Functional analysis of cT-DNAs in naturally transformed plants, recent findings and general considerations

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Abstract

Several cases have been reported of naturally transformed plant species. These plants contain cellular T-DNAs (cT-DNAs) derived from ancient infections by Agrobacterium. We have determined the structure of 4 different cT-DNAs in N. tomentosiformis, the paternal ancestor of N. tabacum, and found several intact open reading frames. Among these, TB-mas2’ and TA-rolC were tested for activity. TB-mas2’ encodes desoxyfructosylglutamine (DFG) synthesis. Some N. tabacum cultivars show very high TB-mas2’ expression and produce DFG in their roots. The TA-rolC gene is biologically active and when expressed under strong constitutive promoter control, generates growth changes in N. tabacum. Based on these first data on the structure and function of cT-DNAs I present a theoretical model on the origin and evolution of naturally transformed plants, which may serve as a basis for further research in this field.

About the authors

Léon Otten

Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes

Author for correspondence.
Email: leon.otten@ibmp-cnrs.unistra.fr
Russian Federation

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2. Fig. 1. Different hypothetical stages in the origin and further evolution of natural GMOs. On the left: possible ways to study the hypothetical events. The plant forms are symbolical and intend to show changes in morphology and physiology at the different steps. HR: hairy root

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Copyright (c) 2016 Otten L.

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