Expression of cholera toxin B subunit in transgenic rice endosperm

Mol Biotechnol. 2008 Nov;40(3):261-8. doi: 10.1007/s12033-008-9083-2. Epub 2008 Jul 10.

Abstract

The synthetic cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) gene, modified according to the optimized codon usage of plant genes, was introduced into a plant expression vector and expressed under the control of the Bx17 HMW (high molecular weight) wheat endosperm-specific promoter containing an intron of the rice act1. The recombinant vector was transformed into rice plants using a biolistic-mediated transformation method. Stable integration of the synthetic CTB gene into the chromosomal DNA was confirmed by PCR amplification analysis. A high level of CTB (2.1% of total soluble protein) was expressed in the endosperm tissue of the transgenic rice plants. The synthetic CTB produced only in the rice endosperm demonstrated strong affinity for G(M1)-ganglioside, thereby suggesting that the CTB subunits formed an active pentamer. The successful expression of CTB genes in transgenic plants makes it a powerful tool for the development of a plant-derived edible vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Northern
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cholera Toxin / genetics*
  • DNA, Plant / metabolism
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Oryza / genetics*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Seeds / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • ganglioside receptor
  • Cholera Toxin