Low Linolenic Acid Soybeans by RNA Interference
February 15, 2008| |
Studying transgene regulation in soybean has been difficult because of the size and complexity of its genome, specifically the presence of multiple copies of a single gene and their complex feedback regulation. However, recent developments in gene silencing technology have presented ways to study gene regulation in soybean. Using RNA interference (RNAi), scientists from the University of Missouri have altered the fatty acid profile of the crop.
In RNAi, gene expression, in this case a set of genes coding for the enzymes responsible for alpha linolenic acid synthesis, is inhibited by introducing double stranded RNA with base sequences complementary to the gene of interest. The transgenic plants were found to produce reduced levels of alpha linolenic acid. It is this fatty acid that contributes mostly to the instability of soybean and other seed oils. The trait was found to be expressed in successive generations. The findings suggest a great potential for the RNAi strategy in silencing sets of genes in a complex genome.
The abstract of the paper published by the journal Transgenic Research is available at http://www.springerlink.com/content/432379137526k10x/?p=c0813f9567c94d2d8280acad7a13955f&pi=0
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