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Using antisense RNA to study gene function
1ICI Seeds, Plant Biotechnology Section, Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, UK.
Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Antisense RNA technology effectively downregulates specific gene expression in plants, creating novel tomato mutants. This method clarifies gene functions, such as polygalacturonase
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Gene expression regulation
Background:
- Antisense RNA technology has emerged as a powerful tool in plant science over the past two years.
- Its application allows for targeted gene silencing to study gene function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress of antisense RNA technology in plants.
- To highlight its use in generating novel tomato mutants by downregulating specific genes.
- To elucidate the biochemical functions of genes like polygalacturonase (PG) and pTOM13.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing antisense RNA to specifically inhibit the expression of target genes, such as PG in tomatoes.
- Generating novel plant mutants through targeted gene downregulation.
- Analyzing the inheritance and expression of antisense genes and their effects on phenotype.
Main Results:
- Antisense RNA specifically inhibits target gene expression (e.g., PG) without affecting other genes.
- The introduced antisense gene and its phenotypic effects are stably inherited across generations.
- Increased copy number of the antisense gene enhances its inhibitory effect.
- The interaction between antisense and target genes is dependent on target gene expression.
- The technology successfully clarified the role of PG in tomato fruit softening and elucidated the function of pTOM13.
Conclusions:
- Antisense RNA technology is a reliable method for generating plant mutants with defined gene functions.
- It enables the elucidation of the biochemical and biological roles of previously uncharacterized genes.
- This approach offers a powerful strategy for functional genomics in plants.