Optimizing Human Acetylcholinesterase Production in Plants
Author Information
Author(s): Brian C. Geyer, Samuel P. Fletcher, Tagan A. Griffin, Michael J. Lopker, Hermona Soreq, Tsafrir Mor
Primary Institution: Arizona State University
Hypothesis
Codon usage differences may regulate gene expression at different levels.
Conclusion
The study shows that optimizing the codon usage and GC content of the human acetylcholinesterase gene significantly increases its accumulation in plants.
Supporting Evidence
- Codon usage optimization led to a 5 to 10 fold increase in enzyme accumulation.
- Both transient expression assays and stable transformants showed increased accumulation levels.
- The increase in enzyme levels was attributed to facilitated translation rather than increased mRNA levels.
Takeaway
Scientists changed the recipe for a human protein to make it easier for plants to make it, and the plants made a lot more of it.
Methodology
The study involved expressing the human acetylcholinesterase gene in transgenic plants with both native and optimized codon usage, followed by measuring enzyme accumulation levels.
Limitations
The study does not address potential effects of post-translational modifications on protein function.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website