MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The Potential of Transgenic Hybrid Aspen Plants with a Recombinant Lac Gene from the Fungus Trametes hirsuta to Degrade Trichlorophenol

Summary

Scientists created genetically modified aspen trees that contain an enzyme from a fungus which breaks down toxic chlorophenol chemicals in soil. These transgenic trees were much more effective at removing these harmful pollutants than regular trees. Three of the modified tree lines worked well without causing problems for the plants themselves, suggesting they could be used to clean up contaminated soil in polluted areas.

Background

Phenolic compounds and chlorophenols are major environmental pollutants from industrial sources, disinfection processes, and pesticide use. 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) is particularly hazardous due to its resistance to natural degradation and carcinogenic/mutagenic properties. Laccases from white rot fungi have demonstrated potential for biodegrading these toxic compounds.

Objective

To develop transgenic hybrid aspen plants expressing a recombinant laccase gene (Lac) from Trametes hirsuta and evaluate their ability to degrade 2,4,6-TCP for potential use in soil phytoremediation. The study aimed to assess whether the transgenic construct would negatively impact plant metabolism and growth.

Results

Five transgenic lines successfully expressed the recombinant Lac gene and protein. All transgenic plants degraded 2,4,6-TCP more effectively (92-98% efficiency) than non-transformed controls (82% efficiency), with line 47Lac8 showing 16% superior degradation. Line 47Lac4 with highest gene expression was non-viable, but three lines (47Lac5, 47Lac8, 47Lac23) showed no significant adverse effects on wood biochemistry or growth.

Conclusion

Three transgenic aspen lines carrying the Lac gene from T. hirsuta demonstrated effective 2,4,6-TCP degradation without detrimental effects on plant phenotype and can be recommended for soil phytoremediation. The transgenic plants maintained Lac gene expression in roots ex vitro, supporting potential environmental application, though field studies are needed.
  • Published in:Genes (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMC11942117, PMID: 40149450
Scroll to Top