Minisatellite DNA mutation rate in dandelions increases with leaf-tissue concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni

We have examined whether mutation rates at minisatellite DNA loci in dandelions (Taraxacum officinale Weber, sensu lato: Asteraceae) increase with increasing exposure to metal pollution. From 16 sites (Colorado to Pennsylvania, USA) covering a range of airborne particulate-matter exposures, soil metal concentrations, and leaf-tissue metal concentrations, we grew an average of 7.9 offspring from each of 10 parent plants, and we analyzed the parent-offspring transmission of 82,715 minisatellite DNA markers to 1,258 offspring for rates of mutation. The mean number of markers examined per individual (using six minisatellite probes) was 65.8. Detection of mutations is facilitated by agamospermous reproduction (clonal seed production) in dandelions. Across sites, the average single-event, parent-offspring marker transmission mutation rate was 0.0067, ranging from 0.002 to 0.015 (a 7.5-fold difference). No significant correlation was detected between site single-event mutation rates and either airborne particulate-matter or soil concentrations for any of the metals. However, across sites, mutation rates were significantly (p < 0.05) and positively correlated to increasing leaf-tissue concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn exhibited no correlation). Multiple-regression analyses suggest that a model including three metals--in order of importance: Cr (p = 0.002), Fe (p = 0.02), and Ni (p = 0.005); overall, p = 0.001--may improve the ability to predict mutation rate relative to leaf metal concentrations in dandelions. Mutations at minisatellite DNA loci in sexually apomictic organisms may thus provide convenient biomarkers by which to assess the mutagen stressor risk in environments.