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Molecular analysis of the expression of a crtB transgene and the endogenous psy2-y 1 and psy2-y 2 genes of cassava and their effect on root carotenoid content

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Abstract

A conventional breeding program was established to transfer the bacterial phytoene synthase transgene–crtB–from a transgenic, white-rooted cassava to yellow-rooted cassava plants carrying the endogenous phytoene synthase alleles named psy2-y 1 and/or psy2-y 2. Combining endogenous phytoene synthase enzymes (PSYs) with CRTB in a single cassava plant would allow the molecular dissection of individual allele contributions to carotenoid synthesis and/or accumulation in cassava roots. The simultaneous expression of the crtB transgene and psy2-y 2 in individuals planted in the field coincided with higher total, HPLC-quantified carotenoid content in roots, although the variability among replications (plants) precluded the detection of statistically significant differences. Nevertheless, the highest total carotenoid content in roots within a family coincided with one individual of the F1 progeny carrying both psy2-y 2 and crtB genes. The results also indicated the presence of at least one more key gene–different from psy or crtB—which too is necessary for the synthesis and/or accumulation of Pro-Vitamin A carotenoids in cassava roots.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to knowledge the support received from HarvestPlus’ (www.harvestplus.org) to develop research on cassava bio-fortification.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agrobiodiversity Research Area, International Center for Tropical Agriculture–CIAT, AA 6713, Cali, Colombia

    Paul Chavarriaga-Aguirre, Mónica Prías & Joe Tohme

  2. Syngenta S.A., Colombia, Calle 64 N #5BN-146, Local 104C, Edificio Centroempresa, Cali, Colombia

    Danilo López

  3. Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Darwin Ortiz

  4. Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia

    Nelson Toro-Perea

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  1. Paul Chavarriaga-Aguirre
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  2. Mónica Prías
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  3. Danilo López
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  4. Darwin Ortiz
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  5. Nelson Toro-Perea
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Correspondence to Paul Chavarriaga-Aguirre.

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Chavarriaga-Aguirre, P., Prías, M., López, D. et al. Molecular analysis of the expression of a crtB transgene and the endogenous psy2-y 1 and psy2-y 2 genes of cassava and their effect on root carotenoid content. Transgenic Res 26, 639–651 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11248-017-0037-y

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