EPSPS Gene Mutations for Glyphosate Resistance in Wheat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for developing glyphosate-resistant wheat rely on transgenic approaches, which are not accepted by consumers, and there is a lack of evidence that mutations in endogenous EPSPS genes can confer resistance in hexaploid wheat plants like wheat.
Innovation Solution
Target-selected mutagenesis is used to introduce specific alterations in the EPSPS homoeologous genes of wheat, creating plants that are resistant to glyphosate without foreign DNA, utilizing human-induced non-transgenic mutations to achieve resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transgenic approaches are used to develop glyphosate-resistant wheat, then resistance to glyphosate is achieved, but consumer acceptance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the foreign transgenic element from the system and replaces it with naturally occurring or human-induced mutations in the endogenous EPSPS gene. This removes the harmful aspect (foreign DNA) while preserving the useful function (glyphosate resistance), thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving resistance and maintaining consumer acceptance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of introducing a completely foreign bacterial EPSPS gene, the patent uses copies or variants of the wheat's own endogenous EPSPS gene that have been mutated to confer resistance. This copying approach maintains genetic similarity and avoids consumer concerns about foreign genetic material while still achieving the desired resistance trait.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mutations in endogenous EPSPS genes are attempted to confer resistance, then consumer acceptance is maintained, but evidence of resistance in hexaploid wheat is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mutagenesis treatment on wheat plants to create a population with diverse mutations in the EPSPS gene. Before full resistance testing, the mutations are screened and selected based on their potential to confer glyphosate resistance. This preliminary action enables systematic identification of resistant lines, providing the necessary evidence for hexaploid wheat resistance while maintaining consumer acceptance through non-transgenic methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through screening and selection processes to identify and propagate plants with beneficial mutations. By testing mutant lines for glyphosate resistance and using this feedback to guide further breeding and selection, the patent builds reliable evidence of resistance in hexaploid wheat while ensuring the mutations are suitable for food production and consumer acceptance.
3Ease of manufacture
If recombinogenic oligonucleotides are used to mutate EPSPS genes, then non-transgenic resistance may be achieved, but demonstration of resistance in Arabidopsis and applicability to wheat are unproven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the wheat plant's own cellular machinery and endogenous gene regulation systems to incorporate and express the mutated EPSPS gene. By utilizing the plant's self-service capabilities for DNA repair, recombination, and gene expression, the approach achieves non-transgenic resistance without requiring external viral vectors or complex delivery systems, thereby demonstrating reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
Plants with resistance to glyphosate are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the disclosure relate to human induced non-transgenic mutations in the EPSPS gene in plants.