Transgenic maize endosperm containing a milk protein has improved amino acid balance

In order to meet the protein nutrition needs of the world population, greater reliance on plant protein sources will become necessary. The amino acid balance of most plant protein sources does not match the nutritional requirements of monogastric animals, limiting their nutritional value. In cereals...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Transgenic research 2008-02, Vol.17 (1), p.59-71
Main Authors: Bicar, Earl H, Woodman-Clikeman, Wendy, Sangtong, Varaporn, Peterson, Joan M, Yang, S. Samuel, Lee, Michael, Scott, M. Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino Acids - analysis
Animal Genetics and Genomics
Animals
Base Sequence
Biological and medical sciences
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedical Engineering/Biotechnology
Biotechnology
corn
DNA Primers - genetics
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetic Engineering
Genetic technics
grains
Lactalbumin - chemistry
Lactalbumin - genetics
Life Sciences
lysine
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Molecular Medicine
nutrition
Nutritive Value
Original Paper
Phenotype
Plant Genetics and Genomics
Plants, Genetically Modified
Swine - genetics
Transformation, Genetic
transgenes
Transgenic animals and transgenic plants
Transgenics
Zea mays
Zea mays - chemistry
Zea mays - genetics
Zein - analysis
α-Lactalbumin
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Summary:In order to meet the protein nutrition needs of the world population, greater reliance on plant protein sources will become necessary. The amino acid balance of most plant protein sources does not match the nutritional requirements of monogastric animals, limiting their nutritional value. In cereals, the essential amino acid lysine is deficient. Maize is a major component of human and animal diets worldwide and especially where sources of plant protein are in critical need such as sub-Saharan Africa. To improve the amino acid balance of maize, we developed transgenic maize lines that produce the milk protein α-lactalbumin in the endosperm. Lines in which the transgene was inherited as a single dominant genetic locus were identified. Sibling kernels with or without the transgene were compared to determine the effect of the transgene on kernel traits in lines selected for their high content of α-lactalbumin. Total protein content in endosperm from transgene positive kernels was not significantly different from total protein content in endosperm from transgene negative kernels in three out of four comparisons, whereas the lysine content of the lines examined was 29-47% greater in endosperm from transgene positive kernels. The content of some other amino acids was changed to a lesser extent. Taken together, these changes resulted in the transgenic endosperms having an improved amino acid balance relative to non-transgenic endosperms produced on the same ear. Kernel appearance, weight, density and zein content did not exhibit substantial differences in kernels expressing the transgene when compared to non-expressing siblings. Assessment of the antigenicity and impacts on animal health will be required in order to determine the overall value of this technology.
ISSN:0962-8819
1573-9368
DOI:10.1007/s11248-007-9081-3