STABLE EXPRESSION OF MAIZE AUXIN-BINDING PROTEIN IN INSECT-CELL LINES

To achieve continuous expression of the major maize auxin-binding prot ein (ABP1) in insect cells, the ABP1 gene coding region was placed und er control of a baculovirus immediate-early gene promoter and transfec ted into Spodoptera frugiperda da Sf9 cells. The ABP1 gene was detecte d in twelve cell lines, one of which was selected for detailed analysi s, Immunolocalisation demonstrated that ABP1 was targeted to and retai ned in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in accordance with its signal p eptide and carboxy-terminal KDEL ER-retention signal, We discuss the a dvantages of stable-transformation over transient expression systems f or characterising proteins targeted to the secretory system of insect cells.