TuMV as an efficient transient vector for expressing heterologous proteins in Nicotiana tabacum and N. benthamiana

Abstract

Nowadays the production of recombinant proteins such as drugs and commercial protein compounds in plants is called molecular farming. It has some benefits such as fast and large quantity production of recombinant proteins with low cost. In this research, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was transiently expressed in two tobacco species via turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) derived vector, a virus which can infect a wide range of plant species. Florescence microscopy results indicated that TuMV could infect tobacco plants and accumulate GFP protein in plant leaves. In addition, RT-PCR, Dot-Blot and ELISA assays demonstrated the recombinant gene transcription, translation and stability. This is the first report of using TuMV-based viral vectors for producing recombinant proteins in tobacco. Optimized TuMV-based viral vectors could be used for producing recombinant proteins in tobacco.