[DEVELOPMENT OF MARKER-FREE TRANSFORMANTS BY SITE-SPECIFIC RECOMBINASES]

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetic Engineering

Context:

• Selectable marker genes are essential for identifying transformed organisms in plant biotechnology.
• The continued presence of these marker genes in transgenic plants can be problematic for commercialization and public acceptance.
• Developing methods for marker-free transgenic plants is an active area of research.

Purpose:

• To review and describe the main strategies for removing selective marker DNA sequences from transgenic plants.
• To highlight site-specific recombination technology, particularly the Cre/loxP system, as a leading method for generating marker-free plants.
• To present a new approach utilizing the Cre/loxP system under 35S promoter control for marker-free plant development.

Summary:

• This review focuses on techniques to eliminate selective marker genes from genetically modified plants after successful transformation.
• Site-specific recombination, especially the Cre/loxP system, is presented as a highly effective strategy for achieving marker-free status.
• A novel application of the Cre/loxP system, regulated by the 35S promoter, is discussed for creating marker-free genetically modified plants.

Impact:

• Enables the development of transgenic plants without residual marker DNA, addressing public concerns and regulatory hurdles.
• Facilitates the commercialization of genetically modified crops by removing potentially undesirable genetic elements.
• Advances plant biotechnology by providing efficient tools for generating cleaner and more acceptable transgenic plant lines.