Volume 6, Number 3, p.p. 133-136
Gene expression: Understanding and application
Philip J. Warner
Cranfield University at Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4DT, United Kingdom
Our current work is focused on three main objectives. One project, in collaboration with the University of Warwick, seeks to exploit the common mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, in "molecular pharming". In this work, we are developing gene transfer and gene expression such that the fungus is able to express the anti viral agent cyanovirin. Gene expression is also being used in work which aims to detect and understand the effects of endocrine disruptors. Changes in gene expression have been detected in white rot fungi when they are exposed to bisphenol and putative gene products which are upregulated have been identified. Parallel studies are now being undertaken in animal tissue, where changes in gene expression in testicular cell lines after exposure to bisphenol are being examined. Finally we are developing a DNA based detection system, in which environmental pollutants will be detected by means of their ability to interfere with receptor binding to DNA by molecules such as retinoid receptor protein
Keywords:
cell lines, endocrine disruptors, fungi, gene expression, molecular pharming