Transformation of the tropane alkaloid-producing medicinal plant Hyoscyamus muticus by particle bombardment

Transgenic Res. 2000 Jun;9(3):163-8. doi: 10.1023/a:1008912330067.

Abstract

We report an efficient whole plant transformation system for Hyoscyamus muticus, an important medicinal plant of the Solanaceous family. We developed a system using a plasmid carrying the nptII and gusA genes, which was delivered into leaf explants by particle bombardment. Ten percent of bombarded leaf explants formed kanamycin-resistant callus, from which putative transgenic plants were recovered. The nptII gene conferring kanamycin resistance was found to be incorporated into the genome of all transgenic plants screened. Over 50% of the kanamycin resistant plants showed strong expression of the non-selected gusA gene. The majority of transgenic plants reached maturity, could be self pollinated, and produced fertile seed. A simple and efficient whole plant transformation system for this medicinal plant is an important step in furthering our understanding of tropane alkaloid production in plants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Southern
  • DNA, Plant / analysis
  • Genes, Plant / genetics*
  • Kanamycin Resistance / genetics*
  • Plant Leaves
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Plants, Medicinal / genetics*
  • Plants, Medicinal / metabolism
  • Solanaceae / genetics*
  • Solanaceae / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Transfection / methods
  • Transformation, Genetic*
  • Tropanes / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • Tropanes