Targeting a heterologous protein to multiple plant organelles via rationally designed 5' mRNA tags

Plant bioengineers require simple genetic devices for predictable localization of heterologous proteins to multiple subcellular compartments. We designed novel hybrid signal sequences for multiple-compartment localization and characterize their function when fused to GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana lea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of biological engineering 2013-09, Vol.7 (1), p.20-20, Article 20
Main Authors: Voges, Mathias J, Silver, Pamela A, Way, Jeffrey C, Mattozzi, Matthew D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative splicing
Biosynthesis
Biotechnology
Cell organelles
Chlorophyll
Chloroplasts
Design
Genes
Genetic aspects
Messenger RNA
Microscopy
Nicotiana benthamiana
Peptides
Physiological aspects
Plant proteins
Proteins
RNA sequencing
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Summary:Plant bioengineers require simple genetic devices for predictable localization of heterologous proteins to multiple subcellular compartments. We designed novel hybrid signal sequences for multiple-compartment localization and characterize their function when fused to GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue. TriTag-1 and TriTag-2 use alternative splicing to generate differentially localized GFP isoforms, localizing it to the chloroplasts, peroxisomes and cytosol. TriTag-1 shows a bias for targeting the chloroplast envelope while TriTag-2 preferentially targets the peroxisomes. TriTag-3 embeds a conserved peroxisomal targeting signal within a chloroplast transit peptide, directing GFP to the chloroplasts and peroxisomes. Our novel signal sequences can reduce the number of cloning steps and the amount of genetic material required to target a heterologous protein to multiple locations in plant cells. This work harnesses alternative splicing and signal embedding for engineering plants to express multi-functional proteins from single genetic constructs.
ISSN:1754-1611
1754-1611
DOI:10.1186/1754-1611-7-20