Biopolymers and cell. Volume 20. № 4. 421-428.

P. G. Kovalenko

Transient gene expression and total flavonoids production in the electroporated licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra L. suspension protoplasts

Summary

The bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene was expressed in licorice G. glabra L. suspension protoplasts by electroporation after introduction of the chimeric plasmid pDNt23-CaMV35S-nos-cat (pDNt23-root-specific and CaMV 35S promoters, nopaline synthase nos-terminator, and selectable NPT-II gene). Maximum of CAT activity in the licorice protoplasts was observed in 50 h after electroporation. Together with recent advances in the cell isolation and electroporation procedures, this system allows to study expression of the root-specific promoter introduced into the licorice cells. The level of total flavonoids production in 4 weeks culture was tested in the electroporated cell lines. Additionally, these electroporated cells were treated by elicitors (yeast extract and fungal bioextract). The total flavonoids production increased by 2-5 times in comparison with the non-electroporated licorice cells.