Gemini virus vectors for gene expression in plants
US6392121B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/804
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A gene amplification system based on plant viral genetic elements dramatically increases foreign protein production in plants. A safer and more economical production system for vaccines and antibodies in recombinant plants grown using agricultural practice is described. The high-level expression system uses the replicative process of a plant mastrevirus, exemplified by bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV). The expression system is preferably inducible to avoid interference with plant growth and development. Developmental cues, such as fruit ripening, are employed to trigger expression of the foreign protein using a tissue-specific promoter. A single, stably integrated expression cassette for foreign protein is replicated extrachromosomally in ripening fruit, forming hundreds of transcriptionally competent copies. Preferred plant hosts include tomato as a model system and soybean for production of large quantities of protein at high total protein levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.