Mutant genes of plant tubulins as selective marker genes for genetic engineering

Abstract

This review describes different approaches to employment of new marker genes in selection of transformed plant cells, which are based on the use of mutant tubulin genes from natural plant biotypes and, in prospect, induced plant mutants. The results of studies of plant (biotypes, mutants) resistance to herbicides with antimicrotubular mode of action at molecular and cellular levels were summarized. The reports on the transfer and expression of mutant tubulin genes conferring resistance to amiprophosmethyl (phosphorothioamidate herbicide) and trifluralin (dinitroaniline herbicide) from corresponding Nicotiana plumbaginifolia mutants in related and remote plant species by somatic hybridization methods were analyzed. The results of experiments on transformation of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants by mutant α-tubulin gene conferring resistance to dinitroanilines are described to test the possibility of its use as a marker gene and simultaneously obtaining dinitroaniline-resistant plants.