Tissue-specific histochemical localization of iron and ferritin gene expression in transgenic indica rice Pusa Basmati (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

We have shown that histochemical analysis is a powerful tool and can be used for preliminary screening of transgenic lines with high iron content (qualitatively) to select the desired line for further analysis. The method revealed the tissue-specific nature of expression of transgene ferritin, and temporal and spatial deposition of iron in the rice grains. This technique does not require antibody or radiolabelled probe. Previously, iron content of grains was measured only by chemical analysis. But this method is beset by technical problems when dealing with a large germplasm screening and limited amounts of sample materials. It has also been reported that iron content could vary widely among rice genotypes. The histochemical technique can easily be used in large germplasm screenings to select the right background material for genetic engineering or for breeding programmes.