Bcl-2△21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO Inhibit Death of Wheat Microspores

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Microspore cell death and low efficiency hinder doubled haploid production in wheat.
• Developing strategies to enhance microspore viability is crucial for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of anti-apoptotic recombinant human B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2△21) and caspase-3-inhibitor (Ac-DEVD-CHO) on microspore cell death in bread wheat.
• To understand the mechanisms by which these compounds affect microspore viability and plant regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Treatment of wheat microspore cultures with Bcl-2△21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO.
• Assessment of microspore viability, embryo-like structure formation, and green plant regeneration.
• Measurement of peroxidase activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).
• Analysis of caspase-3-like activities.

Main Results:

• Bcl-2△21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO significantly increased viable microspores, embryo-like structures, and green plant production.
• Peroxidase activity was reduced by Bcl-2△21 treatment.
• Bcl-2△21 demonstrated higher hydroxyl radical scavenging than Ac-DEVD-CHO.
• Both treatments reduced caspase-3-like activities, indicating a decrease in programmed cell death.

Conclusions:

• Bcl-2△21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO enhance microspore viability and doubled haploid production in wheat.
• Bcl-2△21 protects cells by detoxifying hydroxyl radicals and suppressing caspase activity.
• Ac-DEVD-CHO inhibits cell death pathways by modulating caspase-like activity.
• These findings offer novel approaches to improve wheat breeding efficiency.