MAX1 Gene Editing for Plant Architecture and Yield Gains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intensive breeding and transgenic approaches have failed to achieve significant improvements in plant yield and architecture, with genetic gains plateauing and high research costs associated with combining small-effect genes, while commercially relevant single gene solutions for yield enhancement are lacking.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of non-natural mutations in the More Axillary Growth 1 (MAX1) gene using CRISPR-Cas editing systems to modify plant architecture and yield traits, including methods for producing transgene-free edited plants with improved branching, seed size, and yield characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intensive breeding programs combine multiple small-effect genes to improve yield, then yield improvement is achieved, but research and development costs substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on a single critical gene (MAX1) that has a large effect on yield and plant architecture, rather than combining multiple small-effect genes. This extraction of the key controlling factor simplifies the breeding program while maintaining yield improvement benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology to precisely modify the MAX1 gene, changing its expression levels or function to achieve desired yield and architecture improvements. This parameter change approach provides a direct molecular mechanism to achieve breeding goals.
2Productivity
If transgenic approaches involving stable transformation are used to increase yield, then yield enhancement is attempted, but commercial relevance and significant yield step change are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional transgenic stable transformation methods with CRISPR-Cas gene editing, substituting a more precise and efficient molecular mechanism. This substitution enables direct modification of endogenous genes without requiring stable integration of foreign DNA, leading to more reliable and commercially viable yield improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The CRISPR-Cas system uses the plant's own cellular machinery to perform gene editing, leveraging endogenous repair mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous presence of foreign genetic elements, improving commercial acceptability while achieving yield enhancement.
3Device complexity
If single gene solutions are pursued for complex trait such as yield, then research costs are reduced, but impact of individual genes is reduced by background genetics and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent focuses on modifying a specific local region in the genome (the MAX1 gene) to achieve system-wide effects on yield and plant architecture. By targeting a key regulatory gene with large effect, local genetic modification produces substantial overall impact despite the complexity of the trait.
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
Enhances plant architecture and yield traits such as increased branching, seed size, and seed number through targeted editing of the MAX1 gene, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional breeding and transgenic methods.
Implementation Method 1
an editing system comprising: (a) a CRISPR-Cas effector protein; and (b) a guide nucleic acid comprising a spacer sequence with complementarity to an endogenous target gene encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (MAX1) polypeptide
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying More Axillary Growth 1 (MAX1) genes in plants, optionally to improve plant architecture and/or improved yield traits. The invention further relates to plants having improved plant architecture and/or improved yield traits produced using the methods and compositions of the invention.