Modification of Milk Composition via Transgenesis: The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Regulating Transgene Expression

Abstract

Altering milk composition via transgenesis depends on three main factors. (1) The availability of an efficient regulatory sequences for targeting transgene(s) to the mammary gland; (2) a reliable in vitro model to test the expression of transgenes prior to their introduction to the animal genome; and (3) better understanding of the major factors which determine the rate of gene expression and protein synthesis. The current studies provide the necessary means and knowledge to alter milk protein composition via transgenesis. The following specific goals were achieved: a: Identifying regulatory regions in the b-lactoglobulin (BLG) gene and the cross-talk between elements which enabled us to construct an efficient vector for the expression of desirable cDNA's in the mammary gland. b: The establishment of a sheep mammary cell line that serves as a model for the analysis of endogenous and exogenous milk protein synthesis in the mammary gland of livestock. c: An accurate comparison of the potency of the 5' regulatory sequences from the BLG and whey acidic protein (WAP) promoters in directing the expression of human serum albumin (HSA) to the mammary gland in vitro and in vivo. In this study we have also shown that sequences within the coding region may determine a specific pattern of expression for the transgene, distinct from that of the native milk protein genes. d: Characterizing the dominant role of ECM in transgene expression in mammary epithelial cells. e: Further characterization of the BCE-1 enhancer element in the promoter of the b-casein gene as a binding site for the c/EBP-b and Stat5. Identifying its interaction with chromatin and its up regulation by inhibitors of histone deacetylation. f: Identifying a mechanism of translational control as a mediator for the synergistic effect of insulin and prolactin on protein synthesis in the mammary gland.