Microspore-derived cell suspension cultures of oilseed rape as a system for studying gene expression

Abiotic stress, such as extreme temperature, drought, or excessive salinity, is one of the leading causes of crop loss worldwide. Microspore-derived (MD) cell suspension cultures of Brassica napus L. cv. Jet Neuf have been shown to be a useful system for studying the biochemistry of developing oilseeds. In the present study, we describe the application of MD cell suspension cultures of B. napus as a system for studying gene expression in response to abiotic stress, and demonstrate emybryogenic competence in cultures that have been continuously subcultured for more than 20 years. MD cell suspension cultures of B. napus L. cv Jet Neuf were exposed to low temperature or osmotic stress and the expression profile of known stress responsive genes was evaluated. The gene expression profile of BN115, a known cold-responsive gene in B. napus, was similar to that described for intact cold-acclimated plants. Likewise, two late embryogenesis abundant (Lea) genes were shown to be up-regulated in response to low temperature or osmotic stress. The results demonstrate that B. napus MD cell suspension cultures are a useful system for the investigation of changes in gene expression in plants brought about by abiotic stress.