Haploid Induction Genome Editing Component Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plant breeding methods using genome editing technologies face challenges in efficiently eliminating genome editing components (GECs) from plants after desired edits are made, requiring laborious backcrossing and significant resource investment, and struggle to scale up for industrial production of diverse plant germplasms.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using haploid induction crosses and carrier DNA molecules, such as supernumerary chromosomes, to introduce genome editing components that are spontaneously eliminated after the edit, allowing for rapid deployment of multiple edits across various germplasms without substantial linkage drag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional backcrossing methods are used to eliminate GECs from plants, then the desired edit can be retained in the genome, but the process requires multiple rounds of backcrossing and extensive field or greenhouse space, resulting in significant loss of time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of GECsVSAvoidtime for backcrossing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the GEC delivery system by using a separate inducer parent that carries the GECs on specific chromosomes. This allows the GECs to be delivered to the recipient parent's genome without permanently integrating them into the breeding line, enabling elimination of GECs in a single generation rather than requiring multiple backcrossing rounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the GECs from the permanent genome by designing them to be located on chromosomes that are eliminated during haploid induction. The GECs perform their editing function and then are naturally removed from the progeny genome, eliminating the need for time-consuming backcrossing to remove them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional backcrossing methods are used to eliminate GECs from plants, then the desired edit can be retained in the genome, but extensive field or greenhouse space is required to grow the requisite plants, resulting in significant resource investment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of GECsVSAvoidfield or greenhouse space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the GEC delivery into a separate inducer parent with specific chromosomal locations, the patent reduces the number of plants and generations that need to be grown and monitored. The GEC elimination occurs naturally in the haploid progeny, requiring minimal space compared to traditional backcrossing populations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts GECs from the permanent breeding population by using haploid induction that naturally eliminates the chromosomes carrying GECs. This reduces the need to grow large populations for selection, thereby reducing field or greenhouse space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If genome editing components are introduced into plants, then specific nucleotide edits can be made at target loci, but the GECs persist in the cell after editing and may create additional unwanted mutations or affect gene expression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeted nucleotide editsVSAvoidunwanted mutations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the GEC elimination action in advance by designing the GECs to be located on chromosomes that will be naturally eliminated during haploid induction. This preliminary arrangement ensures that GECs are removed before they can cause unwanted mutations or affect gene expression in the final breeding line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of persistent GECs into a benefit by using their presence in the inducer parent to deliver precise edits to the recipient parent. The haploid induction process then naturally eliminates the GECs, transforming the potential harmful persistence into a beneficial temporary delivery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rounds of backcrossing are used to integrate traits into diverse germplasm, then the desired trait can be moved from donor to recipient line, but linkage drag of a substantial portion of the donor genome occurs, resulting in unwanted or deleterious phenotypic effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of desired traitVSAvoidlinkage drag
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary haploid induction to create a haploid plant that contains only the recipient parent's genome plus the desired trait from the donor. This preliminary step eliminates the need for multiple backcrossing rounds that would otherwise be required to remove linkage drag, allowing direct recovery of the desired trait without unwanted donor genome segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20220348943A1Methods and compositions for genome editing via haploid induction
Publication Date: 2022.11.03 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

Methods and compositions for improved plant breeding using gene editing and haploid induction are provided.