In vitro mutation induction of raspberry species (Rubus) using gamma ray irradiation.
Left to right: Wenhao Dai, Qi Zhang
Raspberry species produce highly nutritious fruits that are used for fresh consumption and frozen and processed products, such as jellies, juices, jams, and desserts. Efforts have been made to improve raspberry yield and fruit quality using conventional breeding. However, the narrow genetic diversity in raspberry species limits the progress of raspberry breeding. In this study, genetic variations were created through in vitro mutation of three raspberry cultivars in which in vitro leaves and petioles were irradiated with gamma rays. New plants were regenerated from the gamma ray-irradiated tissues in plant tissue culture medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators and then grown in the greenhouse. Genetic variations were screened after the raspberry plants were planted in the field. Research results showed that gamma ray irradiation significantly decreased the in vitro shoot regeneration. Three raspberry cultivars responded differently to gamma ray irradiation in shoot regeneration. More shoots were regenerated from leaf tissues than from petiole tissues. Morphological variations in leaf, cane, plant structure, and fruit were observed in the field. This research demonstrates that in vitro mutation induction using gamma ray irradiation could be a useful tool to develop genetic materials that have potential for breeding and germplasm improvement of raspberry and other Rubus species.
Wenhao Dai, Qi Zhang. In vitro mutation induction of raspberry species (Rubus) using gamma ray irradiation. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 61, 140–146 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11627-024-10484-3
Use of modified human hemangioma tissue cultures and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures to gain mechanistic insights into imiquimod treatment for infantile hemangioma
Top row (left to right): Abby Meyer, Lindsey Mortensen, Kimberly Miller Bottom row (left to right): Wendy Miller, Ryan Fader, Beverly Wuertz, Frank Ondrey
Infantile hemangiomas have historically been challenging to manage, but more recently, agents such as propranolol and imiquimod have emerged as promising therapies. A principal barrier to optimizing pharmaceutical management is the logistical complexity surrounding preclinical testing. For the past 25 years, we have run a translational research program involving surgeons, scientists, and trainees, which enables the collection of fresh samples through IRB-approved protocols. These samples can be promptly processed and cultured as explants for experimental studies. Additionally, we focus on hypothesis-driven endpoints informed by drug mechanisms of action. In our article, we present a practical method for preclinical translational research in hemangiomas, using the promising agent imiquimod as an example.
Abby Meyer, Lindsey Mortensen, Kimberly A. Miller, Wendy A. Miller, Ryan F. Fader, Beverly R. Wuertz, Frank G. Ondrey. Use of modified human hemangioma tissue cultures and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures to gain mechanistic insights into imiquimod treatment for infantile hemangioma. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Animal, 61:36-45, 2025.
