Flower-specific gene expression directed by the promoter of a chalcone synthase gene from Gentiana triflora in Petunia hybrida.

摘要

For analysis of the promoter of a gene for chalcone synthase [naringenin-chalcone synthase] (GTCHS1) from Gentiana triflora, a cDNA was cloned for chalcone synthase (CHS) from a cDNA library of petals of Gentiana. Using the sequence of GTCHS1, the promoter region of GTCHS1 was cloned by the inverse polymerase chain reaction. The promoter was fused to a gene for beta-glucuronidase (GUS) [uidA] and the construct was introduced into Petunia hybrida. Measurements of the GUS activities of transformantsindicated that the GTCHS1 promoter strongly directed the expression of GUS in flower limbs, while the CaMV 35S promoter directed expression of the reporter gene in all tissues. Histochemical staining of GUS activity revealed that the GTCHS1 promoter strongly directed the expression of GUS in the inner epidermis, at sites where most of the anthocyanin accumulated. Sequence of the GTCHS1 promoter included a consensus sequence of the MYB protein-binding site, five consensus sequences of the MYC protein-binding site, one core sequence of a G-box and three P-box-like sequences.