Stichting Scheikundig Onderzoek in Nederland

Josephus Christianus Smeekens

Petrus Jacobus Weisbeek

Michael Johannes Ebskamp

Hendrikus Andrianus Geerts

The invention relates to a method for producing oligosaccharides, comprising selecting a gene which codes for an enzyme which is capable of converting sucrose into an oligosaccharide; linking the gene to suitable transcription-initiation and transcription-termination signals in order to provide an expression construct; transforming a suitable plant cell with the expression construct; transforming a suitable plant cell with the expression construct; regenerating a transgenic plant from the transformed plant cell; culturing the transgenic plant under conditions enabling the expression and activity of the enzyme; and isolating the oligosaccharides from the transgenic plant. The invention further relates to the product obtained by means of the method and to the use thereof, in addition to transgenic plants and parts thereof which are capable of producing oligosaccharides.

Production of oligosaccharides in transgenic plants

Method for obtaining transgenic plants showing a modified fructan pattern

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining transgenic plants showing a modified fructan pattern as compared to non-transformed plants, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a DNA construct comprising one or more fructosyltransferase genes, or modified versions thereof, being operably linked to a promoter sequence active in plants and a terminator sequence active in plants; b) transforming a plant cell with the construct; and c) regenerating a transgenic plant from the transformed plant cell. Preferably, the 5' untranslated region of the fructosyltransferase gene is modified such that the expression of the fructosyltransferase is not negatively affected. The DNA construct may also comprise a targeting sequence upstream from the fructosyltransferase gene for directing the fructosyltransferase to a specific plant tissue or plant cell compartment. The fructosyltransferases produced in the transgenic plants change the fructan pattern of the plants, thus leading to different plant performance due to altered sink-source relations and yield, increased tolerance for drought, cold or other stresses, higher dry matter content, better taste and storability, and improved nutritional value. The plants are also suitable for use as raw material for fructan production.

Growing community of inventors

Driebergen, Netherlands

Josephus Christianus Smeekens