Microspore-specific regulatory element
AssigneePioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
InventorsChris Baszczynski, Eric Barbour, Brian Miki, Jiro Hattori
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Abstract
A novel DNA regulatory element that confers microspore-specific gene expression has been discovered, isolated, and characterized. The microspore-specific regulatory element can be used to control the expression of a foreign gene that disrupts the function of microspores. Thus, the control of pollen production can be achieved by using the microspore-specific regulatory element to produce male-sterile plants. Various methods can be used to restore male fertility in the F1 generation of such male-sterile plants. In addition, the microspore-specific regulatory element can be used to confer resistance to viral and insect pests.
Claims19
An isolated DNA molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
- 8, wherein said DNA molecule is a microspore-specific regulatory element.
A method of producing a male-sterile plant, comprising:
- (a) constructing an expression vector comprising a microspore-specific regulatory element, a promoter, and a foreign gene, wherein said microspore-specific regulatory element comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
- 8,
- wherein said microspore-specific regulatory element in conjunction with said promoter control the expression of said foreign gene, and wherein the product of said foreign gene disrupts the function of microspores, thereby producing a male-sterile plant.
A method for restoring fertility of a male-sterile hybrid plant, comprising treating the male-sterile hybrid plant with flavonol aglycone, wherein said male-sterile plant comprises an expression vector comprising (i) a microspore-specific regulatory element, (ii) a promoter, and (iii) a foreign gene, wherein said microspore-specific regulatory element comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
- 8, wherein said microspore-specific regulatory element in conjunction with said promoter control the expression of said foreign gene, and wherein said foreign gene expresses chalcone synthase antisense RNA, thereby producing flavonol-deficient microspores.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.