Biotech Updates

Enhancing Gene Expression in GE Rice Seed Using 3'-UTRs

September 15, 2011

The expression and accumulation of recombinant proteins in plant cells are controlled by both transcription and post-transcription levels. The 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) are important sequence elements that control gene expression. Thus, Wen Jing Li of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and colleagues investigated if 3'-UTRs of 9 seed storage protein (SSP) genes affect gene expression and to evaluate their potential in enhancing foreign gene expression in genetically engineered (GE) rice seeds.

Results showed that the 3'-UTRs tested could enhance the expression of the reporter gene by increasing the mRNA accumulation and might be potential candidates for high production of important recombinant proteins in GE rice. The researchers also said that the genes might also be used as terminators for multi-gene transformation in rice and other cereal crops by avoiding homology-based gene silencing.

Read the article published at Transgenic Research journal: http://www.springerlink.com/content/530964n038313085/