Bacillus thuringiensis Polypeptides for Broad Lepidopteran Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genetically engineered crops provide limited resistance to a narrow range of insect pests, particularly those from the order Lepidoptera, and there is a need for biopesticides with broader insecticidal activity and improved specificity.
Innovation Solution
Development of nucleotide sequences encoding novel insecticidal peptides from Bacillus thuringiensis genes that encode pesticidal polypeptides with enhanced activity against a wider range of insect pests, including Lepidopterans, by modifying the nucleic acids to optimize expression in host plants and introducing specific mutations for improved stability and activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If genetically engineered crops produce pesticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, then insect resistance is improved, but the range of effective pest control remains narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Cry toxin gene sequences (Cry1Ea, Cry1E.1, Cry1E.2) into a single genetic construct that can be expressed in crop plants. This merging of multiple toxin-producing genes into one engineered system allows the plant to produce a spectrum of pesticidal proteins that collectively target multiple Lepidopteran pest species, thereby expanding the range of effective pest control while maintaining reliable insect resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The engineered crop plant is designed to perform multiple pesticidal functions simultaneously by expressing various Cry toxin proteins. This multi-functional approach enables a single genetically engineered crop to provide broad-spectrum protection against diverse Lepidopteran pests (including corn borer, armyworm, and caterpillars), making the solution universally applicable to multiple pest problems that would otherwise require different control strategies
2Productivity
If broad-spectrum chemical insecticides are used, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical insecticide application system with a biological system where the crop plant itself produces pesticidal proteins through genetic engineering. Instead of externally applying chemical insecticides, the plant is engineered to synthesize Cry toxin proteins endogenously, substituting a chemical control mechanism with a biological one that is inherently more environmentally friendly while maintaining pest control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The genetically engineered crop plant provides its own pest protection by producing pesticidal proteins internally. The plant serves its own defense needs by synthesizing Cry toxins that are active against Lepidopteran pests, eliminating the need for external chemical insecticide applications. This self-service approach reduces environmental hazards associated with chemical pesticide production, storage, and application
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the disclosure provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.