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There is a big progress in application of genetic engineering for improving the biological properties of different organisms. Viral and non-viral carriers are used for delivery of genetic material into target cells. Nanoscale polymeric materials of natural and synthetic origin are the most promising gene delivery agents. These polymers have demonstrated high efficiency of DNA delivery into the mammalian cells, although they were not very effective in plant cells. Here, the procedure for genetic transformation of Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. moss protoplasts is described. Method is based on the application of novel surface-active polymeric carriers of the polyDMAEM structure and controlled length and charge. It allows obtaining more transient and stable moss transformants per microgram of plasmid DNA when compared with known protocol based on using polyethyleneglycol. It is easier, more convenient, and cheaper than the "gene gun" method. Perspectives for further improvement of structure and functional characteristics of novel polymeric carriers are considered for delivery of genetic material into plant cells.

The protocol for production of full-size cDNA using SuperScript Full-Length cDNA Library Construction Kit II (Invitrogen) was tested and high quality cDNA library from meristematic tissue of finger millet panicle (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) was created. The titer of obtained cDNA library comprised 3.01 x 10(5) CFU/ml in avarage. In average the length of cDNA insertion consisted about 1070 base pairs, the effectivity of cDNA fragment insertions--99.5%. The selective sequencing of cDNA clones from created library was performed. The sequences of cDNA clones were identified with usage of BLAST-search. The results of cDNA library analysis and selective sequencing represents prove good functionality and full length character of inserted cDNA clones. Obtained cDNA library from meristematic tissue of finger millet panicle represents good and valuable source for isolation and identification of key genes regulating metabolism and meristematic development and for mining of new molecular markers to conduct out high quality genetic investigations and molecular breeding as well.

A gene designated Sec-N encoding secalin was mapped in the introgressive winter common wheat line Hostianum 273/97 (H273) with the wheat-rye substitution (1B)1R from the octoploid triticale AD825. F2 seeds from crossing the line H273 with the line Hostianum 242/97-2 carrying the wheat-rye 1BL/1RS translocation were analysed. The studied component on the SDS-electrophoregram of total proteins was revealed to be a monomeric secalin which is encoded by the gene at the new locus Sec-N located distally with respect to the Sec-1 locus at a distance of 21.4 +/- 2.5% (22.9 +/- 3.1 cM). The arrangement of the secalin loci on the 1RS arm indicates that the Sec-N locus is to be homoeologous to the Gli-1 loci of common wheat.

The current data is dedicated to the study of bioballistic and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of finger millet with the constructs carrying the mutant alpha-tubulin gene (TUAm 1), isolated from R-biotype goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.), for the decision of problem of dinitroaniline-resistance. It was found that 10 microM of trifluralin is optimal for the selection of transgene plants of finger millet. PCR analysis of transformed lines confirmed the transgene nature of plants. The analysis of seed of T1 oftransgene lines confirmed heterozygous character of inheritance of the resistance.

Impact of insect pests makes a significant limitation of the sugar beet crop yield. Integration of cry-genes of Bacillus thuringiensis into plant genome is one of the promising strategies to ensure plant resistance. The aim of this work was to obtain sugar beet lines (based on the MM 1/2 line) transformed with cry2A and cry1Cgenes. We have optimized transformation protocol and direct plant let regeneration protocol from leaf explants using 1 mg/l benzylaminopurine as well as 0,25 mg/l benzylaminopurine and 0,1 mg/l indole-butyric acid. Consequently, transgenic sugar beet lines transformed with vector constructs pRD400-cry1C and pRD400-cry2A have been obtained. PCR analysis revealed integration of cry2A and cry1C into genome of transgenic lines and expression of these genes in leaf tissues was shown by reverse transcription PCR.

Variation at eight storage protein loci was analyzed in the collection of T. spelta accessions from the National Centre of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine, most of which are European spelts. The analysis allowed identification of seven alleles at the Gli-B1 locus, five alleles at the Gli-A1 and Glu-B1 loci, three alleles at the Gli-A3 locus, two at the Gli-D1, Gli-B5, Glu-A1, and Glu-D1 loci. The majority of alleles are encountered among common wheat cultivars, only five alleles were specific for spelts. The high frequency of the alleles Gli-B1hs* and h encoding the 45-type gamma-gliadin in European spelts and durum wheat cultivars, as well as the occurrence of these alleles in T. dicoccum, in particular, in accessions from Switzerland and Germany, supports von Büren's hypothesis that European spelt resulted from hybridization between a tetraploid wheat with the 45-type y-gliadin and a hexaploid wheat. Analysis of genetic distances based on the genotypes at eight storage protein loci permitted differentiation of the Asian spelt accession from European spelts.

Structural mechanisms underlying the specific binding of cyanoacrylate compounds with tubulin of higher plants have been studied by example of interaction of ethyl-(2Z)-3-amino-2-cyano-4-ethylhex-2-enoate (CA1) and isopropyl-(2Z)-3-amino-2-cyano-4-ethylhex-2-enoate (CA2) with Arabidopsis thaliana alpha-tubulin. It was revealed that the cyano group of cyanoacrylates is a functional analog of the nitrile group, which determines the processes of specific interaction with plant tubulin for dinitroaniline compounds. Based on the data of spatial structure fluctuations, dynamics of hydrogen bonds and interaction energy of the CA1 and CA2, the most probable binding mode for these compounds with plant alpha-tubulin was identified and appropriate site of interaction was characterized. Seven out of 10 residues composing this site (Gln-133, Asn-249, Val-250, Asp-251, Val-252, Asn-253 and Glu-254) are obligatory components of the dinitroanilines' binding site on the plant alpha-tubulin surface. Thus, the binding site on the alpha-tubulin surface characterized by us is able to recognize and specifically bind the substances which are cardinally different by their chemical nature and have no common pharmacophore groups, under the condition of a certain similarity of their electrostatic topology.

Butanol--an alternative fuel that on amid dwindling global (accessible) oil reserves can serve as a source of energy. In the industrial-scale butanol is produced by chemical synthesis, although initially butanol production was due to microbiological synthesis. For cost-efficient production, a strain of microorganisms must have over production of butanol. In the review of butanol synthesis pathway with the help of microorganisms, their regulation, the principles and techniques of increasing the productivity of the most promising strains and producer strains for industrial production.

Microalgae are viewed as one of the most perspective producer of lipids for biodiesel production. The review shows the results of researches of genes' expression increase actually included in fatty acids biosynthesis. The increase of effectiveness of solar energy absorption and carbon dioxide fixation influences the microalgae productivity. Blocking expression of genes that are responsible for starch synthesis, changes the balance towards the quantity growth of lipids in the cell. The change of the length in fatty acids carbon backbone chain towards its shortening is important in the technology of biodiesel production. Operating processes of lipids' catabolism is another way of increasing their quantity. And at last using the methods of transcription analysis allows us to get deeper into the process of intensive accumulation of lipids in stressful conditions for the purpose of directing these processes.

The purpose of our investigation was determination of allelic state of the H1 resistance gene against the pathotypes Ro1 and Ro4 of golden potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) among Ukrainian and world potato (Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum) cultivars. The allelic condition of the TG689 marker was determined by PCR with DNA samples isolated from tubers of potato and primers, one pair of which flanks the allele-specific region and the other one was used for the control of DNA quality. Among analyzed 77 potato cultivars the allele of marker associated with the H1-type resistance was found in 74% of Ukrainian and 90% foreign ones although some of those cultivars proved to be susceptible to the golden potato nematode in field. The obtained data confirm the presence of H1-resistance against golden nematode pathotypes Ro1 and Ro4 among the Ukrainian potato cultivars and efficiency of the used marker within the accuracy that has been declared by its authors.

The results on in vitro culture establishment, plantlet regeneration and rooting of Camelina sativa cultivar sample Peremozhets and cultivar Mirazh are presented. Effective concentrations of sterilizing agents and duration of plant material treatment were estimated. Phytohormone ratio, sucrose concentration in nutrient medium that induce effective formation of C. sativa shoots and NAA concentration for plantlet rooting have been established. The method of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Camelina by using binary vector pGH217 carrying reporter beta-glucoronidase (gus) gene driven under 35S CaMV promoter and nos-terminator, and selective marker hpt gene conferring hygromycin-resistance in transgenic plant was elaborated.

The data of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of some Linum usitatissimum cultivars zoned on the territories of Belarus and Ukraine with the plasmid carrying chimeric GFP-TUA6 gene and nptII gene as selectable marker conferring resistance to kanamycin are presented in this study. Transformation was affected by a number of factors including optical density (OD600), time of inoculation of explants with Agrobacterium and co-culture conditions. Transgenic nature of obtained lines was confirmed by PCR analysis. Expression of GFP-TUA6 gene was detected with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The obtained transgenic lines can be used for further functional studies the role of microtubules in the processes of building the flax fibres and resistance to wind.

Effects of irradiation of dry F1 seeds with gamma rays in the dose of 200 Gy were studied. Hybrids between near-isogenic lines on the basis of the variety Bezostaya 1 served as the material of investigation. Irradiation markedly reduced productivity traits of F1 plants and did not affect the survival of F1 plants under the given growth conditions. A significant relative increase in the frequency of pollen grains with the 1BL/1RS translocation that formed F2 seeds in comparison with the control was one of the effects of irradiation of F1 seeds. Irradiation with gamma-rays induced mutations at gliadin loci with the frequency of 7,4 % (at 0,5 % in the control).

Original method of small regulatory si/miRNA isolation from plant cells was elaborated. PCR amplification of fragment cDNA 8H07 nematode Heterodera schachtii gene was carried out. Using Northern-blot method hybridization of plant si/miRNA with cDNA fragment of conservative region 8H07 gene the presence of their high homology is found out. The amplified cDNA fragment of nematode 8H07 gene in future will be used for creation recombinant gene with complementary antisense dsRNA sequence for increasing resistance of rape plants to parasitic nematodes.

The review deals with advances and prospects in development of transgenic plants. At present virtually all commercial GM crops are those created for solving plant protection problems--they carry transgenes conferring resistance to herbicides, pests, viruses. Approaches employed for development of commercial GM crops with herbicide, pest and virus resistance, as well as strategies and prospects of development of commercial GM plants with resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases and nematodes, are considered. Ecological (including agronomical) and social risks associated with commercial growing of transgenic plants are briefly discussed.

This article provides review and analysis of opportunities for application of the CUDA technology for acceleration of computations in structural biology and bioinformatics. On the example of work with the Hex 6.1 program, comparative analysis of increase in the speed and quality of results of hard-docking of a number of low-molecular compounds on the surface of the FtsZ protein from Arabidopsis thaliana was performed. Several potential benzimidazole--plant FtsZ protein binding sites were identified.

In order to investigate the role of various serine/ threonine protein kinases and protein phosphatases in the regulation of mitosis progression in plant cells the influence of cyclin-dependent (olomoucine) and Ca2+ -calmodulin-dependent (W7) protein kinases inhibitors, as well as protein kinase C inhibitors (H7 and staurosporine) and protein phosphatases inhibitor (okadaic acid) on mitosis progression in synchronized tobacco BY-2 cells has been studied. It was found that BY-2 culture treatment with inhibitors of cyclin dependent protein kinases and protein kinase C causes prophase delay, reduces the mitotic index and displaces of mitotic peak as compare with control cells. Inhibition of Ca2+ -calmodulin dependent protein kinases enhances the cell entry into prophase and delays their exit from mitosis. Meanwhile inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases insignificantly enhances of synchronized BY-2 cells entering into all phases of mitosis.

The performed morphologic study of transformation mechanisms of the intestinal reservoir mucous membrane using modern immunochemical and histochemical methods revealed three morphologic phases of enteric epithelium adaptation; reactive-inflammatory, compensatory-protective and atrophic. Enteric urinary reservoir preserves the cambial apparatus typical for the enteric phenotype with an inherent apoptosis activity and proliferation which confirms a low level of tumor transformation risk.

The distribution of alleles at the Lr34 locus associated with leaf rust resistance among winter common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars of Ukrainian breeding was studied. Co-dominant molecular-genetic marker cssfr5 was used for detection of the allelic condition of the Lr34 locus. The cultivars with detected allele Lr34(+) were identified as potentially "resistant" and the cultivars in which detected allele Lr34(-) were identified as potentially "susceptible". The collection of the cultivars (81 ones), created in the main plant breeding centers of Ukraine was analyzed. The allele Lr34(+) was identified in 44% cultivars. Results were compared with the data about the distribution of the Lr34(+) in cultivars created in different countries.

Induced apoptosis in urinary bladder cancer tumor cells of patients was studied using TUNEL reaction. It was shown that increase in induced apoptosis value had a definite correlation between corresponding features of tumor reaction as a response on Gemcitabine-Cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy application. It was found that evaluation of induced apoptosis in urinary bladder cancer tumor cells using TUNEL method allows forecasting the effectiveness of chemotherapy on the cellular level in patients with this type of cancer.

The homology modeling, based on known temple structures of Homo sapiens protein phosphatase type-1 and -2A was implemented. The spatial structures of the human protein phosphatases and their plant homologs from Arabidopsis thaliana was predicted. The quality of models was confirmed by conformational analysis and root mean square deviations. The sites of okadaic acid binding in molecules of plant protein phosphatases (type-1 and -2A) were proved by the data of comparative analysis and molecular dynamics.

Method of biolistic transformation was used for genetic improvement of commercial barley cultivars (Oksamitoviy, Vodogray and Getman). The plasmid pHLFTuBA was used for particle bombardment that consists of the hLF gene under the control of the barley glutelin B-1 promoter and a selectable marker gene, alpha-tubulin conferring resistance to trifluralin (dinitroanilinr herbicide). Preliminary screening of different trifluralin concentration range from 0,1 to 30 microM was tested for determination of effective selective agent concentration. Two transgenic barley line of genotype Oksamitiviy and transgenic callus line of cultivar Getman were obtained after selection on 10 microM of trifluralin. To confirm the transgenic nature of regenerated plants, the PCR analysis was carried out. The 734bp length fragment of hLFgene was amplified from both regenerated plants.

Fourteen plant homologs of animal, yeast and myxomycetes spindle assembly checkpoint protein kinases were identified bioinformatically. It was shown that the closest plant homologues of the BUB1 protein kinases are unknown proteins XP_002274770.1 (CBI21878.1) from Vitis vinifera, EEC82122.1 from Oryza sativa Indica, EEE67244.1 from O. sativa Japonica, EEF44403.1 from Ricinus communis and CAL57156.1 from Ostreococcus tauri. The reconstruction and analysis of spatial structures of the EEC82122.1, EEE67244.1 and XP_002274770.1 (CBI21878.1), catalytic domains confirmed their conformity to spindle assembly checkpoint protein kinases BUB1.

Shown antimicrotrubules activity of new 2,6-dinitroaniline compounds. Investigated their ability on apoptotic processes in a plant cell when used as a composition with inhibitors of acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

The aim of our work is the identification of protein kinases phosphorylating microtubule proteins in plant cells. Using bioinformatic approach, we found genes of putative homologues of microtubule-associated mammalian protein kinase MAST2 in higher plant genomes. The gene of closest MAST2 homologue, putative protein, named GMLK (Grape MAST2-Like Kinase, A7NTE9_VITVI), was found in grape Vitis vinifera. We report here the cloning of cDNA of GMLK (A7NTE9) from Pinot Noir grape vine leaves.

Eleven plant homologs of animal and yeast Ste20-like protein kinases were identified. It was shown that the nearest plant homologs of the Ste20-like protein kinases are the unknown proteins A9RVK0 from Physcomitrella patens ssp. patens and A7P2E2 from Vitis vinifera. Cladistic analysis showed a protein kinase dstl from Dictyostelium discoideum as the closest protein to the newly found plant homologs. A predicted spatial structure of the A9RVK0 from P. patens ssp. patens catalytic domain is presented.

The results of Allium-test screening of new 2,4- and 2,6-dinitroaniline derivates on antimitotic activity and phytotoxicity are presented in the work. It is revealed that all studied compounds which are derivates of 2,4-dinitroaniline, 2,6-dinitro-(4-fluoromethyl)-aniline as well as (methylsulfonyl) nitrobenzol, can evoke a change in mitotic index value, an appearance of cytogenetic damages and also have phytotoxic effect on Allium cepa seedling roots. On data obtained the continuation of investigation the action of N-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-orto-aminobenzoic acid, N,N-diethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-aniline and 1-methylsulfonyl-3-nitrobenzol as potential herbicides is proposed.

The identification of point mutation locations on beta-tubulin molecules of amiprophosmethyl- and trifluralin-resistant Nicotiana plumbaginifolia lines have described in the work. It was shown that in the first case this mutation is connected with the substitution ofserine residue on proline in position 248; in the second case--with the substitution of phenilalanine on serine in position 317 of beta-tubulin amino acid sequence. Three-dimensional models of beta-tubulin molecule from Chlamydomonas with well-known location of mutations conferring dinitroaniline- and phosphorotioamidate resistance (substitution of lysine residue to methionine on position 350), and beta-tubulin from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia have been reconstructed. On the basis of analysis of site of interaction with dinitroanilines and phosphorotioamides on Chlamydomonas beta-tubulin molecule it was concluded that the revealed mutations on Nicotiana plumbaginifolia beta-tubulin affect amino acid residues participating in formation of this site.

The data on in vitro culture establishment and on estimation of callus formation and plant regeneration for eight barley Hordeum vulgare varieties (Getman, Tabora, Adagio, Galactic, Europrestige, Korona, Nevada and Stalker) zoned in Ukraine is represented. Mature embryos of these genotypes were used to study the callus induction and plant regeneration. Using of this approach can rather simplify and intensify the work. Medium, that consists of MS salts supplemented with caseine hydrolysate (1 g/L), L-proline (690 mg/L), thiamine-HCl (1 mg/L), maltose (30 g/L), 2,4-D (2 mg/L), CuSO4 (12.5 mg/L), myoinositol (250 mg/l), gerlite (3.5 g/L) pH 5.6-5.8 was used for both callus formation and plant regeneration. Formation of callus from mature embryos was observed in all studied varieties and showed high frequency (from 65 +/- 3.4% to 100%). It was found that cultivars Korona (88 +/- 2.8%), Europrestige (89 +/- 6.5%), Tabora (93 +/- 3.4%), Getman (99 +/- 0.8%) and Nevada (100%) had the highest regeneration potential. Organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis were the two ways of plant regeneration from callus tissues in barley. The highest general regeneration potential of cultivar Getman (50 +/- 5%) was observed. This cultivar was selected for the further work for development of effective genetic transformation protocol.

The interaction of dinitroaniline compounds with tubulin molecules is characterized by extraordinary selectivity--these matters effectively associate with plant as well as protozoan tubulin and practically don't interact with fungal and animal tubulin in spite of extraordinarily high level of similarity of their sequences. Structural features and mechanisms of this interaction are generalized and in detail analysed in this research. In particular, the regularities of dinitroaniline binding sites' structure and localization on surfaces of tubulin different subunits and tubulins of different origin are characterized. Dinitroaniline binding sites are disposed on the surfaces of longitudinal contacts between tubulin subunits, contain residues of diamine amino acids (lysine or arginine) coupling al nitrile group (s) of dinitroanilines. Binding site location on the surfaces of the same subunit of different origin (for example, plant and protozoan alpha-tubulins) is coincided, however site localisation on surface of alpha- and beta-subunits is distinct. The described sites potentially can be the binding areas for another antimicrotubular compounds, in particular, cyanoacrilates.

Bioinformatic search of plant homologues of human protein kinases SLK, PAK6, PAK7, MARK1, MAST2, TTBK1, TTBK2, AURKA, PLK1, PLK2 and PASK participating in microtubular protein phosphorylation and cell division regulation is carried out. The homologues of protein kinases SLK, MAST2 and AURKA were identified. It is found that closest homologue of human AURKA protein kinase is a protein with unknown function A7PY12_VITVI (STALK--Serine-Threonine Aurora-Like Kinase) from grape (Vitis vinifera). Reconstruction and analysis of three-dimensional structure of STALK protein confirmed its relation to the group of AURKA-like protein kinases.

Effects of exogenic NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, on orientation and organization of cortical microtubules in Arabidopsis thaliana root cells that express GFP-MAP4 were studied in vivo. It was found that sodium nitroprusside treatment (10-500 microM, 24 h) caused the acceleration of primary root growth and enhanced initiation of root hairs in differentiation zone. The influence of sodium nitroprusside revealed in alterations of cortical: microtubules orientation and organization in different types of cells of A. thaliana root. The most sensitive to sodium nitroprusside exposure were microtubules in epidermal cells of elongation zone where native transverse orientation of cortical microtubules turned into random, oblique or longitudinal relatively to primary root axis. We suppose that NO as one of the intracellular secondary messengers triggers cells differentiation by cortical microtubules reorientation possibly via tubulin nitrotyrosination.

To investigate the functional role of protein hyperphosphorylation in plant cells the general morphology of Arabidopsis thaliana primary roots and structural-functional property of cortical microtubules were studied after treatment with okadaic acid, specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases PPI and PP2A. It has been estimated that okadaic acid affects microtubule organization in a different manner depending from the type of the cells and functional zones of the primary root. It was found that the microtubules in epidermis and cortex cells of distal elongation zone which depolymerized after inhibitor treatment were the most sensitive to 0, 1, 1 and 10 nM okadaic acid concentrations. In trichoblasts, antichoblasts and cortex cells of differentiation zone treatment with okadaic acid caused the microtubules stabilization. Okadaic acid influences were particularly evident in root hair morphology, root hairs swelling and branching as a result of abnormal microtubules orientation observed. According to the data obtained, we can suggest that induction of protein hyperphosphorylation as a result of protein phosphatase inhibition plays crucial key in plant cell microtubule organization.

Biolistic transformation of soybean by construction carrying a mutant alpha-tubulin gene as selective marker gene conferring resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides, and by additional construction pAHTUBI carrying a full-length barley beta-tubulin gene for correct co-expression of exogeneous tubulin in cells of transgenic soybean lines has been realized. It was established that 10 microM trifluralin is the most optimal selective concentration to pick up transformed soybean lines. Transgenic nature of offained regenerants was confirmed by Southern blotting hybridization using specific probe to selective alpha-tubulin gene.

Chromosome numbers in root meristem cells of the seedlings of wild and cultivated Cruciferae species able to hybridize with Brassica napus have been studied. The seedlings of Brassica junceae, Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Raphanum raphanistrum showed exclusively diploid metaphases. Up to 5% of B. napus and B. cretica seedlings were mixoploids. Diploid cells prevailed among the mixoploids, but hypo- and hyperdiploid ones were observed as well. Nearly 20 % of B. campestris and R. sativum seedlings were mixoploid, and di-tetraploid chimeras constituted considerable proportion of them. Less than a half of B. nigra seedlings were diploid, while the rest of plants were mixoploid. Among them the seedlings bearing preferentially tetra- and triploid cells dominated. Biological implications and presumable reasons underlying the discovered mixoploidy are discussed.

Data on selection and characterizing of finger millet Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. somaclonal variants regenerated from callus culture are presented and described. Among the tested genetically stable lines the somaclonal variant SE-7 was the most interesting due to its acquired important agricultural traits, such as a higher seed and biomass yield, rapid seed germination at lower temperatures, shortening of the main plant development stages. Data analysis shows that somaclonal variability can be a source to obtain initial material for further selection of new finger millet varieties.

The approaches for new marker genes usage in selection of transformed plant cells, which are based on using mutant tubulin genes from natural plant biotypes and, in perspective, from induced plant mutants have been considered. The results of investigations of plant (biotypes, mutants) resistance to herbicides with antimicrotubular mode of action on molecular and cellular levels have been summarized. The reports dealing with study the transferring and the expression of mutant tubulin genes conferring resistance to amiprophosmethyl (phosphorothioamidate herbicide) and to trifluralin (dinitroaniline herbicide) from corresponding N. plumbaginifolia mutants into related and remote plant species by somatic hybridisation methods have been analyzed. The results of experiments on monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous. plant transformation by mutant alpha-tubulin gene conferring resistance to dinitroanilines are described to test the possibility of its using as a marker gene with obtaining, at the same time, a dinitroaniline-resistant plants.

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia callus lines with the equal resistance to cadmium have been produced under different selective conditions--either without inhibition of the phytochelatin synthesis (line Cd-R) or in the presence of the inhibitor butionine sulfoximine (line Cd-Ri). The level of phytochelatin synthesis in the line Cd-R five-fold exceeded the control value and in the line Cd-Ri it was twice as much as in the control. It was shown that in the control line mainly three cadmium-binding proteins are expressed of the molecular weihgts 41, 34 and 19 kD. The common feature of the both resistant lines is the expression of the cadmium-binding proteins of 40, 37 and 19 kD. The resistant lines differ with respect to the synthesis of relatively low-molecular cadmium-binding proteins. The proteins of the molecular weights 12.5, 11.5 and 9 kD are expressed in the line Cd-R, while the proteins of 13 and 10 kD are expressed in the line Cd-Ri. It was supposed that both the phytochelatins and the Cd-binding proteins contribute to the resisitance of N. plumbaginifolia callus lines to cadmium and the lack of the phytochelatins can be equilibrated by the changes in the low-molecular Cd-binding protein synthesis.

Solar UV-B radiation is an environmental factor which damage and destabilize genomes. UV-B-induced DNA lesions have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on the cells of pro- and eucaryotes including plants. In addition, such lesions can cause gene mutations in plants. The products of the damages of cellular DNA caused by UV are examined in the present review and plant reparative pathways including photoreactivation, base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair are analyzed. The review deals as well with the mechanisms of plant DNA damage tolerance which allow to reduce the toxic effects of UV-B radiation.

Three-dimensional models of FtsZ-protein complexes with GDP from Arabidopsis thaliana L. localized in cytosol (Entrez database code NP190843) and in chloroplasts (Entrez database code AAA82068) were developed. Crystal structure of the FtsZ-GDP complex from archaea Methanococcus jannaschii (PDB-code 1FSZ) was used as a matrix. Secondary structures of computed models contain ten beta-strands. A chloroplast form of FtsZ-protein has ten alpha-helices and four 3(10)-helices, whereas cytosolic form of protein has nine and three structures correspondently and neither a0-helix before nucleotide-binding domain nor C-terminal 3(10)-helix in secondary domain. The T2-loop of nucleotide-binding pocket of chloroplast form of FtsZ-ptotein in position 111 contains non-charged alanin residue instead of the charged one which is typical for cytosolic and bacterial forms of proteins. At low sequence homology of FtsZ-proteins (approximately 47%) the developed models demonstrate high coincidence with matrix both in the structures of nucleotide-binding pocket and in the whole molecule. The models are completely suitable for further studies of possible sites of binding with dinitroaniline herbicides.

An analysis of Nicotiana sylvestris mutant plants resistant to isopropyl-N-phenylcarbamate (IPC), one of the representative from phenylcarbamate herbicides, was carried out. The plants were characterized by pollen semi-sterility caused by disruptions during microsporogenesis and cytoplasm synthesis in microspores. Low seed productivity of mutant plans was caused by the high pollen sterility and partially by the low vital activity of seed-buds. Obtained data testify that mutations inducing IPC-resistance lead to cytogenetical and morphological abnormalities in male generative system development, that results in decreasing of seed productivity in N. sylvestris mutants. Character of discovered cytological disruptions testifies about possible defects in organization and functioning of microtubules in mutant plants that can correlate with mutation(s) in one or several microtubule protein genes.

Embryogenic potential of 19 soybean cultivars originated from different eco-geographic regions (Europe, China, America and Far East) has been established and analyzed. Cultivars TSZ-14, Amurskaja-111, Gribovskaja mestnaja were emphasized as highly embryogenic genotypes. Cultivar Mantherova biela vel. revealed the highest embryogenic potential (80%). The comparison of embryogenic potential of the Ukrainian cultivars with given data indicated various parameters which could affect the induction of soybean somatic embryogenesis. It had also been supposed that cultivars from the Far East and Europe could have the potential for further screening of new highly embryogenic genotypes. The data obtained enlarge the data base pool of the soybean somatic embryogenesis research and enable using the most appropriate cultivars for further genetic improvement.

In this report we present phylogenetic tree based on the sequences of FtsZ-proteins of Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryota. We have analyzed the relative positions of separate sequences and their clusters and their distance to the hypothetical root of phylogenetic tree as well. It has been demonstrated that most of procaryotic and eucaryotic FtsZ-protein sequences are located at the distance of 0.3-0.8 substitutions per site from the hypothetical root of phylogenetic tree. The tubulins are outlined from the root at 7-8 fold larger distances in comparison with the separate sequences. This confirms the slight aminoacid homology between these two groups of cytoskeletal proteins. At the same time the significant similarity between FtsZ-proteins of cyanobacteria and of plant plastids has been shown.

Plants of the Brassicaceae family are important oil, vegetable and feed crops. The review is devoted to the latest achievements in genetic engineering of plants from this family. Results concerning development of effective methods both of Agrobacteium-mediated transformation and of direct gene uptake are considered. Particularly, possibilities of plant genetic modification with the aim to improve agronomically and commercially important traits are stressed. Problems of biologically safe introduction of transgenic plants into agricultural production are discussed.

We have built phylogenetic tree of alpha-, beta- and gamma-tubulins of plant kingdom, alpha- and beta-tubulins of pig, and all epsilon- and delta-tubulins with known primary sequences and analyzed the levels of homology of tubulin sequences for repersentatives of different groups of organisms. It has been established low heterogeneity of alpha-, gamma-tubulin families and more than two fold higher heterogeneity of beta-tubulins, based on the sequence speciality of alga tubulins. We have showed that sequences of animal tubulins do not fit any cluster formed by on the plant tubulins. Presence in primary tubulin sequences of three major families of insignificant specific differences which are specific for such phylogenetic items of plant kingdom as alga and angiosperms has been also demostrated. The cladogramm shows clear clasterization of investigated sequences according to their belonging to the tubulin families.

Seven soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars zoned in forest-steppe and marshy woodlands of Ukraine: "Chernuatka", "Vasylkivska", "Kyivska-91", "Kyivska-27", "Marjana", "Chernobura" and "Altair" were established in vitro for somatic embryogenesis inducing. Cultivars "Marjana" (88%) and "Vasylkivska" (86%) demonstrated the highest embryogenic capacity among all the tested cultivars. During the further plant regeneration cultivars "Marjana" and "Kyivska-91" showed the best capacity to form adult plants despite the fact that embryogenic capability of the cultivar "Kyivska-91" was 71%. According to the obtained data three genotypes were selected for the further investigation of effective methods of biolictic transformation of ukrainian cultivars.

The uniqueness of the point substitutions in the sequences of two alpha-tubulin isotypes from psychrophilic alga Chloromonas that can determine the increased cold tolerance of this alga was analyzed. The comparison of all known amino acid sequences of plant alpha-tubulins enabled to ascertain that only M268-->V replacement is unique and may have a significant influence on spatial structure of plant alpha-tubulins. Modeling of molecular surfaces of alpha-tubulins from Chloromonas, Chalmydomonas reinhardtii and goose grass Eleusine indica showed that insertion of the amino acid replacement M268-->V into the sequence of goose grace tubulin led to the likening of this protein surface to the surface of native alpha-tubulin from Chloromonas. Alteration of local hydrophobic properties of alpha-tubulin molecular surface in interdimeric contact zone as a result of the mentioned replacement was shown that may play important role in increasing the level of cold resistance of microtubules. The crucial role of amino acid residue in 268 position for forming the interdimeric contact surface of alpha-tubulin molecule was revealed. The assumption is made about the importance of replacements at this position for plant tolerance to abiotic factors of different nature (cold, herbicides).

The perspectives of restricted plant genome transfer by means of fusion of isolated microprotoplasts containing one or few chromosomes with recipient protoplasts are considered. Efficiency of the usage of antimicrotubular compounds such as phosphoroamidates (amiprophosmethyl and cremart), dinitroanilines (oryzalin) as well as propizamide and microtubule organising center disrupters (griseofulvin and phenylcarbamates) for micronucleation are analyzed. Advantages of the combined usage of antimicrotubular drugs and cytochalasin B as disrupter of actin filaments for enhanced yield of microprotoplasts are considered. Results of subsequent establishment of microprotoplast-mediated chromosome transfer technique is summarized. The examples of successful microprotoplast-mediated transfer of individual chromosomes from a donor potato line into mesophyl protoplasts of Nicotiana tabacum and into recipient cells of wild tomato (Lycopersicon peruvianum) with subsequent selection and regeneration of hybrids are considered. Development of alternative methods of partial genome transfer using microprotoplasts produced from plant gametes (microspores) is presented. The advantages of microprotoplast-mediated transfer of chromosomes as an efficient technique of parasexual crossing in comparison with traditional somatic hybridization are discussed.

All known for today complete amino acid sequences of alpha- and beta-tubulins were aligned and analyzed to reveal the regularity of location of mutations result in the resistance to antimicrotubular compounds and a prediction of positions of new similar mutations. It was shown, that known positions of amino acid changes lead to decrease a affinity to antimicrotubular agents with depolymerizing mechanism of action are consensus and located in proximity to the residues involved in intradimeric/interdimeric interactions and interactions with nucleotides (within of six residues), but never coincide with them. For changes lead to resistance to stabilizing antimicrotubular compounds, similar dependence is not traced. The identified regularity enables to predict the positions of new mutations lead to resistance to agents with depolymerizing mechanism of action.