Nicotiana Cavicola As a Host for Production of Recombinant Proteins by Agrobacterium-mediated Transient Gene Expression

Aim. To analyze a novel plant species as a host for obtaining recombinant proteins via transient gene expression. Methods. Agrobacterium -mediated transient gene expression, protein analysis, statistical data processing. Results. N. cavicola plants demonstrate good biotechnological characteristics; they are susceptible to agrobacterial infection and plant viruses. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and human interferon alpha were produced in N. cavicola after transient gene expression using two different vector systems. The level of recombinant proteins de-pended on the gene and the system used. GFP content reached 6.0 % and 12.6 % TSP (0.44 mg/g FW). The interferon antiviral activity of the leaf extracts was 840 IU/g FW and 1710 IU/g FW. Conclusion. Here we propose N. cavicola species as a novel host for obtaining recombinant proteins which can be used as an alternative to the N. benthamiana host.