Fruit-specific Over-expression of LeEXP1 Gene in Tomato Alters Fruit Texture

Expansins are cellular proteins with diverse physiological functions. Expression of fruit-specific expansin gene in tomato is associated with fruit softening - a desirable trait from the processing point of view. In the present study, an expansin gene LeEXP1 was introduced via Agrobacterium tumefaciens in sense orientation under the control of a fruit-specific promoter LeACS4 with nptII gene as selection marker in Indian tomato cv Pusa Uphar. PCR detection and Southern blot analysis confirmed the integration of the transgene in the transformed tomato plants: RT-PCR and northern blot analysis using total RNA isolated from leaves and fruits confirmed over-expression of the LeEXP1 gene in transgenic fruits as compared to the wild type plants. Apart from the visual change in increased red colouration of fruits at different stages of ripening, overexpression of the LeEXP1 gene resulted in enhanced fruit softening, as determined by force required to rupture the fruit pericarp, in the transgenic fruits from breaker stage onwards as compared to the non-transformed wild type fruits. The results thus suggest an improvement in texture of the LeEXP1 over-expressing fruits, which might be useful for tomato processing industry.