A Gene-Based Screening for Unreduced Female Gamete (UFG) Production

Identifies and Predicts the Ability to Produce UFGs in Lantana Camara Genotypes

This gene-based screening identifies, and tracks genes associated with the production of unreduced gametes in Lantana camara. The production of unreduced gametes presents a pivotal phenomenon in plant reproductive biology, underlying many evolutionary and ecological processes. Unreduced gametes are fundamental to the formation of polyploid organisms, increasing genetic variability, enhancing a plant’s adaptability and survival under varying environmental conditions. Unreduced gametes also influence a species' invasiveness and resistance against methods of population control like sterilization.

Lantana camara is a species of interest with a high potential for invasiveness and propensity to hybridize with other lantana species, contaminating native gene pools. The challenge of controlling lantana’s invasiveness is further complicated by the production of unreduced female gametes (UFGs) in certain genotypes. Current technologies used to identify and manipulate unreduced gametes are unreliable, mutagenic, and involve the use of chemicals.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a gene-based screening for identifying and tracking certain genes linked to the production of unreduced. The plant genomics market is expected to grow to USD 33.79 billion by 2029. The GMO market is expected to grow from USD 74.3 billion to USD 102.0 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 5.4%. This technology is built to provide safer, more efficient methods of selective breeding and species control in these markets.

Application

Gene-based screening method of identifying and distinguishing unreduced gamete production by marking of a gene strongly associated with unreduced gamete production

Advantages

• Identifies genes potentially associated with UFG production, increasing knowledge of the genetic mechanisms surrounding UFG production for future research
• Molecular marker provides a safe, fast way to differentiate between those that produce unreduced gametes and not, increasing the efficiency of the screening process
• Offers significant advantages for major food crops, enhancing double haploid production processes limited by the unreliable and mutagenic nature of chemical genome editing

Technology

University of Florida researchers performed RNA sequencing and DNA skim sequencing on known L. camara genotypes to analyze differences in gene expression and identify genes driving unreduced gamete production. Researchers identify 35 candidate genes potentially involved in unreduced gamete production. Analysis of the results revealed a specific Dynamin-like gene whose inclusion, or absence, of large deletions is highly associated with unreduced gamete production in L. camara. The molecular marker targets and tracks this gene, enabling the accurate and quick prediction of L. camara producing unreduced gametes. This molecular marker allows for early life (seedling stage) identification of unreduced gamete potential.