Plastid rRNA operon promoter elements for construction of chimeric promoters for transgene expression

Abstract

Prrn promoter elements for enhancing expression of heterologous molecules, including RNA and proteins in the plastids of higher plants are disclosed.

1 . An isolated nucleic acid sequence for promoting expression of heterologous molecules in the plastids of higher plants selected from the group of Prrn sequences having SEQ ID NOS: 4-30.  
     
     
         2 . The nucleic acid sequence of  claim 1  operably linked to a sequence encoding a heterologous molecule of interest or precursor thereof.  
     
     
         3 . A vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence of  claim 2 .  
     
     
         4 . A transgenic plant comprising the vector of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         5 . The sequence of  claim 1 , wherein expression of said heterologous molecule is increased relative to that observed using wild type Prnn sequence.  
     
     
         6 . The sequence of  claim 1 , wherein expression of said heterologous molecule is decreased relative to that observed using wild-type Prnn sequence.  
     
     
         7 - 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A chimeric promoter for expression of transgenes in plastids of higher plants, comprising at least one PTME operably linked to a promoter element selected from the group provided in Table I, said chimeric promoter being further operably linked to a sequence encoding a heterologous molecule of interest.  
     
     
         12 . The chimeric promoter of  claim 11  wherein said PTME is SEQ ID NO: 50 and the promoter is rbcl.  
     
     
         13 . The chimeric promoter of  claim 11  wherein said PTME is SEQ ID NO: 50 and the promoter is psbD.  
     
     
         14 . A vector comprising the sequence of  claim 11 .  
     
     
         15 . A plant comprising the vector of  claim 11 .  
     
     
         16 . A vector comprising the chimeric promoter of  claim 12 .  
     
     
         17 . A vector comprising the chimeric promoter of  claim 13.