Using arabidopsis-related model species (ARMS): Growth, genetic transformation, and comparative genomics

Giorgia Batelli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Dong Ha Oh, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Matilde Paino D'Urzo, Purdue University
Francesco Orsini, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna
Maheshi Dassanayake, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jian Kang Zhu, Purdue University
Hans J. Bohnert, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Ray A. Bressan, Gyeongsang National University
Albino Maggio, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Abstract

The Arabidopsis-related model species (ARMS) Thellungiella salsuginea and Thellungiella parvula have generated broad interest in salt stress research. While general growth characteristics of these species are similar to Arabidopsis, some aspects of their life cycle require particular attention in order to obtain healthy plants, with a large production of seeds in a relatively short time. This chapter describes basic procedures for growth, maintenance, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of ARMS. Where appropriate, differences in requirements between Thellungiella spp. and Arabidopsis are highlighted, along with basic growth requirements of other less studied candidate model species. Current techniques for comparative genomics analysis between Arabidopsis and ARMS are also described in detail. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.