Bizarre Transgene Idea?

[Patrick O'Neil]

On 15 Feb 1995, T. J. Murphy wrote:

> Problem:  I need massive quantities of a mammalian integral membrane protein.
> 	  Bacteria can't handle the protein.
> 
> Question: Could I make a transgenic tomato to overexpress my protein as a 
> 	  source for purification?  Has this been attempted?  Any pro's
> 	  or con's? 

I am not really well acquainted with plants, at least as far as for the 
purpose of an expression system, but I could suggest, assuming you haven't 
considered it yet for some reason, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae before 
going on to the more complex and difficult.

It's certainly quicker than a tomato, if there is nothing to prevent its 
expression or folding.