Microbiologists - What species and type of animal cell should I use?

[oswaldonfire]

Hi all,

 

This is my first post here, and was wondering if some of you more experienced microbiologists could give me some advice. I am working along with a Professor at a University, and I am performing my own individual research. Basically the goal is to introduce Arabidopsis thaliana plastids and sections of the genome into animal cells. I do not yet know what species or type of animal cell I should use - single celled, multicellular, etc. Also, if multicellular, should I use skin cells, muscle, nerve, etc. I know that different types of cells have different reactions to foreign DNA and some uptake DNA better than others. Also, I need a cell that can also cope with additional organelles inside and adapt to the presence of the plastids.

 

If anyone has any suggestions for me, or if you need additional information, please let me know. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

[CharonY]

what the heck. Are you serious? You plan to introduce plastids into animal cells? That won't work. Plastid transfers between different plant species sometimes works but that can be very tricky already.

You sure that you did not misunderstand something?

Besides, this is not within the realm of microbiology, anyway.

[oswaldonfire]

Hi CharonY,

 

I have not misunderstood anything. I am well aware of how particularly daunting this task is. I have intensely studied the horizontal gene transfer associated with Elysia chlorotica and it's plastid uptake process, and I am going to try to apply this in a way to my work.

 

My particular experiment may not work, but it does happen in nature, so I know that it is possible. I asked for help regarding the species of animal cells, not for your opinion on how ridiculous this work may sound.

 

Respectfully,

 

Chris

[CharonY]

Haven't you answered your own question then? I am not aware that any other species but Elysia chlorotica is able to sequester chloroplasts. Also, your OP mixes up the question regarding integrating plastids and the (I assume) cloning of relevant genomic sequences to allow plastid survival. But then I do not if any cell lines have been established from the slug.

 

If this was serious I would assume that it would be clear that one either uses tissues that already demonstrated such abilities or cells that are easily genetically accessible (like yeast, for starters) . It is also a curious question to ask on a random forum, especially due to the lack of information. So for instance, what genes need to be expressed to stabilize the plastid. Has it been shown for Elysia at all?