Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants expressing Aspergillus niger P-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) gene (BGL1) in different subcellular compartments [cell wall (Tcw), endoplasmic reticulum (Ter), and vacuole (Tvc)] were analyzed to study the effects of BGL1 localization on plant growth and plant-insect interaction. Transgenic and non-transgenic plants were grown and characterized in a greenhouse with 25/16 degrees C day/ night temperatures and natural sunlight. Plant insecticidal activity was analyzed with adult whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) in vial and cage experiments. Compared with wild-type controls, Ter and Tvc transgenic plants did not differ significantly in seed germination, plant growth rate, plant height, or flowering time. However, in Tcw seed germination and beginning of flowering were significantly delayed, and leaf area and plant fresh weight were significantly reduced. Transgenic plants had a marked insecticidal effect on whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and on Diptera spp. flies. The density of secretory glandular trichomes was significantly greater in transgenic than in wild-type leaves. This work indicates that hydrolysis of yet to be identified glycosides, may play an important role in plant insect resistance mechanism and plant trichome development. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Production of beta-glucosidase in Aspergillus niger B1 is subjected to catabolic repression by glucose. Aspergillus niger B1 grown on bran as a carbon source secreted beta-glucosidase. The maximum level of the enzyme was reached after 7 d of fermentation. Addition of 1% glucose to the medium suppressed beta-glucosidase production to undetectable levels. In this study, the organic synthesis of a potential inducer of beta-glucosidase production by A. niger B1's reported. Isopropyl-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside (IPTGlc) was synthesized using a two-step organic synthesis protocol. The H-NMR data agreed with those reported previously for the galactoside analog. When IPTGlc was added 24 h after inoculation at a final concentration of 0.4 mM, similar levels of beta-glucosidase were reached 3 to 4 d earlier as compared to fermentation without IPTGlc induction. In practice, this may translate to a more efficient method of producing beta-glucosidase from this fungus.