Development of efficient gene transfer techniques for plant mitochondrial genome transformation

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K05638
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39030:Horticultural science-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University (2022); Takasaki University of Health and Welfare (2018-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Kimura Mitsuhiro 九州大学, 農学研究院, 特任准教授 (00372342)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ミトコンドリアゲノム / 化合物ライブラリー / 遺伝子導入 / CAPT法 / LUC活性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Plant mitochondrial genome transformation may be utilized for the introduction of cytoplasmic male sterility and the production of useful proteins and metabolites. However, the mitochondrial genome transformation has not been reported by conventional transformation methods. We developed a peptide-mediated gene transfer system to plant mitochondria, but transmitochondrial plants have not yet been produced. The major reason has suggested that the system is insufficient for gene transfer efficiency to plant mitochondria. In this study, we screened for chemicals that improve the efficiency of gene transfer to mitochondria. As a result, no chemical was identified because the gene transfer efficiency to mitochondria varies widely among individuals.

Free Research Field

園芸科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

葉緑体ゲノム形質転換は、葉緑体ゲノムが多コピー存在するため、外来タンパク質を大量に発現させられることや、母性遺伝のため、花粉飛散による外来遺伝子の拡散が起こりにくいことなど、核ゲノム形質転換にはない利点がある。ミトコンドリアゲノム形質転換にも同様の利点があると考えられるが、未だ、安定的な形質転換技術は確立されていない。本研究によりミトコンドリアへの遺伝子導入効率が向上することができれば、オルガネラ形質転換のさらなる応用可能性が高まることが期待される。