BG1 Polypeptide Expression for Maize Yield and Drought Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively increase yield and drought tolerance in plants, particularly in monocot crops like maize, due to limitations in genomic modification techniques and regulatory elements for expressing BG1 polypeptides.
Innovation Solution
The use of recombinant DNA constructs with regulatory elements operably linked to endogenous genomic loci encoding BG1 polypeptides, combined with targeted genetic modifications using CRISPR-Cas endonucleases and other genome editing techniques, to increase the expression and activity of BG1 polypeptides in plant cells, thereby enhancing yield and drought tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current genomic modification techniques are used, then yield increase is limited, but the complexity of developing effective modifications remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses BG1 polypeptides as intermediary molecules that mediate between genomic modifications and yield improvement. The BG1 polypeptide serves as a functional bridge that translates genetic modifications into phenotypic outcomes, specifically enhancing grain yield and drought tolerance through its biological activity in plant cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the expression levels and activity of BG1 polypeptides through various genomic techniques. By changing the concentration and activity parameters of BG1 polypeptide in plant cells, the patent achieves enhanced yield without requiring complete redesign of genomic modification approaches
2Productivity
If regulatory elements are added to increase BG1 polypeptide expression, then yield improves, but the complexity of construct design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs regulatory elements that serve multiple functions: they drive BG1 polypeptide expression, respond to environmental stimuli (particularly drought conditions), and can be integrated into existing genomic loci. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, simplifying overall construct design while maintaining high expression levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses regulatory elements that are pre-configured to respond to specific conditions (such as drought stress). These elements are designed in advance to automatically activate or enhance BG1 polypeptide expression when needed, eliminating the need for complex real-time control systems during plant growth
3Reliability
If targeted genetic modifications are made to increase BG1 polypeptide activity, then drought tolerance improves, but the precision required for modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making targeted modifications at specific genomic loci where BG1 polypeptide is encoded. Rather than attempting genome-wide modifications, the patent focuses precision efforts on specific genes and regulatory regions, thereby achieving drought tolerance through localized changes that are more manageable and precise
4Productivity
If genome editing techniques are used to modify endogenous polynucleotides, then yield potential increases, but the technical difficulty of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs CRISPR-Cas and other genome editing systems that are self-guiding through the use of guide RNAs that direct the editing machinery to specific genomic loci. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external guidance systems and simplifies the implementation process, making genome editing more accessible while maintaining high precision for yield improvement
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are compositions comprising polynucleotides encoding BG1 polypeptides. Also provided are recombinant DNA constructs, plants, plant cells, seed, grain comprising the polynucleotides, and plants, plant cells, seed, grain comprising a genetic modification at a genomic locus encoding a BG1 polypeptide. Additionally, various methods of employing the polynucleotides and genetic modifications in plants, such as methods for increasing BG1 level in a plant and methods for increasing yield of a plant and/or drought tolerance, are also provided herein.