Abstract:

cDNA encoding caffeoyl CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) from Chinese white poplar ( Populus tomentosa Carr.) was cloned by RT-PCR and sequenced. Northern analysis displayed that the CCoAOMT was expressed specifically in the developing secondary xylem and its expression was coincident with lignification. The antisense CCoAOMT cDNA was transformed into P. tremula×P. alba mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith et Townsend) Conn. Transgenic plants were identified with PCR, PCR-Southern and Southern analysis. Lignin content in 5- to 6-month-old transgenic plants was measured. One of the transgenic lines had significant reduction of 17.9% in Klason lignin content as compared with that of untransformed poplar. The results demonstrate that antisense repression of CCoAOMT is an efficient way to reduce lignin content for improving pulping property in engineered trees.

毛白杨COMT 基因cDNA的克隆、序列与特异性表达分析
魏建华 赵华燕 卢善发 王台 马庆虎 宋艳茹*

（中国科学院植物研究所，北京100093）
关键词： 毛白杨；COMT 基因RT-PCR；特异性表达

Key words: RT-PCR, Populus tomentosa , CCoAOMT, antisense RNA, lignin