dsRNA Molecules for RNAi Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling plant pathogens like Zymoseptoria tritici, which cause significant crop loss, are limited by resistance development to fungicides and environmental concerns, necessitating the need for effective, environmentally safe, and cost-affordable solutions.
Innovation Solution
The use of nucleic acid molecules such as dsRNAs, siRNAs, shRNAs, miRNAs, and hpRNAs that are complementary to target gene sequences in pathogens, specifically inhibiting essential gene expression through RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce pathogen growth and development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fungicides are used to control plant pathogens, then pathogen growth is inhibited, but resistance development occurs and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical fungicides with a biological mechanism (RNA interference) to control pathogen growth. Double-stranded RNA molecules are introduced that specifically target and silence essential pathogen genes, achieving pathogen control without the environmental harm and resistance issues associated with chemical fungicides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses double-stranded RNA as an intermediary molecule that mediates between the plant and pathogen. The dsRNA is taken up by pathogen cells and processed into small interfering RNAs that guide the silencing of specific pathogen genes, providing a targeted biological control mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inorganic fungicides are used, then broad-spectrum pathogen control is achieved, but environmental persistence and non-recyclability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs double-stranded RNA molecules that are biodegradable and short-lived in the environment compared to persistent inorganic fungicides. The dsRNA is naturally degraded by nucleases in the environment and in pathogen cells, providing pathogen control without long-term environmental persistence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the control agent from inorganic compounds to nucleic acid-based molecules. This parameter change enables broad-spectrum control through sequence-specific targeting while the RNA molecules are naturally recyclable through degradation and mineralization
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
This approach effectively inhibits pathogen growth and development, potentially leading to mortality, thereby reducing crop damage and the economic impact of diseases like Septoria leaf blotch, while being environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The use of nucleic acid molecules such as dsRNAs, siRNAs, shRNAs, miRNAs, and hpRNAs that are complementary to target gene sequences in pathogens, specifically inhibiting essential gene expression through RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce pathogen growth and development.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure concerns nucleic acid molecules and methods of use thereof for control of pathogens through RNA interference-mediated inhibition of target coding and transcribed non-coding sequences in pathogens. The disclosure also concerns methods for applying dsRNA through formulations and/or transgenic plants that express nucleic acid molecules useful for the control of pathogens, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.