Uppsala Arabidopsis

Facility/Node
The Uppsala Transgenic Arabidopsis Facility

Contact person
Peter Engström (Peter.Engstrom@ebc.uu.se) and Jens Sundström (jens.sundstrom@vbsg.slu.se)

Facility website: http://at-plattformen.slu.se

Summary of service
Provides service for Agrobacterium Tumefasciens-DNA based transformation of different ecotypes of the plant Arabidopsis Thaliana. We can also offer technical assistance in transforming certain crop plants.

Tecnologies/methods
1. Provision of transformation vectors
We can provide the customers with transformation vectors and bacterial strains that we know work well. The customer will prepare the desired insert with appropriate cloning sites and insert this into transformation vectors and transform the appropriate bacterial strains (Agrobacterium tumefasciens). We suggest direct transformation, but also provide protocols for electroporation and conjugation. Samples verified by sequencing can then be deposited to the platform for transformation and storage in a clone bank at -80°C. Please note that according to the new regulation for genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) you need a permit for such work and must report each experiment according to specific forms.

2. Transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana.
The facility can offer transformation of the ecotypes Wassilevskija, Columbia or Landsberg erecta. Other Arabidopsis lines may be used, if the customer have special reasons for this, however, in such cases the customer will have to provide the facility with seeds for transformation. In average <70 plants will be infiltrated. The seeds will be collected (T1) in pools of 3 individuals and a portion selected on antibiotic medium. Transformants will be transferred to soil and seeds collected (T2). The facility has due to limited resources only limited ability to perform a second selection (T3) and will ask the customer to take full responsibility for the seeds in the T2 generation. Expect 6-9 months for generation and delivery of transformants. This procedure usually yield at least ten independent transformants however the the platform cannot guarantee that ten lines will be obtained in any specific case. In case of low transformation efficiency the customer will be contacted to discuss further experiments. Please note that a permit is needed for the use of transgenic plants (GMO) as well. On the order form you should indicate your permit or that you are under process to receive a permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket).

3. Transformation of crop plants.
Following individual agreements the facility offer technical assistance in performing transformation of crop plants like Brassica napus, Hordeum vulgare, Daucus carota and Picea abies. Transformation protocol of crop plants has to be provided by the customer.

Practical information
For more information on service and prices please see our website.

Details/theories of technology