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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Biotechnology Unit, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UH, United Kingdom

    Leo A. H. Zeef, Paul Christou & Mark J. Leech

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  1. Leo A. H. Zeef
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  2. Paul Christou
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  3. Mark J. Leech
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Zeef, L.A.H., Christou, P. & Leech, M.J. Transformation of the tropane alkaloid-producing medicinal plant Hyoscyamus muticus by particle bombardment. Transgenic Res 9, 163–168 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008912330067

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