Viral vector-based transient expression systems for plant biotechnology research at PUIs

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• STEM Education

Background:

• Traditional stable genetic transformation methods are often inaccessible for Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) due to high costs and facility requirements.
• Viral vector-based transient expression systems offer a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative for plant research.
• These systems are suitable for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), lab courses, and capstone projects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the advantages and implementation strategies of viral vector-based transient expression systems for undergraduate research.
• To demonstrate the accessibility of these systems for synthetic biology and plant-based biomanufacturing at PUIs.
• To underscore the value of these systems in expanding interdisciplinary STEM education.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing plant virus-derived vectors (e.g., Tobacco Mosaic Virus or Geminivirus) for transient gene expression.
• Employing agroinfiltration techniques for gene delivery into plant hosts.
• Analyzing detectable recombinant proteins produced within 3-7 days.

Main Results:

• Viral vector systems enable rapid (3-7 days) production of detectable recombinant proteins.
• These systems require only basic laboratory equipment, making them highly accessible.
• Students gain hands-on experience in gene cloning, agroinfiltration, and biochemical analysis.

Conclusions:

• Viral vector-based transient expression systems significantly enhance research capacity and funding opportunities at PUIs.
• These systems democratize access to advanced plant biotechnology techniques for undergraduate students.
• Implementation of these systems fosters interdisciplinary STEM education and prepares students for future research and industry roles.