核基质结合区与转基因植物的基因表达

Nuclear matrix attachment regions and transgene expression in plants

核基质结合区(matrixattachmentregions,MARs)是真核细胞染色质中能与核基质结合的一段DNA序列.当MARs位于外源基因两侧时,能够使转基因植株高效、稳定表达,说明MARs是消除植物转基因沉默的一条可行途径.本文综述了MARs的研究进展,认为MARs的研究与利用对获得高效、稳定的转基因禾谷类作物具有重要的意义.

Matrix attachment regions (MARs) are operationally defined as DNA elements that bind specifically to the nuclear matrix in vitro. It is possible, although unproven, that they also mediate binding of chromatin to the nuclear matrix in vivo and alter the topology of the genome in interphase nuclei. When MARs are positioned on both sides of a transgene their presence usually results in higher and more stable expression in transgenic plants or cell lines, most likely by minimizing gene silencing. This paper reviews the research progress of MARs and believes that the exploitation of MARs may be an important strategy for stabilising transgene expression levels in genetically engineered cereals.Key words: matrix attachment region; transgene; gene expression; gene regulation