Enhanced transformation of TNT by Arabidopsis plants expressing an old yellow enzyme

PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e39861. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039861. Epub 2012 Jul 11.

Abstract

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is released in nature from manufacturing or demilitarization facilities, as well as after the firing or detonation of munitions or leakage from explosive remnants of war. Environmental contamination by TNT is associated with human health risks, necessitating the development of cost-effective remediation techniques. The lack of affordable and effective cleanup technologies for explosives contamination requires the development of better processes. In this study, we present a system for TNT phytoremediation by overexpressing the old yellow enzyme (OYE3) gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting transgenic Arabidopsis plants demonstrated significantly enhanced TNT tolerances and a strikingly higher capacity to remove TNT from their media. The current work indicates that S. cerevisiae OYE3 overexpression in Arabidopsis is an efficient method for the phytoremoval and degradation of TNT. Our findings have the potential to provide a suitable remediation strategy for sites contaminated by TNT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agrobacterium / genetics
  • Arabidopsis / enzymology
  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Explosive Agents / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase / metabolism*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / enzymology
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / chemistry
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / enzymology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Soil Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Transduction, Genetic
  • Trinitrotoluene / metabolism*

Substances

  • Explosive Agents
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Trinitrotoluene
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase