Optimization and standardization of transient expression assays for gene functional analyses in strawberry fruits

Abstract

Crop genetics: genetic tools to study strawberry ripening Chinese researchers have optimized transient gene manipulation (TGM) to probe the function of genes in strawberries. In TGM, the expression of a gene is temporarily altered and the effect on plant development measured. TGM experiments can be conducted in days rather than the months needed for experiments involving stable transformation. A team led by Jia Wensuo of China Agriculture University evaluated how the use of TGM in strawberry fruits was affected by various conditions, including different delivery vectors, temperatures, time periods, and fruit stages. They found that the correct delivery vector, temperature, and fruit stage were crucial for the success of TGM. The team also developed a TGM analysis method to quantify and compare the contribution of different genes. The techniques developed in this study provide valuable tools for the genetic analysis of strawberry ripening.