The RNA-mediated silencing of one of the Pin genes in allohexaploid wheat simultaneously decreases the expression of the other, and increases grain hardness

• DOI: 10.1093/jxb/err103
• Publication Date: 2011-04-20T00:18:53Z
• Authors: Sebastian Gasparis; Waclaw Orczyk; Wojciech Zalewski; Anna Nadolska-Orczyk
• Keywords: Genetically modified rice

The RNAi-mediated silencing of Pina and Pinb, the two genes responsible for grain texture allohexaploid wheat, was induced analysed in wheat cultivars, Kontesa Torka. A characterization non-transgenic plants revealed that Pinb carries a point mutation, designated Pinb-D1c both cultivars. This mutation does not influence transcript abundance or protein content. Two cassettes hpRNA type were constructed used stable transformation via Agrobacterium. In total, 43 transgenic lines representing cultivars obtained, transformed with co-transformed cassettes. relative levels same progeny plant found to be similar, independent cassette used. reduction segregating T1 Torka one exceeded 80%. Co-transformation resulted over 91% transcripts some Kontesa. transmitted T4 kernel generation T3 lines. significant lack puroindoline proteins silenced correlated an essential increase hardness. discussion covers new insights into function Pin genes, including simultaneous both, siRNA signal.