Improvements in human health through production of human milk proteins in transgenic food plants

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Plants are particularly suitable bioreactors for the production of proteins, as their eukaryotic nature frequently directs the appropriate post-translational modifications of recombinant proteins to retain native biological activity. The autotrophic growth of plants makes this in vivo biosynthesis system economically competitive for supplementation or replacement of conventional production systems in the future. For the production of biologically active proteins, food plants provide the advantage of direct delivery via consumption of transformed plant tissues. Here we describe the production of recombinant human milk proteins in food plants for improvements in human nutrition and health, with emphasis on enhanced nutrition for non-breast fed infants as well as children and adults. Nutritional improvements in edible plants generated through advancements in recombinant DNA technology are rapidly repositioning the world for enjoyment of a more healthful diet for humans in all age groups.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChemicals via Higher Plant Bioengineering
Pages149-159
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-4615-4729-7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume464
ISSN (Print)0065-2598
ISSN (Electronic)2214-8019

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

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