Abstract
Membrane protein aquaporin showing high water permeability in various organisms is related to specific disease and physiological function.
Recently analysis of all genome of Koji fungi (Aspergillus oryzae) RIB40 strain was completed, which is important for traditional fermentation/brewing of Japan. Function analysis and establishment of expression system of aquaporin gene seem useful for functional improvement of Aspergillus oryzae. Therefore we show following studies:
1. Genes defined as aquaporin were isolated, and aquaporin expression by Xenopus oocyte was experimented on. These aquaporins showed extremely low water permeability from the coefficient of expansion of oocyte.
2. Using the Aspergillus oryzae mentioned above, establishment of experimental system of foreign aquaporin gene transformation was tried. The condition for expression of foreign gene in the transformed protoplasts is under study now. A result of foreign gene -expression in Aspergillus oryzae will be compared to the oocytes expression system.
