Extending Juvenile Phase in Grasses via Gene Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from juvenile to adult plant tissue in grasses is not well understood, limiting the ability to enhance agronomic traits such as biofuel production, feed digestibility, and stress resistance.
Innovation Solution
A polynucleotide molecule and recombinant vector are used to modulate the expression of genes like GRMZM2G362718 and GRMZM2G096016, which regulate the juvenile to adult phase change in grass plants, allowing for the extension of the juvenile phase or other desired traits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the juvenile phase is extended through genetic modification, then vegetative yield and processing ability are improved, but the duration of the juvenile phase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the expression levels and timing of specific genes (such as GRMZM2G362718 and GRMZM2G096016) to alter the duration and characteristics of the juvenile phase. This genetic parameter modification extends the juvenile phase while maintaining improved vegetative yield and processing ability.
2Productivity
If gene expression is modulated to extend juvenile phase, then biofuel processing efficiency is improved, but genetic complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates specific key genes (such as GRMZM2G362718 and GRMZM2G096016) that control the juvenile-to-adult phase transition. By focusing on these specific genetic elements rather than modifying the entire genome, the patent reduces the overall genetic complexity while achieving improved biofuel processing efficiency.
3Reliability
If the transition timing is altered to enhance stress resistance, then abiotic stress tolerance is improved, but the natural developmental timing is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the juvenile phase before the plant encounters abiotic stresses. Since juvenile tissue has inherent resistance to specific abiotic stresses such as cold and drought, extending this phase beforehand provides the plant with pre-established stress resistance mechanisms before the adult phase transition occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the juvenile to adult developmental growth transition in plants, such as grasses (e.g. maize). In particular, the invention provides methods for enhancing agronomic properties in plants by modulating expression of GRMZM2G362718, GRMZM2G096016, or homologs thereof. Modulation of expression of one or more additional genes which affect juvenile to adult developmental growth transition such as Glossy15 or Cg1, in conjunction with such modulation of expression is also contemplated. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of GRMZM2G362718 and/or GRMZM2G096016 are also contemplated, as are transgenic plants and products produced there from, that demonstrate altered, such as extended juvenile growth, and display associated phenotypes such as enhanced yield, improved digestibility, and increased disease resistance. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved forage or feed crops or in biofuel production.