Plant proteins involved in Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation

Annu Rev Phytopathol. 2010:48:45-68. doi: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080508-081852.

Abstract

Agrobacterium species genetically transform plants by transferring a region of plasmid DNA, T-DNA, into host plant cells. The bacteria also transfer several virulence effector proteins. T-DNA and virulence proteins presumably form T-complexes within the plant cell. Super-T-complexes likely also form by interaction of plant-encoded proteins with T-complexes. These protein-nucleic acid complexes traffic through the plant cytoplasm, enter the nucleus, and eventually deliver T-DNA to plant chromatin. Integration of T-DNA into the plant genome establishes a permanent transformation event, permitting stable expression of T-DNA-encoded transgenes. The transformation process is complex and requires participation of numerous plant proteins. This review discusses our current knowledge of plant proteins that contribute to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, the roles these proteins play in the transformation process, and the modern technologies that have been employed to elucidate the cell biology of transformation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Tumor-Inducing Plasmids / genetics*
  • Plant Tumors / genetics
  • Plants / microbiology*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Rhizobium / genetics*
  • Rhizobium / pathogenicity*
  • Transformation, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Plant Proteins