month = may, year = {2003}, keywords = {Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, Cultured cells, Dihydroconiferyl alcohol, Lignin, Xylem}, pages = {439--445}, }
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@article{watkinson_photosynthetic_2003, title = {Photosynthetic {Acclimation} {Is} {Reflected} in {Specific} {Patterns} of {Gene} {Expression} in {Drought}-{Stressed} {Loblolly} {Pine}}, volume = {133}, issn = {0032-0889}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.103.026914}, doi = {10.1104/pp.103.026914}, abstract = {Because the product of a single gene can influence many aspects of plant growth and development, it is necessary to understand how gene products act in concert and upon each other to effect adaptive changes to stressful conditions. We conducted experiments to improve our understanding of the responses of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) to drought stress. Water was withheld from rooted plantlets of to a measured water potential of -1 MPa for mild stress and -1.5 MPa for severe stress. Net photosynthesis was measured for each level of stress. RNA was isolated from needles and used in hybridizations against a microarray consisting of 2,173 cDNA clones from five pine expressed sequence tag libraries. Gene expression was estimated using a two-stage mixed linear model. Subsequently, data mining via inductive logic programming identified rules (relationships) among gene expression, treatments, and functional categories. Changes in RNA transcript profiles of loblolly pine due to drought stress were correlated with physiological data reflecting photosynthetic acclimation to mild stress or photosynthetic failure during severe stress. Analysis of transcript profiles indicated that there are distinct patterns of expression related to the two levels of stress. Genes encoding heat shock proteins, late embryogenic-abundant proteins, enzymes from the aromatic acid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways, and from carbon metabolism showed distinctive responses associated with acclimation. Five genes shown to have different transcript levels in response to either mild or severe stress were chosen for further analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The real-time polymerase chain reaction results were in good agreement with those obtained on microarrays.}, number = {4}, urldate = {2021-07-05}, journal = {Plant Physiology}, author = {Watkinson, Jonathan I. and Sioson, Allan A. and Vasquez-Robinet, Cecilia and Shukla, Maulik and Kumar, Deept and Ellis, Margaret and Heath, Lenwood S. and Ramakrishnan, Naren and Chevone, Boris and Watson, Layne T. and van Zyl, Leonel and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Sederoff, Ronald R. and Grene, Ruth}, month = dec, year = {2003}, pages = {1702--1716}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract 1 download
@article{stasolla_effects_2003, title = {The {Effects} of {Polyethylene} {Glycol} on {Gene} {Expression} of {Developing} {White} {Spruce} {Somatic} {Embryos}}, volume = {131}, issn = {0032-0889}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.015214}, doi = {10/b6z454}, abstract = {Somatic embryogenic cultures of white spruce (Picea glauca) represent a valuable system to study molecular mechanisms regulating embryo development because many embryos of defined developmental stages can be generated. The inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the maturation medium can improve the number and quality of embryos produced. To learn more about the mechanism of action of PEG, we analyzed transcript profiles of stage-specific embryos matured without (control) or with (PEG treated) PEG. RNA extracted from maturing spruce embryos was analyzed on DNA microarrays containing 2,178 cDNAs from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). The efficiency of heterologous hybridization between spruce and pine species on microarrays has been documented previously (L. van Zyl, S. von Arnold, P. Bozhkov, Y. Chen, U. Egertsdotter, J. MacKay, R. Sederoff, J. Shen, L. Zelena, D. Clapham [2002] Comp Funct Genomics 3: 306–318). Several pine genes, including the apparent homologs to the Arabidopsis genes ZWILLE, FIDDLEHEAD, FUSCA, and SCARECROW, increased in expression after PEG treatments. These genes are known to be involved in the formation of the embryo body plan and in the control of the shoot and root apical meristems. The increased transcript levels of these genes in immature PEG-treated embryos suggest that PEG may improve the quality of spruce somatic embryos by promoting normal differentiation of the embryonic shoot and root. Changes in the transcript levels of many genes involved in sucrose catabolism and nitrogen assimilation and utilization were also observed between control and PEG-treated embryos.}, number = {1}, urldate = {2021-07-05}, journal = {Plant Physiology}, author = {Stasolla, Claudio and van Zyl, Leonel and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Craig, Deborah and Liu, Wenbin and Sederoff, Ron R.}, month = jan, year = {2003}, pages = {49--60}, }
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@article{stasolla_transcript_2003, title = {Transcript profiles of stress-related genes in developing white spruce ({Picea} glauca) somatic embryos cultured with polyethylene glycol}, volume = {165}, issn = {0168-9452}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945203002280}, doi = {10/fk3m4b}, abstract = {The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the transcript level of 512 stress-related genes was analyzed by cDNA microarray. Major changes in gene expression between control and PEG-treated embryos were observed during the initial stages of development, upon transfer of the embryogenic tissue on maturation medium, and during the late phases of development, culminating with the generation of cotyledonary embryos. Only small changes in gene expression were observed during the intermediate phases of embryo development. The transcript levels of several genes involved in cell aging and detoxification mechanisms, including peroxidases and chitinases, were developmentally regulated during the embryogenic process. Major differences in the expression of these genes were observed between control and PEG-treated embryos. Based on their expression profiles, four different clusters of genes involved in stress response mechanisms were identified. The first group of genes, which included several heat shock proteins, was up-regulated in PEG-treated immature embryos. An opposite tendency was observed for a second cluster of genes, which included a glutathione-S-transferase, and a cysteine protease. The third class included genes repressed by PEG in fully developed embryos, whereas a fourth group of genes, which included several heat shock proteins and ubiquitin, was induced in PEG-treated embryos at the end of the culture period. Difference in transcript levels and profiles of several genes involved in cell wall and lignin biosynthesis were also observed between control and PEG-treated embryos.}, language = {en}, number = {4}, urldate = {2021-07-05}, journal = {Plant Science}, author = {Stasolla, Claudio and van Zyl, Leonel and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Craig, Deborah and Liu, Wenbin and Sederoff, Ronald R.}, month = oct, year = {2003}, keywords = {Microarray, Polyethylene glycol, Transcript levels, White spruce}, pages = {719--729}, }
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@article{ciavatta_promoter_2002, title = {A promoter from the loblolly pine {PtNIP1};1 gene directs expression in an early-embryogenesis and suspensor-specific fashion}, volume = {215}, issn = {1432-2048}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-002-0822-5}, doi = {10/b3zcr8}, abstract = {The PtNIP1;1 gene encodes an aquaglyceroporin that is expressed early in embryogenesis and appears to be expressed preferentially in the suspensor [V.T. Ciavatta et al. (2001) Plant Physiol 127:211–224]. An 899-bp fragment 5′ to the PtNIP1;1 open reading frame (NIP-899) was cloned from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) genomic DNA and fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. The resulting plasmid, pNIP-GUS, was transformed into Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) embryogenic cultures by co-bombarding with a plasmid containing a bar gene construct as a selectable marker. The identity of lines selected on medium containing the herbicide Basta and showing β-glucuronidase activity was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction as harboring GUS. Histochemical GUS assays of these lines revealed GUS activity in all cells of proembryogenic masses. During early embryogeny, GUS staining was intense in the suspensor region but not detectable in embryonal masses. GUS staining was absent by mid-embryogeny. By contrast, a control transgenic line, transformed with EuCAD-GUS, expressed GUS throughout embryo development. These results suggest that NIP-899 contains elements that drive early embryogenesis-specific expression and suspensor-specific expression. This is the first example of a suspensor-specific promoter in conifers.}, language = {en}, number = {4}, urldate = {2021-08-26}, journal = {Planta}, author = {Ciavatta, Vincent T. and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and Clapham, David and von Arnold, Sara and Cairney, John}, month = aug, year = {2002}, pages = {694--698}, }
Paper doi link bibtex abstract
@article{van_zyl_heterologous_2002, title = {Heterologous {Array} {Analysis} in {Pinaceae}: {Hybridization} of {Pinus} taeda {cDNA} {Arrays} with {cDNA} from {Needles} and {Embryogenic} {Cultures} of {P}. taeda, {P}. sylvestris or {Picea} abies}, volume = {3}, issn = {2314-436X}, shorttitle = {Heterologous {Array} {Analysis} in {Pinaceae}}, url = {https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijg/2002/186124/}, doi = {10.1002/cfg.199}, abstract = {Hybridization of labelled cDNA from various cell types with high-density arrays of expressed sequence tags is a powerful technique for investigating gene expression. Few conifer cDNA libraries have been sequenced. Because of the high level of sequence conservation between Pinus and Picea we have investigated the use of arrays from one genus for studies of gene expression in the other. The partial cDNAs from 384 identifiable genes expressed in differentiating xylem of Pinus taeda were printed on nylon membranes in randomized replicates. These were hybridized with labelled cDNA from needles or embryogenic cultures of Pinus taeda, P. sylvestris and Picea abies, and with labelled cDNA from leaves of Nicotiana tabacum. The Spearman correlation of gene expression for pairs of conifer species was high for needles (r2 = 0.78 − 0.86), and somewhat lower for embryogenic cultures (r2 = 0.68 − 0.83). The correlation of gene expression for tobacco leaves and needles of each of the three conifer species was lower but sufficiently high (r2 = 0.52 − 0.63) to suggest that many partial gene sequences are conserved in angiosperms and gymnosperms. Heterologous probing was further used to identify tissue-specific gene expression over species boundaries. To evaluate the significance of differences in gene expression, conventional parametric tests were compared with permutation tests after four methods of normalization. Permutation tests after Z-normalization provide the highest degree of discrimination but may enhance the probability of type I errors. It is concluded that arrays of cDNA from loblolly pine are useful for studies of gene expression in other pines or spruces.}, language = {en}, number = {4}, urldate = {2021-10-19}, journal = {Comparative and Functional Genomics}, author = {van Zyl, Leonel and von Arnold, Sara and Bozhkov, Peter and Chen, Yongzhong and Egertsdotter, Ulrika and MacKay, John and Sederoff, Ronald R. and Shen, Jing and Zelena, Lyubov and Clapham, David H.}, year = {2002}, note = {Publisher: Hindawi}, pages = {306--318}, }
Svenska
Somatisk embryogenes är en in vitro teknik som kan användas för massförökning av zygotiska embryon, dvs fröembryon, från barrträd. Det är den enda teknik som lämpar sig för storskalig massförökning av plantor från värdefulla granfrön framtagna i förädlings-programmet.
Somatiska embryon, eller frösticklingar, används också för att studera reglering av embryoutveckling då man kan framställa obegränsade mängder embryon av olika utvecklingsstadier som försöksmaterial. Vi är intresserade av signalsubstanserna som reglerar embryo utvecklingen och vidare undersöka signaltransduktionsvägarna. Vi har nyligen visat att etxracellulära metalloproteaser har betydelse för embryoutvecklingen och fokuserar nu vidare på överföringen av extracellulära signaler till specifika cellulära responser.