Glutathione provides antioxidative defence and promotes microspore-derived embryo development in isolated microspore cultures of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.)

Abstract

Key messageDepending on the capability for stress adaptation, the role played by glutathione in microspore embryogenesis consists of both antioxidative activity and stimulation of embryo-like structure development.AbstractThe efficiency of microspore embryogenesis (ME) is determined by the complex network of internal and environmental factors. Among them, the efficient defence against oxidative stress seems to be one of the most important. The present study confirms this hypothesis showing the positive effect of glutathione—the most abundant cellular antioxidant—on ME in isolated microspore cultures of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.). For the first time, low temperature (LT) pre-treatment of tillers was combined with the exogenous application of glutathione and associated with the total activity of low-molecular weight antioxidants, the endogenous content and redox status of glutathione, and the effectiveness of ME. The results indicate that efficient antioxidative defence is the first, although not the only, prerequisite for effective ME. In responsive genotypes, LT alone stimulated antioxidative defence and decreased cell redox status, which was associated with increased cell viability and high frequency (ca. 20%) of microspore reprogramming. Application of glutathione had no effect either on the microspore viability or on the initial number of embryogenic microspores. However, it increased the number of embryo-like structures, probably by stimulating the next phases of its development. In recalcitrant genotypes, the main role of glutathione seems to be its participation in cell protection from oxidative stress. However, even enhanced antioxidative activity, which sustained cell viability and increased the number of embryogenic microspores, was insufficient for efficient haploid/doubled haploid plant production. Evidently, there are still other defective elements in the complex network of factors that regulate the process of ME.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00299-018-2362-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Ascorbate—Glutathione Cycle Components on the Effectiveness of Embryogenesis Induction in Isolated Microspore Cultures of Barley and Triticale

“…Our earlier investigations concerning several DH triticale lines significantly differed in ME effectiveness.Żur et al [26] not only confirmed ROS generation in anthers after LT tiller pre-treatment, but also suggested that a certain threshold level of ROS is required for ME initiation; however, ROS generation had to go hand in hand with an efficient antioxidant defence for effective reprogramming of microspores. Furthermore, the effects of GSH application during the LT tiller pre-treatment [4] suggested its dual role: protection of microspores from oxidative stress and stimulation of ELS development, probably through modulation of cellular redox homeostasis. Our data indicated that intensive ROS elimination could suppress the signal necessary for microspore reprogramming [4].…”

The effect of glutathione and mannitol on androgenesis in anther and isolated microspore cultures of rye (Secale cereale L.)

“…Exogenously applied GSH plays an important role in protecting microspores from harmful effects of stress e.g. low temperature (Payton et al 2001;Żur et al 2019). We suppose that an external source of the high level of GSH allows for its rapid accumulation within nuclei, which protects DNA and redox-sensitive nuclear proteins from oxidation.…”

“…Although the protective role of antioxidative enzymes cannot be replaced even by high activity of non-enzymatic antioxidants, the use of substances which reduce oxidative stress (e.g. low molecular weight (LMW) antioxidants) could stimulate androgenesis induction and improve regeneration of green plants (Stasolla et al 2008;Cistué et al 2009;Asif et al 2013;Zeng et al 2017;Żur et al 2019). Among LMW antioxidants, the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) is one of the most important ROS scavengers and plays a significant role in maintaining the cellular redox potential, which determines proper cell growth and differentiation, and in the control over programmed cell death (PCD) initiation.…”

Herbal Additives Substantially Modify Antioxidant Properties and Tocopherol Content of Cold-Pressed Oils

“…TAA was measured using the DPPH method according to Brand-Williams et al [ 51 ] with some modifications adapting the protocol to 96-well microtitre plates and to the measurement of absorbance with microtitre plate reader [ 52 ]. A solution of 0.5 mM of stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, SIGMA, Munich, Germany) in methanol was used.…”