DRO1 Gene Editing for Precise Root Architecture in Plants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for improving crop and horticultural plant yield are limited by the plants' capacity to absorb water and nutrients, necessitating the development of improved root system architecture.

Innovation Solution

Modifying the root architecture of plants through targeted editing of the DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene using CRISPR-Cas systems and base editing to introduce non-natural mutations, enhancing root biomass, angle, and length, thereby improving yield traits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional breeding methods are used to improve root architecture, then yield improvement can be achieved over time, but the process is slow and lacks precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield improvementVSAvoidbreeding time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical breeding processes with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Instead of relying on natural selection and manual cross-breeding over multiple generations, the invention directly edits the DRO1 gene in the plant genome to achieve desired root architecture traits in a single generation, dramatically reducing breeding time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the genetic parameter of the DRO1 gene through CRISPR-Cas9 editing to modify root architecture traits. By targeting specific nucleotide sequences in the DRO1 gene and introducing precise mutations, the patent achieves controlled changes in root growth characteristics, enabling rapid improvement of yield-related parameters without traditional breeding delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional breeding is used to modify root system architecture, then genetic variation can be explored, but the precision and control over specific traits is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrait modification precisionVSAvoidgenetic variation exploration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by targeting a specific gene (DRO1) with specific functions in root development. Rather than working with general genetic variation across the entire genome, the invention focuses precision editing on the DRO1 gene locus, introducing controlled mutations at specific positions to achieve precise control over root architecture traits while maintaining the ability to explore genetic variation through targeted approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If CRISPR-Cas9 editing is used to modify DRO1 gene, then root architecture can be precisely controlled, but the complexity of the editing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene editing precisionVSAvoidediting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates the DRO1 gene from the complex plant genome for targeted CRISPR-Cas9 editing. By focusing the editing system on a specific gene locus rather than the entire genome, the invention simplifies the practical application of the complex CRISPR system, making precise control of root architecture achievable while managing system complexity through targeted rather than comprehensive editing approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method results in plants with enhanced root architecture, exhibiting increased root biomass, steeper root angles, and longer roots, leading to improved yield traits such as increased biomass, nitrogen use efficiency, and water use efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Modifying the root architecture of plants through targeted editing of the DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene using CRISPR-Cas systems and base editing to introduce non-natural mutations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCRISPR-Cas editing:

Implementation Method 2

Modifying the root architecture of plants through targeted editing of the DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene using CRISPR-Cas systems and base editing to introduce non-natural mutations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBase editing:

Implementation Method 3

Modifying the root architecture of plants through targeted editing of the DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene using CRISPR-Cas systems and base editing to introduce non-natural mutations, enhancing root biomass, angle, and length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGenetic modification:

Data Source

PatentUS20250320516A1Methods and compositions for modifying root architecture in plants
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 PAIRWISE PLANTS SERVICES INC

AI summary

This invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying root architecture in a plant through modification of endogenous DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) nucleic acids. The invention further relates to plants produced using the methods and compositions of the invention.