At. Carey et al., Down-regulation of a ripening-related beta-galactosidase gene (TBG1) in transgenic tomato fruits, J EXP BOT, 52(357), 2001, pp. 663-668
Exo-galactanase/beta -galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activity is thought to be
responsible for the loss of galactosyl residues from the cell walls of rip
ening tomatoes. Transgenic tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv.
Ailsa Craig) with reduced exo-galactanase/beta -galactosidase mRNA were gen
erated to test this hypothesis and to investigate the role of the enzyme in
fruit softening. A previously identified tomato beta -galactosidase cDNA c
lone, TBG1, was used in the experiments. Heterologous expression of the clo
ne in yeast demonstrated that TBG1 could release galactosyl residues from t
omato cell wall galactans. Transgenic plants showed a reduction in TBG1 mRN
A to 10% of normal levels in the ripening fruits. However, despite the redu
ction in message, total beta -galactosidase and exo-galactanase activities
were unaffected. Furthermore, there was no apparent effect on levels of cel
l wall galactosyl residues when compared with the control. It was concluded
that during the ripening of tomato fruits a family of beta -galactosidases
capable of degrading cell wall galactans are active and down-regulation of
TBG1 message to 10% was insufficient to alter the degree of galactan degra
dation.