Binary Cry34Ab/Cry35Ab Toxins for Corn Rootworm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling corn rootworms, such as those using Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) insecticidal proteins, face challenges with resistance development and the need for new, effective pest control agents that can target a wide spectrum of economically important insect pests.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel B.t. insecticidal protein binary toxins, comprising a potentiator protein and a toxin protein, which are lethal or stunting when administered in combination to coleopteran pests, including corn rootworms, and are more toxic in binary form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single Cry toxin proteins are used for insect control, then the control mechanism is simple, but resistance development occurs rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different Cry toxin proteins (Cry34Ab and Cry35Ab) into a binary toxin system. These proteins work synergistically where Cry34Ab binds to the insect gut receptor and Cry35Ab forms pores, creating a more complex control mechanism that prevents resistance development compared to single toxin proteins.
2Reliability
If multiple B.t. proteins are used to control resistance, then resistance development is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insecticidal function into two separate but complementary protein components (Cry34Ab and Cry35Ab). Each protein has a specific function (receptor binding and pore formation), and together they segment the toxic mechanism to reduce resistance while maintaining manageable system complexity through coordinated expression.
3Productivity
If synthetic organic chemical insecticides are used, then insect pest control is effective, but environmental damage and resistance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from chemical insecticides to biological insecticides by changing the fundamental parameter of the active ingredient from synthetic chemicals to naturally occurring B.t. proteins. This parameter change maintains pest control effectiveness while eliminating environmental damage and reducing resistance development associated with chemical insecticides.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention concerns new classes of insecticidally-active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these proteins. More specifically, insecticidal proteins of approximately 12-24 kDa and of approximately 12-14 kDa are used for controlling corn rootworms. The subject invention includes methods and transgenic plants for controlling Western Corn Rootworm and other coleopteran insects.