BG1 Polypeptide Recombinant DNA Constructs for Maize Yield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively increase yield and improve drought tolerance in plants, particularly in maize, due to limitations in genetic modification techniques and understanding of plant-specific gene families like BG1.

Innovation Solution

Introduction of recombinant DNA constructs with regulatory elements operably linked to polynucleotides encoding BG1 polypeptides, specifically targeting maize to enhance yield and drought tolerance by increasing BG1 activity, utilizing sequences at least 90% identical to provided amino acid sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current genetic modification techniques are used, then yield increase is limited, but the complexity of developing effective modifications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveyieldVSAvoidgenetic modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the complex genetic modification process by identifying and targeting specific gene families (BG1, BG2, BG3) that control yield-related traits. Instead of attempting comprehensive genome modification, the patent focuses on modifying specific genes within these families, breaking down the complex problem into manageable genetic targets that can be addressed individually through targeted mutagenesis or gene editing approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes genetic parameters by introducing specific mutations or modifications to BG1/BG2/BG3 gene sequences that alter their expression patterns or protein function. This involves changing nucleotide sequences, amino acid compositions, or regulatory elements of these genes to achieve desired yield increases while avoiding the need for complex multi-gene modification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If current methods are used to improve drought tolerance, then effectiveness is limited, but the time and resources required for development increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrought toleranceVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by pre-identifying BG1/BG2/BG3 gene family members that are associated with drought tolerance through sequence analysis and homology searches. By preparing targeted modification strategies for these specific genes before field testing, the patent reduces the time required for developmental iterations and accelerates the breeding process for drought-tolerant varieties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses copying by identifying and utilizing homologous sequences from related plant species to design modification strategies for BG1/BG2/BG3 genes. By copying successful genetic modifications or regulatory elements from drought-tolerant species and adapting them to target crops, the patent reduces development time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If yield is increased through genetic modification, then kernel row numbers increase, but the precision of controlling specific traits decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield per hectareVSAvoidtrait control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by targeting specific BG1/BG2/BG3 gene family members that are responsible for particular yield components such as kernel row number, kernel number per row, or test weight. By modifying individual genes within these families rather than applying blanket modifications, the patent can precisely control specific traits while achieving overall yield increases, maintaining trait control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments yield into controllable components by associating specific BG1/BG2/BG3 genes with specific yield traits. This allows the patent to modify genes that control kernel row number independently from those controlling other traits, enabling precise manipulation of individual yield components to achieve targeted improvements without compromising overall trait control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230357787A1Compositions and methods for improving grain yield in plants
Publication Date: 2023.11.09 PIONEER HI BREED INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US20230357787A1 patent drawing
  • US20230357787A1 patent drawing
  • US20230357787A1 patent drawing

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 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, nutrient utilization efficiency and/or drought tolerance, are also provided herein.