COST-STSM-FA0605-7425 Csaba Papdi
COST STSM Reference Number: COST-STSM-FA0605-7425
Period: 2011-01-03 to 2011-01-31
STSM type: Regular (from Hungary to Italy)
STSM Applicant: Csaba Papdi, Biological Research Center, Szeged (HU), papdi@brc.hu
STSM Topic: Testing the function of three ERF-type transcription factors in low oxygen responses.
Host: Prof. Pierdomenico Perata, Plant Lab, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa (IT), p.perata@sssup.it
Purpose of the visit
The aim of this scientific mission was to reveal the possible function of RAP2.2, RAP2.3 and
RAP2.12 Arabidopsis transcription factors in low oxygen responses. The experiments
targeted the evaluation of differences in growth and survival rate of transgenic plants over-
expressing these transcription factors, or insertion mutants with interrupted genes under
limited oxygen conditions. Besides, these transgenic lines were used to analyse their gene
expression changes in response to anoxic treatments.
Work completed
The selected transgenic lines RAP2.2, RAP2.3 and RAP2.12 inducible overexpressors and
their control ADH-LUC, furthermore, the rap2.2, rap2.3 and rap2.12 insertion mutant lines
and control Col-0 wild type plants have been subjected to low oxygen treatments (anoxia and
submergence tolerance assays). For the anoxic treatments the enclosed anaerobic workstation
(Anaerobic System model 1025; Forma Scientific) has been used, an equipment of the host
laboratory. Subsequently the plates have been transferred back to the germination room for
recovery. Plant survival was scored 7 after the stress treatments. For the submergence
tolerance assays, seeds of the selected lines have set in soil pots and 24 days followed by
germination the young plants have been subjected to complete submergence for 32 hours.
Transcription activity of putative target genes of the transcription factors has also been
analyzed. Wild type and transgenic plants have been subjected to low oxygen conditions and
their total RNA has been isolated. Transcription of selected target genes has been determined
by quantitative RT-PCR.
Additional objective of my mission was a training of methodologies for testing plant
responses in low oxygen conditions. Collaboration between the home and host laboratories
will continue due to the ongoing project. The home laboratory intends to keep in touch with
Prof. Pierdomenico Perata respecting his knowledge and expertise in plant low oxygen
responses.
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank to the COST-STSM-FA0605 program for the financial support of my
stay in Pisa. The planned experiments have been successfully completed and provided
valuable results for us.