Abstract
Characterization of the function, regulation and metal-specificity of metal transporters is
one of the basic steps needed for the understanding of transport and accumulation of
toxic metals and metalloids by plants. In this work GUS was used as a reporter for
monitoring the activity of the promoter of the AtMRP3 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana,
a gene encoding an ABC-transporter, expression of which is induced by heavy metals.
The AtMRP3 promoter-GUS fusion expression cassette was introduced into the genome
of two model plants, A. thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum. The promoter induces GUS
activity in the roots as well as in the shoots upon metal exposure. Similar responses of
the AtMRP3 promoter to the presence of the selected metals was observed in both plant
species. Cadmium, nickel, arsenic, cobalt and lead strongly activated the transcription of
the reporter gene, while zinc and iron had no impact. The AtMRP3 promoter thus seems
to be a useful new tool in designing plants that can be used for biomonitoring of
environmental contaminations
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 258-263 |
Journal | Journal of Biotechnology |
Volume | 139 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- hyperaccumulator thlaspi-caerulescens
- abc transporters
- expression differences
- genes
- transformation
- glutathione
- lignin