DHS Gene Editing for Delayed Plant Senescence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling programmed cell death and senescence in plants, including senescence induced by environmental stress, are inefficient and often rely on transgenic approaches that introduce foreign DNA, leading to potential loss of expression and other disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
Genome editing technologies such as CRISPR, TALEN, and ARCUS are used to introduce deletions, insertions, or substitutions in the hypervariable region of the deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) protein, reducing its activity and thereby controlling senescence and enhancing plant traits like extended shelf life and stress tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transgenic approaches are used to control senescence, then gene expression control is achieved, but foreign DNA introduction causes potential loss of expression and other disadvantages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and modifies the endogenous DHS gene sequence directly within the plant genome, removing the need to introduce foreign transgenic DNA. By targeting and altering the native gene (e.g., introducing point mutations, small insertions, or deletions in the coding region), the invention achieves reliable gene expression control while avoiding the harmful effects associated with foreign DNA integration and expression loss.
2Reliability
If genome editing is used to modify DHS genes, then senescence control and stress tolerance are enhanced, but gene modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making targeted, site-specific modifications to the DHS gene sequence rather than comprehensive genome editing. Specific regions of the gene (such as particular codons or regulatory elements) are modified to achieve the desired senescence control and stress tolerance effects, while the rest of the genome remains unchanged. This localized approach reduces overall modification complexity while maintaining effective senescence control.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If DHS activity is reduced to delay senescence, then shelf life and stress tolerance are extended, but plant development processes may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reducing DHS activity to a moderate level rather than completely eliminating it. The gene modifications are designed to decrease but not abolish DHS function, allowing sufficient enzyme activity to maintain normal plant development processes while achieving the desired delay in senescence and extension of shelf life. This partial reduction balances the competing requirements of extended durability and normal development.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to methods of producing a plant with delayed senescence comprising 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 disclosure also relates to plants produced by the methods described herein and progeny thereof.