Expression of laccase in transgenic tobacco chloroplasts

Laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is a small group of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of a broad range of phenolic compounds including hazardous and recalcitrant pollutants in the environment. This study attempted to develop an efficient system for production of a recombinant laccase by chloroplast genetic transformation of tobacco. Chloroplast transformation vector was constructed and introduced into the tobacco chloroplast genome using particle bombardment. Chloroplast-transformed plants were subsequently regenerated. PCR and southern blot analyses confirmed stable integration of the laccase gene into the chloroplast genome. Northern blot analysis revealed that mRNA of the laccase gene was highly expressed in chloroplast-transformed plants.