GBP1 Gene Editing for Higher Nitrogen Fixation in Root Nodules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current understanding of root nodule symbiosis in plants is limited, particularly in mechanisms controlling nitrogen fixation efficiency, and existing technologies do not effectively modulate the symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and legumes to enhance nitrogen fixation and plant biomass.

Innovation Solution

Genetically alter plants, including legumes and non-legumes, by reducing or abolishing the expression of the GBP1 nucleic acid sequence or function, using methods such as targeted genome modification with TALEN, ZFN, or CRISPR/Cas9, to modulate the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, thereby enhancing nitrogen fixation and plant biomass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If GBP1 expression is reduced or abolished in plants, then nitrogen fixation efficiency and plant biomass increase, but understanding and control of the symbiotic relationship mechanisms remain limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenitrogen fixation efficiencyVSAvoidunderstanding of symbiotic mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the expression level parameter of GBP1 gene (from normal to reduced/abolished) to improve nitrogen fixation efficiency. This parameter change in gene expression directly leads to enhanced symbiotic relationship and increased plant biomass while maintaining the natural symbiotic mechanisms intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If GBP1 expression is reduced or abolished in plants, then plant biomass increases by up to 50% or more, but the complexity of genetic modification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant biomassVSAvoidgenetic modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes the GBP1 gene function (through knockout or suppression) to achieve increased plant biomass. By taking out the negative regulatory function of GBP1, the plant forms enhanced symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, leading to up to 50% or more biomass increase without requiring complex multi-gene modifications.

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 modulation of the symbiotic relationship increases plant biomass by up to 50% or more compared to control plants, improving nitrogen fixation efficiency and reducing reliance on nitrogen fertilizers.

Implementation Method 1

using methods such as targeted genome modification with TALEN, ZFN, or CRISPR/Cas9

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCRISPR/Cas9 genome editing:

Implementation Method 2

using methods such as targeted genome modification with TALEN, ZFN, or CRISPR/Cas9

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTALEN (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease):

Implementation Method 3

using methods such as targeted genome modification with TALEN, ZFN, or CRISPR/Cas9

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectZFN (Zinc Finger Nuclease):

Implementation Method 4

bacteria convert nitrogen into ammonia which can then be utilised by plants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiological nitrogen fixation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250340605A1Glucan binding protein for improving nitrogen fixation in plants

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to methods for modulating the symbiotic relationship between plants, for example legumes, and nitrogen fixing bacteria in the root nodules. The invention also relates to modified plants, for example gene edited plants that have an altered symbiotic relationship with nitrogen fixing bacteria in the root nodules.