A promoter to express chimeric genes in plants - 0882
- *Abstract
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Overview
Theexpression of useful foreign traits in plants is a major focus in plantbiotechnology. Introduction of heterologous genes of interest into plant cellsgenerates the desired qualities in the plants of choice. It also leads to thefurther understanding of molecular pathways involved in disease development andsecondary metabolism in plants. Thus, there is a need for plant promoters that can be used to drive the expression of genetically engineered genes in plants.
Invention
UK researchers are developing a mirabilis mosaic caulimovirus(MMV) full-length transcript (FLt )promoter DNA sequence that can be used to direct and express selected foreign genes in plants. Optimal portions of the MMV FLt promoter DNA sequence that permit maximum promoter activity have been identified. Either the entire promoter DNA sequence or these optimal portions can be used to express chimeric genes. Our inventors have used these chimeric gene constructs to transform a plant cell and generate a transgenic plant. The promoter has also been used in conjunction with other promoters to introduce two or more proteins of interest into plants.
Applications
- the expression of chimeric genes in transgenic plants
Advantages
- a strong and uniform promoter for chimeric genes inserted intoplant cells
IP Status: U.S. Patent No. 6,420,547
- Country/Region
- USA
