Transformation With a JrVTE1 Gene for Tocopherol Cyclase Increasing the Content Of Total Tocopherol in Sour Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.var. spinosus Hu.)

Abstract

Tocopherol cyclase (VTE1) plays a key role in promoting the production of tocopherol and increasing vitamin E content in plants. JrVTE1 gene isolated and cloned from walnut was transformed into genome of sour jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosus Hu.) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Putative transgenic lines were checked by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The content of tocopherol of the transgenic plants were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Compared to the non-transgenic sour jujube plants, the total content of tocopherol in transgenic plants was markedly increased in all tested tissues including the stems and leaves.