ISSN:
1573-5028
Keywords:
enhancer
;
flavonoids
;
particle bombardment
;
pericarp
;
promoter
;
Zea mays
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The maize P-rr gene conditions floral-specific flavonoid pigmentation, especially in the kernel pericarp and cob. We analyzed the P-rr promoter by transient expression assays, in which segments of the P-rr promoter were fused to the GUS reporter gene and introduced into maize cells by particle bombardment. A basal P-rr promoter fragment (−235 to +326) gave low, but significant, levels of GUS reporter gene expression. Interestingly, two widely spaced segments containing enhancer-like activity were found. When tested individually, both the proximal (−1252 to −236) and distal (−6110 to −4842) segments boosted expression of the basal P-rr promoter::GUS construct about five-fold. A 1.6 kb segment of the P-rr promoter (−1252 to +326) containing the proximal enhancer and the 5′-untranslated leader driving the GUS reporter gene showed preferential expression in BMS and embryogenic suspension cell cultures vs. endosperm-derived suspension cell cultures. These results demonstrate the application of transient assay techniques for the identification of regulatory elements responsible for floral-specific regulation of the complex P-rr gene promoter in maize.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006172815663
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