Deoxyhypusine Synthase Gene Editing for Plant Senescence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a widely applicable solution for controlling programmed cell death, including senescence, caused by internal or external stress factors, which leads to significant losses in plant yields and perishable produce shelf life.
Innovation Solution
Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR-Cms1, and base editing, are used to disrupt the activity of deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) by targeting critical amino acid residues, reducing the activation of eIF-5A and subsequent senescence-related gene expression, thereby delaying senescence and enhancing stress tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If transgenic approaches are used to control senescence, then senescence can be delayed, but the method has drawbacks including complexity and regulatory concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and modifies the specific DHS gene sequence from the plant genome using genome editing technologies (CRISPR-Cas9, base editing), removing the need for complete transgenic approaches. This targets only the critical amino acid residues in DHS responsible for senescence regulation, simplifying the method while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by making precise, localized modifications to specific amino acid residues (e.g., Lys149, Lys329) within the DHS protein structure. These targeted changes affect only the senescence-related function of DHS while preserving other essential functions, thereby delaying senescence without the need for complex transgenic systems.
2Reliability
If genome editing is used to disrupt DHS activity, then senescence is delayed and stress tolerance is improved, but the risk of off-target effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying specific amino acid sequences in the DHS gene (e.g., changing Lys149 to Arg, Lys329 to Arg) rather than making large-scale genomic changes. These precise parameter modifications at the molecular level achieve the desired phenotypic effects with minimal risk of off-target impacts on other genomic regions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If deoxyhypusine synthase activity is reduced, then eIF-5A activation is decreased and senescence is delayed, but plant growth and development may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making site-specific modifications to amino acid residues in DHS that are critical for senescence regulation but less critical for overall protein synthesis. This selective modification approach delays senescence while preserving sufficient DHS activity to maintain normal plant growth and development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by reducing DHS activity to a level that is sufficient to delay senescence but not so severe as to impair essential cellular functions. The modifications create a partial reduction in DHS catalytic efficiency, achieving the desired senescence delay while maintaining adequate protein synthesis for healthy plant growth.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods of producing a plant with delayed senescence comprising inducing at least one nucleotide deletion, insertion or substitution into at least one copy of a gene encoding deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) in the plant, wherein the nucleotide deletion, insertion or substitution decreases the activity of DHS encoded by the gene in the plant. The invention also relates to plants produced by the methods and progeny thereof.