Transformation and expression of DGAT1-2 gene and its effect on the oil content of super-high oil corn

Objective Triacylgycerol (TAG) is the main oil ingredient of oil-bearing crops. Diacylgycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is the sole crucial rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis process of triacylgycerol. The effect of DGAT gene on the oil content of super-high oil corn was investigated to improve the oil content of super-high oil corn.

Method DGAT1-2 gene was transferred into super-high oil corn inbred lines by pollen-tube-pathway. Transgenic plants were obtained through screening with PCR among T₁ generation potted plants at the 5-6-leaf stage. Transgenic plants were verified by Southern-blotting. The average oil content of transgenic T₂ seeds was analyzed by the t-test.

Result and conclusion One hundred and sixty-three putative transgenic plants were obtained through screening with PCR among a large number of T₁ generation potted plants at the 5-6-leaf stage. Twenty-nine transgenic plants were verified by Southern-blotting. The average transformation rate was 1. 44%. The seeds of 10 transgenic T₂ plants were harvested by self-pollination. The average oil content of transgenic T₂ seeds was significantly higher than that of the non-transgenic plants by the t-test (P < 0. 01), with the increase rate being 6. 19%. The results provide a new practical and effective approach to improve the oil content of super high oil corn.