Tatiana V. Danilova

Single-copy gene fluorescence in situ hybridization and genome analysis: Acc-2 loci mark evolutionary chromosomal rearrangements in wheat

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a useful tool for physical mapping of chromosomes and studying evolutionary chromosome rearrangements. Here we report a robust method for single-copy gene FISH for wheat. FISH probes were developed from cDNA of cytosolic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) gene (Acc-2) and mapped on chromosomes of bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD), and related diploid and tetraploid species. Another nine full-length (FL) cDNA FISH probes were mapped and used to identify chromosomes of wheat species. The Acc-2 probe was detected on the long arms of each of the homoeologous group 3 chromosomes (3A, 3B, and 3D), on 5DL and 4AL of bread wheat, and on homoeologous and nonhomoeologous chromosomes of other species. In the species tested, FISH detected more Acc-2 gene or pseudogene sites than previously found by PCR and Southern hybridization analyses and showed presence/absence polymorphism of Acc-2 sequences. FISH with the Acc-2 probe revealed the 4A–5A translocation, shared by several related diploid and polyploid species and inherited from an ancestral A-genome species, and the T. timopheevii-specific 4At–3At translocation.

Tandem Amplification of a Chromosomal Segment Harboring EPSPS Locus Confers Glyphosate Resistance in Kochia scoparia

Genes encoding enolpyruvylshikimate phosphate synthase are tandemly arranged on chromosomes of field-evolved glyphosate-resistant Kochia scoparia. Recent rapid evolution and spread of resistance to the most extensively used herbicide, glyphosate, is a major threat to global crop production. Genetic mechanisms by which weeds evolve resistance to herbicides largely determine the level of resistance and the rate of evolution of resistance. In a previous study, we determined that glyphosate resistance in Kochia scoparia is due to the amplification of the 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase (EPSPS) gene, the enzyme target of glyphosate. Here, we investigated the genomic organization of the amplified EPSPS copies using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and extended DNA fiber (Fiber FISH) on K. scoparia chromosomes. In both glyphosate-resistant K. scoparia populations tested (GR1 and GR2), FISH results displayed a single and prominent hybridization site of the EPSPS gene localized on the distal end of one pair of homologous metaphase chromosomes compared with a faint hybridization site in glyphosate-susceptible samples (GS1 and GS2). Fiber FISH displayed 10 copies of the EPSPS gene (approximately 5 kb) arranged in tandem configuration approximately 40 to 70 kb apart, with one copy in an inverted orientation in GR2. In agreement with FISH results, segregation of EPSPS copies followed single-locus inheritance in GR1 population. This is the first report of tandem target gene amplification conferring field-evolved herbicide resistance in weed populations.

Tandem Amplification of a Chromosomal Segment Harboring 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase Locus Confers Glyphosate Resistance in Kochia scoparia

Genes encoding enolpyruvylshikimate phosphate synthase are tandemly arranged on chromosomes of field-evolved glyphosate-resistant Kochia scoparia. Recent rapid evolution and spread of resistance to the most extensively used herbicide, glyphosate, is a major threat to global crop production. Genetic mechanisms by which weeds evolve resistance to herbicides largely determine the level of resistance and the rate of evolution of resistance. In a previous study, we determined that glyphosate resistance in Kochia scoparia is due to the amplification of the 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase (EPSPS) gene, the enzyme target of glyphosate. Here, we investigated the genomic organization of the amplified EPSPS copies using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and extended DNA fiber (Fiber FISH) on K. scoparia chromosomes. In both glyphosate-resistant K. scoparia populations tested (GR1 and GR2), FISH results displayed a single and prominent hybridization site of the EPSPS gene localized on the distal end of one pair of homologous metaphase chromosomes compared with a faint hybridization site in glyphosate-susceptible samples (GS1 and GS2). Fiber FISH displayed 10 copies of the EPSPS gene (approximately 5 kb) arranged in tandem configuration approximately 40 to 70 kb apart, with one copy in an inverted orientation in GR2. In agreement with FISH results, segregation of EPSPS copies followed single-locus inheritance in GR1 population. This is the first report of tandem target gene amplification conferring field-evolved herbicide resistance in weed populations.

Development and characterization of a compensating wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium Robertsonian translocation with Sr44 resistance to stem rust (Ug99)

The emergence of the highly virulent Ug99 race complex of the stem rust fungus (Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. and Henn.) threatens wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) production worldwide. One of the effective genes against the Ug99 race complex is Sr44, which was derived from Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Dewey and mapped to the short arm of 7J (designated 7J#1S) present in the noncompensating T7DS-7J#1L∙7J#1S translocation. Noncompensating wheat-alien translocations are known to cause genomic duplications and deficiencies leading to poor agronomic performance, precluding their direct use in wheat improvement. The present study was initiated to produce compensating wheat-Th. intermedium Robertsonian translocations with Sr44 resistance. One compensating RobT was identified consisting of the wheat 7DL arm translocated to the Th. intermedium 7J#1S arm resulting in T7DL∙7J#1S. The T7DL∙7J#1S stock was designated as TA5657. The 7DL∙7J#1S stock carries Sr44 and has resistance to the Ug99 race complex. This compensating RobT with Sr44 resistance may be useful in wheat improvement. In addition, we identified an unnamed stem rust resistance gene located on the 7J#1L arm that confers resistance not only to Ug99, but also to race TRTTF, which is virulent to Sr44. However, the action of the second gene can be modified by the presence of suppressors in the recipient wheat cultivars.

Physical Mapping of Amplified Copies of the 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase Gene in Glyphosate-Resistant Amaranthus tuberculatus

Fluorescence in situ hybridization maps a cluster of EPSPS genes to the pericentromeric region on one pair of homologous chromosomes of glyphosate-resistant Amaranthus tuberculatus. Recent and rapid evolution of resistance to glyphosate, the most widely used herbicides, in several weed species, including common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus), poses a serious threat to sustained crop production. We report that glyphosate resistance in A. tuberculatus was due to amplification of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-P synthase (EPSPS) gene, which encodes the molecular target of glyphosate. There was a positive correlation between EPSPS gene copies and its transcript expression. We analyzed the distribution of EPSPS copies in the genome of A. tuberculatus using fluorescence in situ hybridization on mitotic metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis mapped the EPSPS gene to pericentromeric regions of two homologous chromosomes in glyphosate sensitive A. tuberculatus. In glyphosate-resistant plants, a cluster of EPSPS genes on the pericentromeric region on one pair of homologous chromosomes was detected. Intriguingly, two highly glyphosate-resistant plants harbored an additional chromosome with several EPSPS copies besides the native chromosome pair with EPSPS copies. These results suggest that the initial event of EPSPS gene duplication may have occurred because of unequal recombination mediated by repetitive DNA. Subsequently, gene amplification may have resulted via several other mechanisms, such as chromosomal rearrangements, deletion/insertion, transposon-mediated dispersion, or possibly by interspecific hybridization. This report illustrates the physical mapping of amplified EPSPS copies in A. tuberculatus.

A new 2DS·2RL Robertsonian translocation transfers stem rust resistance gene Sr59 into wheat.

Key messageA new stem rust resistance geneSr59fromSecale cerealewas introgressed into wheat as a 2DS·2RL Robertsonian translocation.AbstractEmerging new races of the wheat stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici), from Africa threaten global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. To broaden the resistance spectrum of wheat to these widely virulent African races, additional resistance genes must be identified from all possible gene pools. From the screening of a collection of wheat–rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome substitution lines developed at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, we described the line ‘SLU238’ 2R (2D) as possessing resistance to many races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici, including the widely virulent race TTKSK (isolate synonym Ug99) from Africa. The breakage-fusion mechanism of univalent chromosomes was used to produce a new Robertsonian translocation: T2DS·2RL. Molecular marker analysis and stem rust seedling assays at multiple generations confirmed that the stem rust resistance from ‘SLU238’ is present on the rye chromosome arm 2RL. Line TA5094 (#101) was derived from ‘SLU238’ and was found to be homozygous for the T2DS·2RL translocation. The stem rust resistance gene on chromosome 2RL arm was designated as Sr59. Although introgressions of rye chromosome arms into wheat have most often been facilitated by irradiation, this study highlights the utility of the breakage-fusion mechanism for rye chromatin introgression. Sr59 provides an additional asset for wheat improvement to mitigate yield losses caused by stem rust.

Resistance to the Ug99 Race Group of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in Wheat–Intra/intergeneric Hybrid Derivatives

New races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, the causal agent of stem rust, threaten global wheat production. In particular, races belonging to the Ug99 race group significantly contribute to yield loss in several African nations. Genetic resistance remains the most effective means of controlling this disease. A collection of 546 wheat-intra- and intergeneric hybrids developed by W. J. Sando (United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD) was screened with eight races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici, including races TTKSK, TTKST, TTTSK, TRTTF, TTTTF, TPMKC, RKQQC, and QTHJC. There were 152 accessions resistant to one or more races and 29 accessions resistant to TTKSK, TTKST, and TTTSK. Of these 29 accessions, 9 were resistant to all races, 14 had infection type patterns that were indistinguishable from cultivars possessing Sr9h and Sr42, 2 were indistinguishable from accessions with SrTmp, and 4 did not display resistant patterns of accessions with any known Sr gene. Three accessions (604981, 605286, and 611932) characterized cytogenetically were disomic substitution lines, each with a single Thinopyrum ponticum chromosome pair. One accession (606057) was a disomic substitution or addition line with two pairs of T. ponticum chromosomes. In total, seven accessions are postulated to contain novel stem rust resistance genes. This research indicates the value of extant collections of wheat-intergeneric hybrids as sources of disease resistance genes.

Analysis of Extreme Phenotype Bulk Copy Number Variation (XP-CNV) Identified the Association of rp1 with Resistance to Goss's Wilt of Maize

Gosss wilt (GW) of maize is caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis (Cmn) and has spread in recent years throughout the Great Plains, posing a threat to production. The genetic basis of plant resistance is unknown. Here, a simple method for quantifying disease symptoms was developed and used to select cohorts of highly resistant and highly susceptible lines known as extreme phenotypes (XP). Copy number variation (CNV) analyses using whole genome sequences of bulked XP revealed 141 genes containing CNV between the two XP groups. The CNV genes include the previously identified common rust resistant locus rp1. Multiple Rp1 accessions with distinct rp1 haplotypes in an otherwise susceptible accession exhibited hypersensitive responses upon inoculation. GW provides an excellent system for the genetic dissection of diseases caused by closely related subspecies of C. michiganesis. Further work will facilitate breeding strategies to control GW and provide needed insight into the resistance mechanism of important related diseases such as bacterial canker of tomato and bacterial ring rot of potato.

The Agropyron cristatum karyotype, chromosome structure and cross-genome homoeology as revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization with tandem repeats and wheat single-gene probes

Key messageFluorescence in situ hybridization with probes for 45 cDNAs and five tandem repeats revealed homoeologous relationships of Agropyron cristatum with wheat. The results will contribute to alien gene introgression in wheat improvement.AbstractCrested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L. Gaertn.) is a wild relative of wheat and a promising source of novel genes for wheat improvement. To date, identification of A. cristatum chromosomes has not been possible, and its molecular karyotype has not been available. Furthermore, homoeologous relationship between the genomes of A. cristatum and wheat has not been determined. To develop chromosome-specific landmarks, A. cristatum genomic DNA was sequenced, and new tandem repeats were discovered. Their distribution on mitotic chromosomes was studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which revealed specific patterns for five repeats in addition to 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA and rye subtelomeric repeats pSc119.2 and pSc200. FISH with one tandem repeat together with 45S rDNA enabled identification of all A. cristatum chromosomes. To analyze the structure and cross-species homoeology of A. cristatum chromosomes with wheat, probes for 45 mapped wheat cDNAs covering all seven chromosome groups were localized by FISH. Thirty-four cDNAs hybridized to homoeologous chromosomes of A. cristatum, nine hybridized to homoeologous and non-homoeologous chromosomes, and two hybridized to unique positions on non-homoeologous chromosomes. FISH using single-gene probes revealed that the wheat-A. cristatum collinearity was distorted, and important structural rearrangements were observed for chromosomes 2P, 4P, 5P, 6P and 7P. Chromosomal inversions were found for pericentric region of 4P and whole chromosome arm 6PL. Furthermore, reciprocal translocations between 2PS and 4PL were detected. These results provide new insights into the genome evolution within Triticeae and will facilitate the use of crested wheatgrass in alien gene introgression into wheat.

Development of a complete set of wheat–barley group-7 Robertsonian translocation chromosomes conferring an increased content of β-glucan

Key messageA complete set of six compensating Robertsonian translocation chromosomes involving barley chromosome 7H and three chromosomes of hexaploid wheat was produced. Grain β-glucan content increased in lines containing 7HL.AbstractMany valuable genes for agronomic performance, disease resistance and increased yield have been transferred from relative species to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through whole-arm Robertsonian translocations (RobT). Although of a great value, the sets of available translocations from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are limited. Here, we present the production of a complete set of six compensating RobT chromosomes involving barley chromosome 7H and three group-7 chromosomes of wheat. The barley group-7 long-arm RobTs had a higher grain β-glucan content compared to the wheat control. The β-glucan levels varied depending on the temperature and were higher under hot conditions. Implicated in this increase, the barley cellulose synthase-like F6 gene (CslF6) responsible for β-glucan synthesis was physically mapped near the centromere in the long arm of barley chromosome 7H. Likewise, wheat CslF6 homoeologs were mapped near the centromere in the long arms of all group-7 wheat chromosomes. With the set of novel wheat–barley translocations, we demonstrate a valuable increase of β-glucan, along with a resource of genetic stocks that are likely to carry many other important genes from barley into wheat.