DEVELOPMENT OF SYNTHETIC TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS FOR SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS ENHANCEMENT IN CACAO
Authors: Rahman M. Z. A.1*, Jainuddin H.1, Abdullah M. F.1, Daud A. B.1, Fisal A.2, Mohtar N. S.3, Lea J.1, Norasekin T.1, Ishak Z.2 and Alias A. D.1
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 16/2024
Keywords: LEAFY COTYLEDON 2, artificial transcription factor, molecular dynamics simulation, protein modelling
Published On: 1/10/2024
Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis is a crucial biotechnological approach for mass propagation of cacao (Theobroma cacao) plants. However, achieving high efficiency and reproducibility in somatic embryogenesis remains a challenge and limits its full industrial application for commercial scale propagation. Attempts have been made to enhance somatic embryogenesis in cacao by the overexpression of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC2) gene in transgenic cacao tissue by promoting the transition of somatic cacao cells from the vegetative to embryonic state. The works on these transcription factors have shown very promising results and provide confirmation that transcription factors can be used to enhance SE without compromising plant development. With the emergent technology of bio-mimicry and protein engineering, a new synthetic transcription factor associated with cell reprogramming could be developed to induce somatic embryogenesis in cacao. In this study, we have demonstrated that the DNA binding domain of peptide-based synthetic transcription factors ranging from 13-100 amino acids could be engineered and have the ability to bind at the targeted DNA binding site as a natural counterpart of the LEC2 transcription factor. The newly developed synthetic transcription factor would offer additional advantages as opposed to the conventional counterpart in terms of its robustness, cost of production and ease of cell delivery without undergoing “transgenic-event” and eliminate the risk of GMO generation.