Issue infomation - Global Science Books

Khaled Al-Taweel (Canada/Syria), W.G. Dilantha Fernando (Canada) Differential Gene Expression is a Promising Tool for
Understanding Host–Pathogen Interactions (pp 1-10)
ABSTRACT
Invited Review: Expression of genes is essential for normal development and pathological processes. Therefore, discovery of
differentially expressed genes is critical for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in normal and pathological
states, as well as providing new insights for discovery of novel molecular genes. To date, a number of techniques such as
microarray, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and differentially displayed - reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain
reaction (DD-RT-PCR) have been developed for novel gene discovery. Microarray analysis is one of the fastest-growing new
technologies in the field of genetic research. Scientists are using microarrays that allow us to look at thousands of genes at one
time and determine which are expressed in a particular cell type or under certain conditions. The SSH is a method that is used
for the comparison of two RNA populations that differ in expression in response to a particular stimulus or environment, such as
an infection by a pathogen, can identify differences in the abundance of specific transcripts that vary in a population dependent
manner. DD-RT-PCR is a method based on PCR that allows systematic comparisons of expressed mRNA in the cells, so, is
becoming more efficient nowadays to isolate and characterize genes differentially expressed among cells, tissues or individuals.
In this mini-review, we will describe the techniques mentioned above that have been widely used in the field of molecular
biology in the last decade to identify differentially expressed genes in many biological systems, including our own work in
Fusarium head blight disease of wheat.
Kevin Baron, Claudio Stasolla (Canada) The Role of Stress during in Vivo and in Vitro Plant Reproductive Development:
Implications for Cropping Systems and Germplasm Enhancement in Canada (pp 11-21)
ABSTRACT
Invited Review: High-yielding cereal and oilseed cultivars are integral components of modern cropping systems in Canada.
Climate change occurring at both regional and global scales, along with increased frequency of extreme weather events, has
resulted in greater emphasis upon yield stability or safety in local breeding programs. The reproductive development of crop
and model plant species is particularly sensitive to environmental stress with undesirable reductions in seed yield linked to
pollen sterility and ovule abortion along with defects in embryogenesis, storage product accumulation and seed maturation. In
contrast to the detrimental role environmental stress plays in reducing harvestable yields, plants also employ controlled ‘stress’
programs at various checkpoints throughout the plant lifecycle. Modern in vitro tissue culture techniques which support
breeding programs also employ stress as a means of reprogramming plant development. The following review covers recent
molecular and physiological studies that have improved our understanding of the mechanism(s) through which both model and
crop species cope with environmental or imposed stress during in vitro and in vivo reproductive development. Through
approaches such as germplasm screening or genetic engineering plant biologists can utilize the information provided to
enhance the stress tolerance of species of importance to the Canadian agriculture and forestry sectors.
M. Aminul Islam, Rona N. Sturrock, Abul K.M. Ekramoddoulla (Canada) Conifer Chitinases (pp 22-36)
ABSTRACT
Invited Review: Over the last two decades scientists have focused much attention on the physiological, molecular and
functional biology of plant chitinases and there is considerable evidence suggest that chitinases play important roles in plant
defense systems. Chitinases have also been shown to play a role in plant growth and development. Several review articles
exist for chitinases of angiosperms but there is no such review for conifer chitinases, despite the economic and ecological
significance of coniferous species in the world’s forests. Conifer chitinases consist of at least several classes of enzymes that
are represented by small gene families. Class II (acidic) and class IV (basic) chitinases, expressed differentially over time and
space, have been shown to be the major defense players in many conifer pathosystems. Class I and III chitinases are also
reported in some conifers. This review discusses the current body of knowledge regarding conifer chitinases, including the
molecular structure of chitinase genes and their regulation and function in conifer plants. Future potential uses for conifer
chitinases as biopesticides and agents of biofuel production are also discussed.
Yvan Pelletier (Canada), Finbarr Horgan (The Philippines), Julien Pompon (Canada) Potato Resistance to Insects (pp
37-52)