Alpha-CMV Allele Confers CMV Resistance in Spinach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinach cultivars lack a characterized genetic basis for resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), relying on phenotypic assays for resistance identification, and there are no known molecular markers for CMV resistance in spinach.
Innovation Solution
Identification of a CMV resistance allele, alpha-CMV, located at the same locus as Peronosporafarinosa f. sp. spinaciae resistance alleles, which encodes a CC-NBS-LRR protein with specific motifs, allowing for molecular tools to confer resistance to CMV in spinach plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phenotypic assays are used to identify CMV resistance in spinach, then resistance can be detected, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring screening of many accessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/phenotypic assay system with a molecular detection system. Specifically, it uses DNA sequencing to identify the alpha-CMV allele and molecular markers (SNPs, SSRs) to detect resistance, substituting physical disease symptom observation with genetic analysis. This allows resistance identification at the molecular level without requiring time-consuming phenotypic screening in disease tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary genetic characterization to identify the alpha-CMV allele and linked molecular markers before phenotypic testing. By establishing molecular markers (such as SNPs and SSRs) that are closely linked to the resistance allele, the system enables preliminary screening and selection of resistant plants at the DNA level, avoiding the need to grow and test numerous accessions under disease conditions.
2Productivity
If molecular markers are developed for CMV resistance, then resistance identification becomes more efficient, but the complexity of molecular analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific molecular markers (SNPs, SSRs) that are closely linked to the alpha-CMV resistance allele from the complex genome. By identifying and isolating these specific marker loci, the system enables targeted molecular analysis rather than whole-genome sequencing, simplifying the detection process while maintaining high screening efficiency. The markers serve as proxies for the resistance allele, making detection straightforward.
3Loss of information
If the genetic basis of CMV resistance is characterized, then molecular tools for resistance identification become available, but the initial research and development time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary genetic research to fully characterize the alpha-CMV allele, including its nucleotide sequence, amino acid sequence, and linkage to molecular markers. This upfront investment in genetic characterization creates a reusable knowledge base and diagnostic toolset that can be applied indefinitely for resistance identification, eliminating the need for repeated research efforts and enabling long-term efficient screening programs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an allele designated alpha-CMV which confers resistance to CMV when present in a spinach plant, wherein the protein encoded by said allele is a CC-NBS-LRR protein that comprises in its amino acid sequence: a) the motif "MAEIGYSVC" at its N-terminus; and b) the motif "KWMCLR"; and c) an LRR domain that has in order of increased preference at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence similarity to SEQ ID No:10. The allele has a genomic nucleotide sequence which in order of increased preference has at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%,85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence similarity to SEQ ID No:1. The invention further relates to plants comprising the allele and to various methods involving the allele.