CENH3 CATD Domain Mutations for Non-Transgenic Haploid Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating haploid plants often require substantial modifications to the CENH3 protein or involve genetically engineered crops, which are economically and publicly undesirable due to concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Innovation Solution
Development of plants with a mutation in the CATD domain of the CENH3 protein, specifically in the loop1 or α2-helix, that confers haploid inducer activity without the need for transgenic modifications, allowing for non-transgenic methods such as mutagenesis or targeted genome editing to introduce specific amino acid substitutions or deletions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If substantial modifications to the CENH3 protein are made to generate haploid plants, then haploid induction efficiency is improved, but the complexity of genetic modification increases and public acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying specific amino acid residues in the CENH3 protein sequence. Instead of substantial modifications, the invention changes specific parameters (amino acid positions) within the CATD domain to achieve haploid induction. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high induction efficiency through targeted parameter changes rather than extensive genetic modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by focusing modifications specifically on the CATD domain of the CENH3 protein, particularly at specific amino acid positions. Rather than modifying the entire protein substantially, the invention makes localized changes to specific regions that are critical for haploid induction function, thereby reducing overall genetic modification complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Productivity
If transgenic modifications are used to create haploid inducer lines, then haploid plant generation is achieved, but public reluctance and economic problems arise due to GMO concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using naturally occurring point mutations in the CENH3 gene that can be induced through standard mutagenesis techniques. These mutations create haploid inducer lines without requiring transgenic DNA insertion, thereby avoiding GMO classification. The solution uses simple, naturally acceptable genetic variations rather than complex transgenic constructs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the plant's own endogenous CENH3 gene for modification. The haploid induction capability is achieved by mutating the plant's native centromeric histone H3 gene rather than introducing foreign transgenes. This self-modification approach eliminates the need for transgenic elements and avoids public concern about GMOs while maintaining the desired haploid generation capability.
3Reliability
If precise amino acid substitutions are introduced in the CENH3 protein, then specific haploid inducer activity is achieved, but the precision of genetic modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex precision genetic engineering methods with standard mutagenesis techniques followed by screening. Instead of using sophisticated tools to precisely edit specific amino acids, the invention uses conventional mutagenesis to create random mutations and then screens for the desired haploid induction phenotype, thereby achieving reliable activity without requiring high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a library of CENH3 mutants through mutagenesis before selecting those with haploid induction activity. This preliminary mutation step allows subsequent selection and characterization of specific amino acid substitutions that confer the desired function, achieving reliable haploid inducer activity without needing to precisely target specific residues from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to non-transgenic and transgenic plants, preferably crop plants, comprising a mutation causing an alteration of the amino acid sequence in the CATD domain of the centromere histone H3 (CENH3), preferably within the loop1 or the α2-helix of the CATD domain, which have the biological activity of a haploid inducer. Further, the present invention provides methods of generating the plants of the present invention and haploid and double haploid plants obtainable by crossing the plants of the present invention with wildtype plants as well as methods of facilitating cytoplasm exchange.

