IPS1 Gene Knockout Enhances Rice Photosynthesis via CRISPR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate in effectively improving photosynthesis in rice, a critical factor for biomass synthesis and yield, particularly in high-yield breeding applications.
Innovation Solution
The CRISPR/Cas9 technique is used to knockout the IPS1 gene in rice, resulting in frame-shift mutations that disrupt its function, leading to increased net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration in mutants ips1-1 and ips1-2, demonstrating improved photosynthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CRISPR/Cas9 technology is used to knockout IPS1 gene, then photosynthesis efficiency is improved, but gene function is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Taking out' principle by removing the IPS1 gene from the rice genome through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout. The sgRNA targets and guides Cas9 to cleave the IPS1 gene sequence, excising this specific genetic element that negatively regulates photosynthesis. This extraction of the detrimental gene component directly improves photosynthesis efficiency while accepting the loss of the original gene function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inversion logic by discovering that knocking OUT a gene (IPS1) rather than overexpressing it improves photosynthesis. Conventional approaches typically aim to enhance gene expression, but this patent inverts the strategy by demonstrating that removal of IPS1 leads to increased net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration efficiency.
2Productivity
If frame-shift mutations are introduced to disrupt IPS1 gene function, then photosynthesis is improved, but genetic precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of error-prone CRISPR/Cas9 editing into a beneficial outcome. The frame-shift mutations, which are normally considered unwanted errors reducing genetic precision, are embraced as the mechanism to completely disrupt IPS1 gene function. This disruption is precisely what is needed to achieve the desired improvement in net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and overall photosynthetic efficiency.
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 knockout of the IPS1 gene significantly enhances net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration in rice mutants compared to the wildtype, indicating a potential valuable approach for high-yield breeding by improving photosynthetic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 technology is a significant improvement of genome editing tools for gene functional analysis. A single guide RNA (sgRNA) is generated to direct Cas9 nuclease to a specific genomic location, and Cas9-induced double strand breaks are repaired. The repair is error prone and thus insertions/deletions may be introduced that can disrupt gene function by frame-shift mutation.
Implementation Method 2
Photosynthesis, which uses energy from sunlight to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water, is a key factor in biomass synthesis during rice growth.
Implementation Method 3
Stomatal conductance and transpiration significantly increased both in the two mutants
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving photosynthesis of rice includes the step of knocking out IPS1 gene in rice. The IPS1 gene has a nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.