Long-Distance RNA Transport for Tissue-Culture-Independent Gene Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gene editing systems for plants are often species-dependent, time-consuming, and require cumbersome tissue culture protocols, limiting their applicability and efficiency across various plant species.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of genetic components to a first plant region, followed by long-distance RNA transport to a second region containing target cells, where they are processed to form a gene editing system, enabling gene editing without tissue culture, using CRISPR/Cas systems and RNA transport systems like the Flowering Locus T protein 1 system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gene editing systems are used, then gene editing can be achieved, but the process is species-dependent and requires cumbersome tissue culture protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RNA as an intermediary carrier to deliver gene editing components (Cas proteins and guide RNAs) from a source tissue to target meristematic cells. This RNA-based intermediary system enables tissue-culture-independent delivery, eliminating the need for complex tissue culture protocols while maintaining broad applicability across different plant species.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tissue culture systems with a biological RNA transport mechanism. Instead of using physical tissue culture methods to deliver editing components, the system utilizes natural RNA mobility and transport mechanisms within the plant to deliver editing components to target cells, simplifying the overall process.
2Productivity
If direct DNA, RNA, or protein delivery is used to target cells, then gene editing can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by introducing genetic components into a source tissue that can autonomously produce and transport the necessary RNA components. This preliminary setup allows the system to self-propagate and deliver editing components to target cells without requiring repeated direct delivery interventions, thereby improving efficiency and reducing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous RNA transport system that actively and continuously delivers gene editing components from source tissue to target meristematic cells. This continuous action mechanism ensures efficient and sustained delivery, improving productivity compared to intermittent direct delivery methods.
3Reliability
If tissue culture protocols are used, then gene editing can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and less reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the introduced genetic components autonomously express RNA, which then automatically transports and delivers editing components to target cells. This self-propagating mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual tissue culture operations, improving both ease of operation and reproducibility across different experiments.
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
Facilitates efficient, reproducible, and versatile gene editing in diverse plant species by utilizing natural RNA mobility to supply genetic components to meristematic cells, reducing the need for direct DNA, RNA, or protein delivery and avoiding tissue culture, thereby producing gene-edited seeds.
Implementation Method 1
the genetic components are transported from the first region of a plant to a second region of the plant, which contains the target cells
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of editing at least one gene in plant target cells. The method generally includes introducing genetic components of a gene editing system to a first region of the plant. The genetic components are then transported from the first region to the second region, which is different from the first region. The genetic components are processed in the cells in the second region to form the gene editing system such that the gene editing system edits the at least one gene in the cells. The gene edited cells give rise to gametes that produce gene edited seeds upon fertilization.