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. 1997 Sep;9(9):1515–1525. doi: 10.1105/tpc.9.9.1515

Expression of the C4 Me1 Gene from Flaveria bidentis Requires an Interaction between 5[prime] and 3[prime] Sequences.

J S Marshall 1, J D Stubbs 1, J A Chitty 1, B Surin 1, W C Taylor 1
PMCID: PMC157030  PMID: 12237394

Abstract

The efficient functioning of C4 photosynthesis requires the strict compartmentation of a suite of enzymes in either mesophyll or bundle sheath cells. To determine the mechanism controlling bundle sheath cell-specific expression of the NADP-malic enzyme, we made a set of chimeric constructs using the 5[prime] and 3[prime] regions of the Flaveria bidentis Me1 gene fused to the [beta]-glucuronidase gusA reporter gene. The pattern of GUS activity in stably transformed F. bidentis plants was analyzed by histochemical and cell separation techniques. We conclude that the 5[prime] region of Me1 determines bundle sheath specificity, whereas the 3[prime] region contains an apparent enhancer-like element that confers high-level expression in leaves. The interaction of 5[prime] and 3[prime] sequences was dependent on factors that are present in the C4 plant but not found in tobacco.

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Selected References

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