Genetically transformed roots: from plant disease to biotechnological resource.
Hairy root syndrome is a disease that is induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection and characterized by a proliferation of excessively branching roots. However, in the past 30 years A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation has also provided a valuable platform for studying biosynthesis pathways in plants. Furthermore, the genetically transformed root cultures are becoming increasingly attractive, cost-effective options for mass-producing desired plant metabolites and expressing foreign proteins. Numerous proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated the feasibility of scaling up hairy-root-based processes while maintaining their biosynthetic potential. Recently, hairy roots have also shown immense potential for applications in phytoremediation, that is, plant-based decontamination of polluted environments. This review highlights recent progress and limitations in the field, and outlines future perspectives for the industrial exploitation of hairy roots.
Department of Applied Biotechnologies, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Boulevard, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria. milengeorgiev@gbg.bg
Milen I
MI
Georgiev
Elizabeth
E
Agostini
Jutta
J
Ludwig-Müller
Jianfeng
J
Xu
D060054:Agrobacterium / Q000235:genetics*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D060847:Metabolic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D014170:Transformation, Genetic