Genetically stable expression of functional miraculin, a new type of alternative sweetener, in transgenic tomato plants

Plant Biotechnol J. 2007 Nov;5(6):768-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2007.00283.x. Epub 2007 Aug 13.

Abstract

Miraculin is a taste-modifying protein isolated from the red berries of Richadella dulcifica, a shrub native to West Africa. Miraculin by itself is not sweet, but it is able to turn a sour taste into a sweet taste. This unique property has led to increasing interest in this protein. In this article, we report the high-yield production of miraculin in transgenic tomato plants. High and genetically stable expression of miraculin was confirmed by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Recombinant miraculin accumulated to high levels in leaves and fruits, up to 102.5 and 90.7 microg/g fresh weight, respectively. Purified recombinant miraculin expressed in transgenic tomato plants showed strong sweetness-inducing activity, similar to that of native miraculin. These results demonstrate that recombinant miraculin was correctly processed in transgenic tomato plants, and that this production system could be a good alternative to production from the native plant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fruit / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Glycoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Glycoproteins / pharmacology
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Solanum lycopersicum / genetics
  • Solanum lycopersicum / metabolism*
  • Synsepalum / genetics
  • Taste / drug effects
  • Transformation, Genetic

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • miraculin protein, Synsepalum dulcificum