DEVELOPMENT OF CASTOR WITH REDUCED TOXICITY AND EXPANDED MARKETS

Project Methods
In order to reduce ricin content in castor beans, we will use antisense gene technology to block ricin production. To this end, we have recently developed a method for genetically transforming castor, and this method forms the basis for our research approach in reducing ricin content. Based on literature reports, the ricin genes exist in castor as a gene family. We will thus conduct molecular identification and characterization of the potentially multiple ricin gene products and most importantly, with screening for maintenance of the high ricinoleate content of the oil from transgenic castor beans. Screening techniques for evaluating ricin levels in transgenic castor beans are being developed by a collaborator. Our approach also incorporates a traditional breeding component by another collaborator and evaluation by a third collaborator of potential uses of castor oil as a fuel additive for expanding use of biofuels. Documents Reimbursable with Texas Tech University. Log 19093.Formerly 5325-21000-006-01R (4/04).

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and Texas Tech University. Additional details of the research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS, 5325-21000- 012-00D, Developing a Domestic Source for Production of Ricinoleate and Other Industrial-use Fatty Acids. Profiling of castor oil biosynthesis The purpose of this project is to reduce the toxin content of castor using genetic technology and enhance uses of castor oil, in cooperation with a traditional breeder who has developed lower toxin lines of castor. The Albany researchers cloned a gene involved in oil biosynthesis. This funding also partially supported the effort of the Albany researchers in evaluating genes expressed in developing castor seed.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 10/01/00 to 09/14/05

Outputs
Progress Report 4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and Texas Tech University. Additional research details can be found in the report for the parent CRIS, 5325-21000-012- 00D, Developing a Domestic Source for Production of Ricinoleate and Other Industrial-use Fatty Acids. Profiling of castor oil biosynthesis The purpose of this project is to reduce the toxin content of castor using genetic technology and enhance uses of castor oil, in cooperation with a traditional breeder who has developed lower toxin lines of castor. The Albany researchers cloned a gene involved in oil biosynthesis. This funding also partially supported the effort of the Albany researchers in evaluating genes expressed in developing castor seed. The Texas Tech University Agreement (58-5325-1-0351) expired September 14, 2005 as per Charles Myers 8/1/2006.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and Texas Tech University. Additional details of the research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS, 5325-21000- 012-00D, Developing a Domestic Source for Production of Ricinoleate and Other Industrial-use Fatty Acids. The purpose of this project is to reduce the toxin content of castor using genetic technology and enhance uses of castor oil, in cooperation with a traditional breeder who has developed lower toxin lines of castor. The Albany researchers evaluated new vectors and an alternate transformation method, obtaining successful transient expression of introduced genes. Chemo-enzymatic methods developed as part of the oil analysis can be used to produce novel polymers, thus expanding potential uses for castor oil.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications