Expression Of Arabidopsis Thaliana Endo-1,4-Beta-Glucanase (Cel1) In Transgenic Poplar Plants.

The isolation of an elongation-specific endo-l,4-beta-glucanase-cel1 from Arabidopsis thaliana was made possible by the fact that considerable homology exists between different endo-1,4-beta-glucanase (EGase) genes from different plants. The A. thaliana cell cDNA gene was cloned and found to encode a 54-kDa protein. Northern blot analysis of cell suggested its developmental regulation. RNA transcripts were undetectable in fully expanded leaves as well as at the basal internode of flowering stems. However, a strong transcript signal was detected in the elongating zone of flowering stems. Transgenic poplar plants expressing cell gene under CaMV 35S promoter, had significantly longer internodes as well as longer fiber cells. These results further substantiate the link between cell expression and plant cell elongation.