Chimeric Bt Gene Stacks for Vegetable Crop Insect Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transgenic plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins primarily target larger field crops like corn and cotton, with limited commercialization in smaller vegetable crops, particularly lacking Lepidopteran-resistant vegetable Bt-plants, which are not deregulated or marketed.
Innovation Solution
Development of new chimeric genes encoding Cry1C, Cry1B, and Cry1D proteins, combined with a marker gene for resistance management, specifically designed for Brassicaceae plants like cauliflower and cabbage, to enhance insect resistance and allow for optimal product management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transgenic plants express Bt proteins targeting Lepidopteran pests, then insect resistance is improved, but commercialization is limited due to regulatory and market barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the cry1C gene sequence to create chimeric genes with optimized coding sequences that enhance protein expression levels and stability in transgenic plants. This includes optimizing codon usage and gene structure to improve Bt protein production, thereby strengthening insect resistance while maintaining commercial viability through superior performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If single Bt protein genes are expressed in plants, then insect control is achieved, but resistance development by pests occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Bt protein genes (cry1C, cry1B, cry1D) into single transgenic plant varieties, creating stacked gene configurations. This multi-gene approach targets different insect receptors and mechanisms, providing synergistic pest control while significantly delaying resistance development compared to single-gene approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite genetic constructs containing multiple insecticidal protein-encoding genes with different modes of action. These composite gene stacks function together to provide broader and more durable insect protection, analogous to using composite materials with multiple properties to solve complex problems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Bt proteins are expressed in vegetable crops, then pest damage is reduced, but regulatory approval and market deregulation are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes Bt protein expression to be tissue-specific and developmentally regulated in vegetable crops, ensuring protection where needed while minimizing potential concerns in non-target tissues. This localized expression strategy enhances pest control efficacy in edible portions while addressing regulatory and consumer concerns about food safety
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel gene sequences encoding insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strains. Particularly, new chimeric genes encoding a CryIC, CryIB or CryID protein are provided which are useful to protect plants from insect damage. Also included herein are plant cells or plants comprising such genes and methods of making or using them, as well as plant cells or plants comprising one of such chimeric gene and at least one other such chimeric genes.