DIG-17 Insecticidal Cry Toxins for Coleopteran Pest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Cry proteins used in transgenic plants for pest control are not entirely effective against coleopteran insects, as they can lead to incomplete larval control and the development of resistant insect populations, necessitating the need for new modes of action to maintain long-term durability in insect pest management.
Innovation Solution
Development of the DIG-17 insecticidal Cry protein toxin, which can be used alone or in combination with other Cry proteins, and integrated with RNAi methodologies to control coleopteran and lepidopteran pest populations, including the use of transgenic plants expressing these toxins to prevent resistance development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current Cry proteins are used in transgenic plants for pest control, then grain yield is protected, but insect resistance develops and larval control becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insect control strategy into multiple segments by combining Cry proteins with different modes of action (Cry1Ab for lepidopteran control and Cry3A for coleopteran control) along with Vip3A protein. This segmentation ensures that resistance to one toxin does not confer resistance to others, maintaining reliable control effectiveness while preventing resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite insecticidal system by integrating multiple toxin-encoding genes (Cry1Ab, Cry3A, Vip3A) into transgenic plants. This composite approach combines proteins with different target specificities and modes of action, ensuring that insects cannot easily develop resistance to the entire system while maintaining effective control across different pest species.
2Productivity
If single-mode Cry proteins are deployed, then initial pest control is effective, but resistant insect populations emerge over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pest control strategy by expressing multiple toxin genes (Cry1Ab, Cry3A, Vip3A) that target different insect physiological pathways. This dynamic system adapts to prevent resistance by engaging multiple modes of action simultaneously, ensuring both high initial productivity and long-term durability against evolving pest populations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the biochemical parameters of the insecticidal system by incorporating proteins with different molecular mechanisms: Cry1Ab targets lepidopteran gut receptors, Cry3A targets coleopteran gut receptors, and Vip3A provides a distinct mode of action. This parameter diversification maintains high pest control efficiency while preventing resistance through mechanistic diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
DIG-17 insecticidal toxins, polynucleotides encoding such toxins, use of such toxins to control pests, and transgenic plants that produce such toxins are disclosed.