Maize Transgenes Containing Zein Promoters are Regulated by opaque2

Understanding epistatic interactions between transgenes and native genes is critical for predicting the response of transgenes to different genetic backgrounds and environments. Our objective was to determine if predicted epistatic interactions occur between maize (Zea mays L.) transgenes carrying zein promoters and opaque2, a transcriptional regulator of zein genes. Expression of the transgenes was signifi cantly decreased in kernels containing the opaque2 mutation. Native zein proteins in these kernels were reduced as well. Thus, transgene expression mirrored expression of the native gene that contributed the promoter of the transgene. This work demonstrates that information about native gene expression may be useful for predicting transgene expression, reducing the risk of unintended consequences of transgene expression. M.N. Schroder, unaffi liated, 130 S. Riverside Dr., Ames, IA 50010; B.E. Floyd, Interdepartmental Plant Biology Program, Agronomy Dep., Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA 50011; M.P. Scott, USDA-ARS, Corn Insect and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, IA 50011. This work was carried out as part of the Iowa State University Interdepartmental Genetics Program degree requirements for MNS and is a joint contribution of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics and Experiment Station and the USDA-ARS. Received 25 Mar. 2011. *Corresponding author ([email protected]). Abbreviations: BT, Bacillus thuringiensis; GFP, green fl uorescent protein; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography. Published in Crop Sci. 51:2716–2720 (2011). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2011.03.0168 Freely available online through the author-supported open-access option. Published online 19 Aug. 2011. © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher. Published November, 2011