Design of expression cassettes using the cry1Ba1 gene for potato (Solanum tuberosum l.) varieties

Abstract

The most serious insect pest problem in the potato crop in Colombia is the lepidopteran Tecia solanivora that causes significant economic losses. In this research, we designed expression cassettes based on the cry1Ba1 gene of Bacillus thuringiensis that could confer resistance to T. solanivora via the variety Pastusa Suprema. We selected the elements of the designed expression cassettes through an analysis of scientific literature and patent databases; the considered factors were the proteolytic activation of the Cry1Ba1 protoxin, modification of codonic use, polyadenylation signals, and cryptic splicing sites. We used a tissue-specific patatine promoter to reduce potential biosafety risks, because it is expressed only in the tuber. The freedom to operate analysis suggests that the commercial use of the designed expression cassettes in transgenic potato plants does not affect the rights of third parties in Colombia.