A plant communicates within itself and with the outside world by deploying an array of agents that include several attractants by virtue of their color and smell. In this category, the contribution of ‘carotenoids and apocarotenoids’ is very significant. Apocarotenoids, the carotenoid-derived compounds, show wide representation among organisms. Their biosynthesis occurs by oxidative cleavage of carotenoids, a high-value reaction, mediated by carotenoid cleavage oxygenases or carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs)—a family of non-heme iron enzymes. Structurally, this protein family displays wide diversity but is limited in its distribution among plants. Functionally, this protein family has been recognized to offer a role in phytohormones, volatiles and signal production. Further, their wide presence and clade-specific functional disparity demands a comprehensive account. This review focuses on the critical assessment of CCDs of higher plants, describing recent progress in their functional aspects and regulatory mechanisms, domain architecture, classification and localization. The work also highlights the relevant discussion for further exploration of this multi-prospective protein family for the betterment of its functional understanding and improvement of crops.
Background: Crocus sativus is a recalcitrant plant for genetic transformation and genetic improvement, largely due to difficulties in Agrobacterium mediated transformation and vegetative reproduction. Effective genome editing requires proficient callus production and an efficient method to deliver Cas9 and sgRNAs into the plant. Here, we demonstrate Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of saffron. Further, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based system in this plant, for efficient gene knockout or edits in future. Results: Efficient callus production and regeneration confers important benefits in developing competent transformation system in plants. More than 70% multiplication rate of callus initiation was achieved from corm slices of saffron subjected to a two-step sterilization procedure and grown on complete MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5 mg/L), BAP (1 mg/L), IAA (1 mg/L), photoperiod of 16/8 h and 45% relative humidity at 20 ± 2 °C. In vitro cormlet generation was accomplished in 8 weeks by using mature somatic embryos on MS medium supplemented with TDZ (0.5 mg/L) + IAA (1 mg/L) + Activated charcoal (0.1 g/L) at 15 ± 2 °C. The attempt of using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation resulted in successful integration of the binary vector into the somatic embryos of saffron with a transformation efficiency of 4%. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed the integration of Cas9 into saffron. Conclusion: The protocol for callus production, somatic embryogenesis and regeneration was standardised. Successful demonstration of integrated Cas9 in this study constitutes first step in developing strategies for genetic manipulation of saffron, which has so far been considered recalcitrant. Furthering the development of this technology holds significant potential for advancing genetic research in saffron by integrating multigene targeting and/or use of recyclable cassettes.
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