
Turning Tobacco Plants into Anti-Bacterial Protein BioFactories
October 5, 2007 |
Scientists from the United States Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are turning plants into biofactories that produce a protein capable of preventing inflammatory udder disease in dairy cows. By introducing a potato virus carrying the gene coding for the CD14 protein in tobacco plants, the scientists were able to produce significant amounts of the protein known to help the immune system fight the infection-causing bacteria. CD14 is naturally secreted in the mammary glands at very low levels. Potentially, 50 genetically-modified plants could provide enough purified protein to treat a herd of 500 cows.
When a plant is infected with a virus, thousands of copies of the viral genetic material, including the gene coding for CD14, are created in each plant cell. This is how the virus turns a plant into a bio-factory that rapidly generates the protein of interest. CD14 proteins are tagged with the amino acid histidine which, like a trace marker, enables easy separation from other plant proteins. ARS has applied for patent protection on the plant-derived CD14, and the researchers are now seeking partners to help further develop and test the protein for safety, effectiveness, and proper dosage.
Read more at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/sep07/cow0907.htm
|
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Proposed CODEX Annex to Assess Safety of Low-Level GM Plant Materials
- New Maize Varieties Resistant to the Large Grain Borer
- Eastern and Central African Countries Join WARDA
- APEC Biotech Group Drafts Best Practices Guide on Influencing Biotech Perception
- Gene from Bottlegourd May Help Control Watermelon Virus
- WSU Seeking Patent on Root Rot-Resistant Wheat
- Turning Tobacco Plants into Anti-Bacterial Protein BioFactories
- Brazilian Scientists Search for Bananas with Reduced Need for Pesticides
- RP to Conduct Bt Cotton Greenhouse Trial Before 2007 Ends
- India Lifts Ban on GM Edible Oil Import
- FSANZ Seeks Public Comment on Food Code Changes
- Philippines to Invest in Hybrid Rice
- Jatropha curcas as Biofuels Feedstock in Vietnam
- Regeneration of Pruatjan by In Vitro Technique
- BASF Plant Science and CFGC Sign Research Agreement
- D1 Oils and KeyGene to Collaborate on Jatropha Research
- Genes that Modify Plant Color May Help in the Fight Against Cancer
- EFSA: Scientific Panel's Opinion on Syngenta's GMO Corn Application
-
Research Highlights
- Genetic Basis of Cyanide Defense in Clover
- MeSA is the Compound that Triggers Plant Immune Response
- GM False Flax as a Potential Oilseed Crop
-
Announcements
- CBU Articles Now Available for Sending to Friends
- ISAAA-produced Biotech Videos Awarded in International Agrofilm Festival
- The Asia Biodiesel Industry 2007: Opportunities, Challenges and Growth Conference
- Seminar on the Development of GM Rice in India and China
- Innovative Technology for Food Processing Seminar in Indonesia
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (February 5, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet