CRISPR Editing of IPT7 Gene for Crop Yield Improvement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breeding methods for increasing plant yield have plateaued, and transgenic approaches to modify hormone-related pathways have been unsuccessful in achieving significant yield improvements due to the complexity of yield traits and the limitations of transgene technology.
Innovation Solution
The use of CRISPR-Cas associated editing systems to introduce mutations in the Adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferase 7 (IPT7) gene in plants, allowing for precise modification of yield-related genes and pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transgenic approaches are used to modify hormone-related pathways, then yield improvement is attempted, but the approach fails to achieve significant yield improvements due to complexity of yield traits and limitations of transgene technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of gene modification approach from transgenic over/under-expression to precise genome editing with targeted mutations. This enables fine-tuning of hormone pathway genes (IPT7) to achieve consistent yield improvements by modifying specific amino acid sequences rather than relying on variable transgene expression levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/transgenic system with a precise molecular editing system (CRISPR-Cas9). This substitution allows direct modification of endogenous genes at the DNA level, providing reliable and reproducible yield improvements that transgenic approaches cannot achieve due to the complexity of yield traits
2Productivity
If traditional breeding methods are used to combine multiple small-effect genes, then yield increment is achieved, but research and development costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on a single critical gene (IPT7) within the complex yield trait system. By identifying and editing this specific gene responsible for cytokinin synthesis, the approach isolates a major yield component from the complex multigenic system, achieving significant yield improvements without the complexity of combining multiple small-effect genes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the yield improvement strategy by targeting specific functional regions within the IPT7 gene (exons encoding catalytic domains). This segmentation allows precise modification of key functional areas while maintaining overall gene structure, simplifying the breeding process compared to manipulating multiple genes
3Ease of manufacture
If simple over- or under-expression through transgene technology is used, then gene modification is achieved, but fine-tuning effect required for improving plant yield is not consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from binary transgene expression (on/off) to precise continuous modulation of endogenous gene expression through targeted point mutations. This enables fine-tuning of IPT7 enzyme activity by modifying specific amino acid residues, achieving consistent yield improvements with precise control over the degree of modification
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying a Adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferase 7 (IPT7) gene in plants to improve yield traits. The invention further relates to plants and plant parts produced using the methods and compositions of the invention.