Award details

Introduction and expression of foreign genes in herbage legumes

Reference	BBS/E/G/00003364
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Kathleen Webb
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res
Department	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	227,528
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/1999
Duration	24 months

Abstract

Expression of foreign genes in different genetic backgrounds may vary both during plant development and with environment and will depend to a large extent on the gene promoter and the site of insertion in the genome. These factors could influence the performance of genetically transformed crops in the field. Fundamental information on the developmental and environmental regulation of expression of foreign genes is therefore essential if genetically manipulated plants are to improve crop performance. This work therefore contributes directly to the development of technologies for the improvement of crops. Herbage legumes (Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense and Lotus corniculatus) can now be efficiently transformed using Agrobacterium rhizogenes as a binary vector. The beta glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by theconstitutive CaMV 35S promoter is variably expressed in cells of hairy root cultures of these species and in various tissues of regenerated plants of Lotus corniculatus and in their progeny. The basis for this variability is not understood. GUS expression will be monitored in transformed root cultures of the three species and in regenerated transformed plants of Lotus corniculatus. Expression will be determined in different tissues at different developmental stages and under a range of environmental conditions such as might be encountered in the field. Changes in gene expression will be monitored at the cellular level using histochemical localisation for GUS, at the translational level by assaying GUS enzyme activity and protein turnover and at the transcriptional level by determining the levels and stability of mRNA transcripts. The introduction of genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) governing insecticidal toxin production into Lotus corniculatus will be carried out. Nodule specific expression of a cloned Bt gene will be sought and regulation of expression by environmental factors and during plant development determined as for the GUS gene. Other methods of genetic transformation, via Agrobacterium tumefaciens, or via DNA particle bombardment will be developed for the legumes. Using appropriate methods for genetic transformation, genes will be introduced into legume species in order to modify plant development and to produce mutants. Plants with genetic modifications in flowering and nitrogen fixation in particular will be sought. All transformants and their progeny will be evaluated for somaclonal variation and for inheritance of the inserted genes.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search