Creation and validation of a widely applicable multiple gene transfer vector system for stable transformation in plant

Plant Mol Biol. 2013 Nov;83(4-5):391-404. doi: 10.1007/s11103-013-0096-2. Epub 2013 Jul 10.

Abstract

Multiple gene transfer (MGT) technology has become a powerful tool for basic and applied plant biology research in recent years. Despite some notable successes in obtaining plant lines harbouring multiple transgenes, these methods are still generally unwieldy and costly. We report here a straightforward and cost effective strategy, utilizing commonly available restriction enzymes for the transfer of multiple genes into plants, hence greatly widening the accessibility of MGT. This methodology exploits the specific 'nested' arrangement of a pair of isocaudomer restriction enzymes (for example XbaI-AvrII-XbaI) so that through the alternate use of these two enzymes in a reiterative fashion multiple genes/constructs (up to five in this study) could be 'stacked' together with ease. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we constructed a plant transformation vector containing three reporter gene expression cassettes flanked by two matrix attachment region sequences. The expression of all three genes was confirmed in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. The usefulness of this technology was further validated by the construction of a plant transformation vector containing five transgenes for the production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20∆⁵,⁸,¹¹,¹⁴,¹⁷), a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid found in fish oils that is beneficial for health. In addition, we constructed four more vectors, incorporating one seed specific and three promoters conferring constitutive expression. These expression cassettes are flanked by a different isocaudomer pair (AvrII-SpeI-AvrII) and four other unique restriction sites, allowing the exchange of promoters and terminators of choice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / cytology
  • Arabidopsis / genetics
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genetic Engineering / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Nicotiana / genetics
  • Nicotiana / metabolism
  • Plant Epidermis / cytology
  • Plant Epidermis / genetics
  • Plant Epidermis / metabolism
  • Plant Leaves / cytology
  • Plant Leaves / genetics
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plants / genetics*
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Transformation, Genetic
  • Transgenes