Abstract
Promoters are regions of DNA that initiates transcription of genes. A number of promoters have been identified that confer high level of expression of heterologous genes in transgenic plants. Some promoters have constitutive expression as they are active in all circumstances in the cell, while others are regulated, becoming active in certain cell or in response to specific stimuli. Despite the availability of tissue- and organ-specific promoters, most transgene expressions in Cassava are driven by constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus promoter. This paper examines the availability of promoters for transgene expression in plants, assesses the use of promoters for transgene expression in Cassava and establishes the need for tissue- and organ-specific promoters for expression of heterologous genes in Cassava.
Highlights
Promoters are regions of DNA that initiates transcription of genes
An effective use of conventional breeding strategies for cassava improvement is curtailed by numerous metabolic pathways and gene networks involved in the crop’s essential metabolism such as biosynthesis of starch and postharvest physiological deterioration [3,7]
Genetic engineering is suitable for cassava improvement against biotic and abiotic stresses because gene segregation through outcrossing is limited since cassava is vegetatively propagated by stem cuttings
Summary
A number of promoters have been identified that confer high level of expression of heterologous genes in transgenic plants including cassava. Visser et al [18] successfully employed potato GBSS promoter fragment of 800 bp to drive high levels of reporter gene expression in both stolons and tubers, with little to no activity in leaves.
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