The Laboratory for Crop Transformation (LCT) is part of the Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology. The laboratory is located in the Borlaug Center for Southern Crop Improvement on the west side of the Texas A&M University campus. Laboratory space (3,000 sq. ft.), advanced instrumentation, training and services that support establishment of cell, tissue and organ cultures, and crop transformation are provided in the laboratory. The LCT will also facilitate molecular and biochemical analysis of transgenic material to confirm the presence and expression of transgenes.
Services:
Establishment of Cultures:
The LCT provides training and assistance in establishing regenerable protoplast, cell, tissue and anther cultures from many monocot and dicot species for the purposes of obtaining somaclonal variation or genetic engineering.
Genetic Engineering:
The LCT assists in the implementation and/or optimization of transformation methods for a wide range of crop species. Transformation methods currently available are the Agrobacterium-based systems, microprojectile bombardment (gene gun) of tissue and direct DNA-uptake by protoplasts (PEG or electroporation). The laboratory has a number of selectable marker genes, reporter genes, promoters and vectors that can be used either with the Agrobacterium-system or with the direct DNA delivery methods to co-introduce and express agronomically important genes in crop plants.
Analysis of Transgenic Material:
The LCT provides advanced instrumentation to monitor the expression of commonly used reporter genes -- beta-glucuronidase (gusA), luciferase (luc), and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. The laboratory is also equipped to carry out PCR, Southern, Northern and Western analyses to confirm the presence and expression of transgenes.
Facilities and Equipment:
There is a usage fee for certain equipment, space and services. To obtain training, services, space or to use the equipment, please contact:
Dr. Keerti S. Rathore, Director
Leanne Campbell, Research Assistant
Other interesting web sites:
Plant Tissue Culture Information Exchange
