The Commelina yellow mottle virus promoter drives companion-cell-specific gene expression in multiple organs of transgenic tobacco.
Previous work has demonstrated that some endogenous plant gene promoters are active in selective companion cells of the phloem, depending on organ types and developmental stages. Here we report that the Commelina yellow mottle virus (CoYMV) promoter is active in the companion cells of leaves, stems and roots of transgenic Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi NN, using beta-glucuronidase (GUS) as a reporter. Thus, the CoYMV promoter has a broad organ specificity. This promoter can be useful in molecular studies on the functions of companion cells in many aspects of phloem biology, such as regulation of long-distance transport, macromolecular traffic, plant development and interaction with pathogens. It may also be useful in engineering crops that produce specific gene products in the companion cells to block long-distance movement of pathogens.
Matsuda
Yoshie
Y
Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Liang
Genqing
G
Zhu
Yali
Y
Ma
Fengshan
F
Nelson
Richard S
RS
Ding
Biao
B
D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000235:genetics*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D017930:Genes, Reporter / Q000235:genetics; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000235:genetics; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010942:Plant Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D010940:Plant Proteins; D005966:Glucuronidase