Production and Expression Analysis of Transgenic Jatropha Overexpressing Nuclear Transcription Factor Y

Abstract

Jatropha is considered one of the most highly promising oilseed crops for sustainable biodiesel production, because it can grow in marginal and semi-marginal lands. However, a few blemishes, especially low productivity under drought conditions, restrict its uses. Five JcNF-YB1- overexpressed jatropha plants (#20, #27, #28, #29, #30) were successfully produced. The highest expression level was detected in #20 and the expression of drought-inducible genes, RD29B and RD17, as well as ER stress-related BiP3 gene, was highly induced in the transgenic jatropha under the non-stress condition. These results suggest that JcNF-YB1 is involved in the regulation of the three genes. The JcNF-YB6 gene was successfully identified, cloned, and sequenced, subsequently used for transformation to produce drought-tolerant transgenic jatropha. The putative JcNF-YB6 transgenic plantlets were developed in the shoot regeneration media. The JcNF-YB6 gene was induced by osmotic stress in non-transgenic jatropha, as well as RD17. The result suggests that the JcNF-YB6 gene is a good candidate to overexpress for improving drought tolerance of jatropha.