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. 2000 Oct;156(2):839–846. doi: 10.1093/genetics/156.2.839

Hierarchical patterns of transgene expression indicate involvement of developmental mechanisms in the regulation of the maize P1-rr promoter.

S M Cocciolone 1, L V Sidorenko 1, S Chopra 1, P M Dixon 1, T Peterson 1
PMCID: PMC1461292  PMID: 11014829

Abstract

The maize P1-rr gene encodes a Myb-homologous transcription factor that regulates the synthesis of red flavonoid pigments. Maize plants transformed with segments of the P1-rr promoter driving a GUS reporter gene exhibit significant variation in transgene expression, both between independent transformation events and among sibling plants derived from a single event. Interestingly, variability in spatial expression is not random; rather, transgene activity occurs predominantly in five patterns that fit a hierarchy: expression is most common in kernel pericarp, with sequential addition of expression in cob glumes, husk, silk, and tassel. The hierarchical expression pattern of P-rr::GUS transgenes suggests a possible model for developmental regulation of the P1-rr gene. Our results demonstrate that variability in transgene expression, a common occurrence in transgenic plant studies, can be informative if adequately analyzed to uncover underlying patterns of gene expression.

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Selected References

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