Biotech Updates

Expression Green Fluorescent Protein and Cry1Ac in Transgenic Brassica spp.

July 1, 2011

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been used as a visual marker to understand biological structures and function at different levels. Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences scientist L. Lei and colleagues used this glowing protein to investigate the persistence and stability of a transgene that codes for Cry1Ac insecticidal protein. They used hybrids of Brassica napus and Brassica juncea (oilseed rape and Chinese mustard) and backcross offsprings containing Bt genes and GFP. The GFP marker gene served as a quantitative marker and indicator of Bt transgene expression.

Concentration of the Bt protein was found to be stable in all stages and generations of wild Chinese mustard hybrids and backcross offsprings. On the other hand, the concentration of Cry1Ac was found to be lower in the second backcross products, compared to the parent and first backcross progeny. Results also showed that the intensity of light exhibited by the GFP was significantly correlated to Cry1Ac concentration at flowering stage and pod formation stage in both oilseed rape and backcross offsprings. Thus, GFP could be a used as a reliable marker for Bt protein in backcross of Chinese mustard to facilitate the detection of gene flow during biosafety procedures.

Annals of Applied Biology subscribers can view the complete article here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1744-7348.2011.00486.x/full.