Transgenic Maize Expressing Milk Protein

By introducing the gene coding for the milk protein α-lactalbumin, scientists from the Iowa State University have produced transgenic maize lines with improved amino acid balance. One of the nutritional limitations of maize endosperm is its amino acid balance, with lysine being the most limited. In addition, plant proteins are poorly digested by animals and can even cause allergic reactions. Milk proteins, since they are natural component of animal diets, have been considered as the alternative proteins for expression in plants for nutritional improvement.

The endosperm of the maize transgenic lines produced significantly higher levels of α-lactalbumin. Kernel appearance, size and zein content did not exhibit difference in kernels expressing the transgene when compared to non-expressing siblings. Scientists are now conducting antigenicity test to determine the risk of the transgenic protein for people with allergy. Likewise, they are monitoring the effect of the transformation on the maize line’s agronomic properties.

The paper published by Transgenic Research is available to subscribers at http://www.springerlink.com/content/hk254761t3513836/fulltext.pdf Non subscribers can read the abstract at http://www.springerlink.com/content/hk254761t3513836/?p=e240497762de42aca22c1d64db34a076&pi=5