Influence of Matrix Attachment Regions from Maize on Transgene Expression Level in Tobacco

The effect of matrix attachment regions (MARs) on foreign gene expression in transgenic plants was studied. The β_glucuronidase (GUS) gene ( uidA ) was flanked by the MARs isolated from the genome of maize to form plant expression vector. The vectors with and without MARs were transferred into tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) through Agrobacterium _mediated transformation procedure. GUS activity assays indicated that MARs could increase expression level of uidA gene. The mean GUS activity could be increased twofold as compared to that of transformants without MARs, and the highest GUS activity of transformant could reach tenfold. The correspondence between GUS activity and mRNA accumulation was positive and indicated that MARs could improve transcription of foreign gene.