DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF THE SESBANIA-ROSTRATA LEGHEMOGLOBIN GLB3 GENE PROMOTER IN TRANSGENIC LEGUME AND NON-LEGUME PLANTS

The involvement of the Sesbania rostrata glb3 gene promoter NICE (nodu le-infected cell expression) element in root-enhanced expression of 5' -Srglb3-uidA-3'nos chimeric gene was investigated in transgenic Nicoti ana tabacum plants. The full-length wild-type Srglb3 promoter directed root meristem-enhanced expression in transgenic tobacco plants. The e xpression pattern of nine selected Srglb3 promoter mutations in the NI CE element was examined in transgenic tobacco plants and compared with the pattern observed in nodules of transgenic Lotus corniculatus plan ts. The results suggest that the highly conserved motifs in the NICE e lement play an important role in expression in roots of non-legume pla nts.