Exploring the potential role of EPSPS mutations for enhanced glyphosate resistance in Nicotiana tabacum

TL;DR

This study shows that modifying a specific gene in tobacco can make plants more resistant to glyphosate, a common herbicide.

Contribution

The novel contribution is the engineering and testing of two EPSPS gene variants in tobacco to enhance glyphosate resistance.

Findings

Overexpression of TIPS-NtEPSPS allows tobacco plants to tolerate up to four times the standard glyphosate dose.

TIPS-NtEPSPS mutant shows potential for improving herbicide resistance in crops.

Engineered EPSPS variants were overexpressed under the CaMV35S promoter in tobacco.

Abstract

Glyphosate is a widely used non-selective, broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide by interfering with the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. However, the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds has driven the need for enhanced herbicide resistance in crops. In this study, we engineered two mutant variants of the tobacco EPSPS gene through amino acid substitution (TIPS-NtEPSPS and P180S-NtEPSPS). These mutated EPSPS genes were overexpressed in tobacco under the control of CaMV35S promoters. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of TIPS-NtEPSPS significantly enhances glyphosate tolerance, allowing plants to withstand up to four times the recommended dose without compromising their fitness. This research highlights the potential of the TIPS-NtEPSPS mutant to improve herbicide resistance in tobacco, offering a viable approach for effective weed management.

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