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At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Characterization of cis-acting elements in light regulation of the nuclear gene encoding the A subunit of chloroplast isozymes of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Arabidopsis thaliana.

We have characterized cis-acting elements involved in light regulation of the nuclear gene (GapA) encoding the A subunit of chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results show that a 1.1-kb promoter fragment of the GapA gene is sufficient to confer light inducibility and organ specificity in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) plants, using the beta-glucuronidase gene of Escherichia coli as the reporter gene. Deletion analysis indicates that the -359 to -110 bp region of the GapA gene is necessary for light responsiveness. Within this region there are three copies of a decamer repeat (termed the Gap box) having the consensus sequence 5'-CAAATGAA(A/G)A-3', which has not been characterized in the promoter regions of other light-regulated genes. A deletion (to -247) producing loss of one copy of these elements from the GapA promoter reduces light induction by two- to threefold compared with a promoter deletion (to -359) with all three Gap boxes present, while deletion of all three Gap boxes (to -110) abolishes light induction completely. Gel mobility shift experiments using tobacco nuclei as the source of nuclear proteins show that GapA promoter fragments that contain these repeats bind strongly to a factor in the nuclear extract and that binding can be abolished by synthetic competitors consisting only of a monomer or dimer of the Gap box. Furthermore, a trimer, dimer, and monomer of the Gap box show binding activity and, like the authentic GapA promoter-derived probes, show binding activities that are correlated with Gap box copy number. These results strongly suggest that these repeats play important roles in light regulation of the GapA gene of A. thaliana.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed1994

Construction and expression of a metallothionein-beta-glucuronidase gene fusion.

A gene fusion consisting of the Chinese hamster metallothionein II and beta-glucuronidase coding regions was constructed. The fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli retained cadmium-binding capacity and beta-glucuronidase activity. When expressed from the constitutive 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco, the levels of 109Cd accumulation in leaves were reduced to about 70% of those in untransformed control plants. Metallothionin-beta-glucuronidase did not sequester a significant proportion of the leaf 109Cd taken up through the roots in vitro and therefore a sink for Cd was not created.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Molecular genetics and biotechnology in medicinal plants: studies by transgenic plants].

The advances in molecular genetics and biotechnology in the field of medicinal plant research are discussed with focusing on the works using transgenic plants. Differentiated organ cultures and transgenic teratomas, incited by the infection with mutants of Agrobacterium Ti and Ri plasmids, were established in quinolizidine-alkaloid producing plants and Solanaceae plants. These cultured cells were used for the production and bioconversion of specific alkaloids produced in these plants. The methods of integration of foreign genes into medicinal plants were developed using an Ri binary vector. The mode of gene expression driven by TR1'-2' promoters was elucidated in transgenic medicinal plants, e.g., Nicotiana tabacum, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Digitalis purpurea and Atropa belladonna. The genes for herbicide resistance, mammalian cytochrome P450 and bacterial beta-hydroxydecanoylthioester dehydrase were transferred and expressed in plants either to confer herbicide-resistant trait or to change the pattern of metabolites. The cDNA clones encoding cysteine synthase responsible for sulfur assimilation and biosynthesis of non-protein amino acids were isolated and characterized from Spinacea oleracea and Citrullus vulgaris. The functional lysine residue was identified by site-directed mutagenesis experiments. An over-expression system in Escherichia coli was constructed for the bacterial production of the plant specific non-protein amino acids. We made transgenic N. tabacum integrated with sense- and antisense-constructs of cysteine synthase cDNA driven by cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter for the purpose of genetic manipulation of biosynthetic flow of cysteine in plants. The future prospects of medicinal plant research are also discussed in the context of modern plant molecular biology.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1993

Expression of a chemically synthesized gene for human epidermal growth factor under the control of cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco.

Nicotiana tabacum was transformed with a chemically synthesized gene encoding the human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) under control of the CaMV-35S promoter. The hEGF gene sequence was present at one to several copies in the primary transformant plants (R0), and a transcript with the expected length was produced. Slot blot analysis of total RNAs of the progeny (R1) seedlings, originating from self-pollination of the R0 plants, showed that the level of mRNA expression was generally, but not always, heritable. The highest hEGF peptide content per unit of total soluble protein in young (upper) R1 leaves so far examined by an immunological method was about 0.001%. These results suggest that either the hEGF peptide was less stable than the average leaf protein, or the hEGF mRNAs were not efficiently translated.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Expression pattern of the CsPK3 auxin-responsive protein kinase gene.

We have previously cloned a cDNA of a putative serine/threonine protein kinase gene named CsPK3 from cucumber, the mRNA level of which was up-regulated by auxin and down-regulated by light irradiation. To examine the CsPK3 gene expression in detail, we cloned a genomic DNA of CsPK3 gene and made transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Petit Havana SR1) plants containing the fused CsPK3 promoter-beta-glucuronidase gene. The beta-glucuronidase expression was detected in the shoot apex, vascular tissues, and the outermost layer of cortex. The histological distribution of CsPK3 mRNA in cucumber seedlings was supported by in situ hybridization, where the positive signals were observed in similar tissues as those observed by beta-glucuronidase staining. The responsiveness of the CsPK3 gene to auxin and light was also confirmed for beta-glucuronidase activity. The pattern of beta-glucuronidase staining changed during the development of the tobacco seedlings. The results of our experiment showed that CsPK3 was expressed in a wide variety of tissues and cells in which the developmental and growth controls by auxin are suggested.

Cucumis sativus↗
PubMed1999

Leaf senescence is delayed in tobacco plants expressing the maize homeobox gene knotted1 under the control of a senescence-activated promoter.

Leaf senescence is an active process involving remobilization of nutrients from senescing leaves to other parts of the plant. Whereas senescence is accompanied by a decline in leaf cytokinin content, supplemental cytokinin delays senescence. Plants that overexpress isopentenyl transferase (ipt), a cytokinin-producing gene, or knotted1 (kn1), a homeobox gene, have many phenotypes in common. Many of these phenotypes are characteristic of altered cytokinin physiology. The effect of kn1 on leaf senescence was tested by driving its expression using the promoter of the senescence-associated gene SAG12. SAG:kn1 tobacco plants showed a marked delay in leaf senescence but otherwise developed normally. The delay in senescence was revealed by an increase in chlorophyll content in SAG:kn1 leaves relative to leaves of the control plants and by a decrease in the number of dead leaves. Senescence was also delayed in detached leaves of SAG:kn1 plants. Delayed senescence was accompanied by increased leaf cytokinin content in older leaves expressing kn1. These experiments extend the current understanding of kn1 function and suggest that in addition to mediating meristem maintenance, kn1 is capable of regulating the onset of senescence in leaves.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Macromolecular trafficking between Nicotiana tabacum and the holoparasite Cuscuta reflexa.

Transgenic tobacco plants expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the companion cell-specific promoter, AtSUC2, were parasitized by the holoparasite Cuscuta reflexa (dodder). GFP, moving in the translocation stream of the host, was transferred to the Cuscuta phloem via the absorbing hyphae of the parasite. An identical pattern of transfer was observed for the phloem-mobile probe, carboxyfluorescein. Following uptake by the parasite, GFP was translocated and unloaded from the Cuscuta phloem in meristematic sink tissues. Contrary to published data, these observations suggest the presence of a functional symplastic pathway between Cuscuta and its hosts, and demonstrate a considerable capacity for macromolecular exchange between plant species.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed2000

Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Vigna sesquipedalis Koern (asparagus bean).

Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Vigna sesquipedalis was achieved using cotyledonary node explants prepared from 5 days old seedlings germinated on B5 basal medium, and transformed using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101, carrying the phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase gene and neomycin-3-phosphotransferase-II gene as selectable markers and GUS gene as a screenable marker. Gene transfer was achieved by inoculation of cotyledonary node explants with a bacterial suspension and a further cocultivation with Agrobacterium suspension for 3 days on B5 basal medium. Only 10% of the explants were transformed with EHA101 and exhibited transient expression of GUS genes, while 2% of shoots exhibited stable integration of genes and developed into plants. Transgenic character of tissues was confirmed by GUS assay and Southern analysis. Histological analysis of GUS gene expression directly after cocultivation revealed a high competence of subepidermal cell layers of cotyledonary node and associated cotyledons for transformation with Agrobacterium.

Fabaceae↗
PubMed2003

[Transformation of bar gene to tetraploid of Isatis indigotica].

The transgenic tetraploid of Isatis indigotica mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was obtained. To transfer the plant binary expression vector pCAMBIA 3300 carrying bar gene, the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA 105 was used as engineering bacterium. The results of PCR indicated that the bar gene had been transferred into and merged with the genome of Isatis indigotica. This study will make foundation for improvement of other characters of this species with genetic engineering.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transformation and regeneration of mung bean (Vigna radiata).

The procedure relied on a protocol in which shoot organogenesis was induced on cotyledons of mung bean genotypes selected for susceptibility to agrobacterium seems to work reproducibly if not efficiently. Approximately 4-5% of the shoots produced on the kanamycin selected cotyledons are transgenic based on assays on kanamycin resistance and GUS activity. This demonstrated that transformation and regeneration in mung bean are possible. However, raising the transformed plants in field condition is yet to be perfected.

Fabaceae↗
PubMed1994

Two binding sites for the plant transcription factor ASF-1 can respond to auxin treatments in transgenic tobacco.

The hormone, auxin, plays an important role in the differentiation and growth of plant cells. A number of auxin-responsive genes have been characterized but until now minimal auxin-responsive cis-elements within these promoter regions have not been identified. Here we show that two related DNA sequences of 21 base pairs can respond to auxin treatment in transgenic tobacco. In contrast, treatments with cytokinin or abscisic acid do not cause any apparent increase in promoter activity of these cis-acting elements. These sequences are present in the promoter regions of the nopaline synthase gene from the T-DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the 35 S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus. Both sequences have been shown to be binding sites for the tobacco transcription factor ASF-1. Pretreatment of leaves with cycloheximide does not inhibit the response to auxin treatment, suggesting that hormone sensitivity of these promoter elements does not involve de novo synthesis of ASF-1. In addition, promoter elements from some auxin-responsive plant genes can bind ASF-1 in vitro. Based on these results, we propose that transcriptional activation by ASF-1 may be modulated by auxin through modification of pre-existing factors. Our results also suggest a role for ASF-1 in mediating some of the effects of auxin in vivo.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗
PubMed1996

Multiple regions of the Arabidopsis SAUR-AC1 gene control transcript abundance: the 3' untranslated region functions as an mRNA instability determinant.

The small-auxin-up-RNA (SAUR) transcripts are rapidly induced by auxin and are among the most short-lived mRNAs in higher plants. In this study, we investigate the regulation of SAUR-AC1, a well characterized SAUR gene of Arabidopsis. Be examining the expression of chimeric genes in transgenic tobacco, we demonstrate that the promoter region of SAUR-AC1 mediates auxin induction. Sequences downstream of the promoter region were found to limit mRNA accumulation in a manner that was independent of auxin treatment. Both the coding region and the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of SAUR-AC1 independently contribute to this limitation. Effects on mRNA stability were assayed using chimeric genes under the control of the tetracycline-repressible Top10 promoter. mRNA half-life analysis following tetracycline treatment showed that the SAUR-AC1 coding region does not contain elements that decrease mRNA stability. In contrast, the 3' UTR was found to act as a potent mRNA instability determinant. This finding and the general utility of the Top10 system should provide the means to elucidate mRNA decay pathways that are potentially novel and specific for certain unstable transcripts.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of genetically modified crops on soil- and plant-associated microbial communities.

Transgenic or genetically modified plants possess novel genes that impart beneficial characteristics such as herbicide resistance. One of the least understood areas in the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified crops is their impact on soil- and plant-associated microbial communities. The potential for interaction between transgenic plants and plant residues and the soil microbial community is not well understood. The recognition that these interactions could change microbial biodiversity and affect ecosystem functioning has initiated a limited number of studies in the area. At this time, studies have shown the possibility that transgenes can be transferred to native soil microorganisms through horizontal gene transfer, although there is not evidence of this occurring in the soil. Furthermore, novel proteins have been shown to be released from transgenic plants into the soil ecosystem, and their presence can influence the biodiversity of the microbial community by selectively stimulating the growth of organisms that can use them. Microbial diversity can be altered when associated with transgenic plants; however, these effects are both variable and transient. Soil- and plant-associated microbial communities are influenced not only by plant species and transgene insertion but also by environmental factors such as field site and sampling date. Minor alterations in the diversity of the microbial community could affect soil health and ecosystem functioning, and therefore, the impact that plant variety may have on the dynamics of the rhizosphere microbial populations and in turn plant growth and health and ecosystem sustainability, requires further study.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1995

Highly insect-resistant transgenic tobacco plants containing both B.t. and CpTI genes.

The cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) gene was synthesized according to its cDNA sequence using DNA synthesizer and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The CpTI gene and modified Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) delta-endotoxin gene were cotransformed to tobacco explants mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The integrations of B.t and CpTI genes were confirmed by PCR and Southern hybridization. Three kinds of transgenic plants were obtained: (1) containing CpTI gene, (2) containing B.t gene, (3) containing both CpTI and B.t genes. Bioassays showed that all these transgenic plants were toxic to the larvae of Heliothis armigera and that the tobacco plants containing both genes had enhanced toxicity to larvae by comparison with plants containing only CpTI or B.t gene.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗
PubMed1997

Promoter/leader deletion analysis and plant expression vectors with the figwort mosaic virus (FMV) full length transcript (FLt) promoter containing single or double enhancer domains.

The boundaries required for maximal expression from the promoter/leader region of the full length transcript of figwort mosaic virus (FLt promoter) coupled to reporter genes were defined by 5' and 3' deletion analyses. In transient expression assays using protoplasts of Nicotiana edwardsonii, a 314 bp FLt promoter fragment sequence (-249 to +65 from the transcription start site) was sufficient for strong expression activity. Plant expression vectors developed with modified FLt promoters were tested with GUS or CAT as reporter genes in transgenic plants. The FLt promoter is a strong constitutive promoter, with strength comparable to or greater than that of the CaMV 35S promoter. The FLt promoter with its double enhancer domain linked to GUS or CAT reporter genes provides an average 4-fold greater activity than the FLt promoter with a single enhancer domain (-55 to -249 bp upstream fragment) in tests with transgenic plants and in protoplast transient expression assays.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2004

[Genetically modified organisms in food--production, detection and risks].

The first genetically modified plant (GMP) was a tobacco resistant to antibiotics in 1983. In 1996, the first genetically altered crop, a delayed-ripening tomato was commercially released. In the year 2003, the estimated global area of GM crops for was 67.7 million hectares. To produce such a plant a gene of interest has to be isolated from the donor. Together with a promoter, terminator sequence and marker gene it has to be introduced into the plant cell which is then stimulated to generate a whole GMP expressing new characteristics (herbicide/insect resistance, delayed ripening). The last few months have seen a strong public debate over genetically modified organisms which has raised scientific, economic, political, and ethical issues. Some questions concerning the safety of GMPs are still to be answered, and decisions about their future should be based on scientifically validated information.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Characterization of an auxin-inducible 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene, VR-ACS6, of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) and hormonal interactions on the promoter activity in transgenic tobacco.

A genomic clone for VR-ACS6, an isozyme of auxin-inducible ACC synthase of mungbean, was isolated, and its promoter activity was examined in transgenic tobacco. The clone contained 1,612 bp long 5' untranscribed region and its coding sequence consisted of three exons and two introns. Genomic Southern hybridization indicated that VR-ACS6 is a single copy gene. The transcription initiation site was a cytosine present at 231-base upstream the translation start codon. The VR-ACS6 promoter contained DNA sequences homologous to various functionally identified auxin-responsive elements. To demonstrate hormonal response of the promoter region, transgenic tobacco plants carrying the 1,719 bp VR-ACS6 promoter/-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion gene were generated. Strong GUS expression occurred by auxin treatment of leaves of T0 transformants and hypocotyls of T1 etiolated seedlings. Magnitude of the response to auxin was dose-dependent, and the increased GUS activity was detected at 0.1 microM and higher concentrations of IAA. Other plant hormones did not induce GUS activity, but greatly modified the response to auxin. Cytokinin enhanced the IAA-induced expression of GUS reporter gene, whereas ABA and ethylene suppressed the expression. These characteristics of VR-ACS6 promoter activity in transgenic tobacco are in good accordance with the expression patterns of the gene in mungbean hypocotyls. Histochemical staining showed that GUS activity was evident in both etiolated and light grown seedings treated with IAA. Cytokinin enhanced the intensity of auxin-induced GUS stain and also expanded the stained area, whereas ABA and ethylene reduced both intensity and area of the stain.

Abscisic Acid↗