Investigation of Cell-Penetrating Peptide Transformation in Two Regenerable Tissue Culture Systems

Author

Atiyyah S. Ferouz, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Biology

Supervisor

Dr. Lining Tian

2nd Supervisor

Dr. Danielle Way

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

The genetic engineering of plants allows for the modification of plant genomes, subsequently improving plant traits. There are, however, plants recalcitrant to established transformation methods, requiring the implementation of novel techniques. This study investigates the viability of cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) transformation using Tat₂, a CPP with demonstrated transformation efficiency in plant and animal systems, in two regenerable tissue culture systems, soybean somatic embryos and Arabidopsis protoplasts. Assessments of complex formation, Tat₂ cellular translocation, complex uptake, and CPP-mediated transformation were carried out. The results show the formation of a Tat₂-plasmid complex and the uptake of Tat₂ into Arabidopsis protoplast cells. However, CPP-cargo complex uptake and successful transformations were not observed in either system. As well, definitive Tat₂ uptake into soybean somatic embryo cells was not detected. This study highlights the areas in each regenerable system where further study is needed for CPP-mediated transformation development.

Recommended Citation

Ferouz, Atiyyah S., "Investigation of Cell-Penetrating Peptide Transformation in Two Regenerable Tissue Culture Systems" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 3471.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/3471