Molecular Functional Characterisation of MechlPPDK Promoter in Transgenic Tobacco

Chloroplastic pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) (chlPPDK) is a key enzyme in the photosynthesis of C4 plants. PPDK is expressed in high abundance in C4 plants but only in trace amounts in C3 plants. The existing research reveals a higher expression of MechlPPDK in cultivated cassava varieties than that in wild cassava W14. However, knowledge about the transcriptional regulation of the MechlPPDK gene in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is insufficient. Therefore, we aim to identify the transcription profile of MechlPPDK and the core promoter region of MechlPPDK. We cloned the MechlPPDK coding sequence and its 5′-flanking sequence from the cassava variety Ku50. A series of deletion constructions fused to a uidA reporter gene were performed in the 5′-flanking sequence and stably transformed into tobacco. We found that P1 (from −590 bp to +114 bp) had the highest promoter activity among P1 to P3. The 5′-flanking sequence of MechlPPDK responded differently to varied abiotic stresses. Our results will further the understanding of the regulation of MechlPPDK expression.