MAX1 Gene Editing for Plant Architecture and Yield Traits
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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 no commercially viable single gene solutions exist for complex traits like yield.
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 editing specific sites in the MAX1 gene to enhance branching, seed size, and yield characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intensive breeding is used to 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 traits, rather than combining multiple small-effect genes. This extraction of the key controlling gene simplifies the breeding approach and reduces the complexity of assembling multiple genetic factors, thereby lowering research and development costs while maintaining yield improvement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the MAX1 gene through targeted mutagenesis to create specific allelic variations that enhance yield traits. This direct genetic parameter modification allows for precise control over plant architecture and yield components, achieving significant yield improvements without the need for complex multi-gene combinations.
2Productivity
If transgenic approaches involving stable transformation are used to increase yield, then yield improvement is attempted, but commercial relevance and step change in yield are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using transgenic approaches that introduce foreign genes, the patent inverts the approach by using CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the plant's own endogenous MAX1 gene. This inversion from transgenic to cisgenic/editing approaches maintains commercial viability while achieving reliable yield improvements, as it avoids the regulatory and public acceptance issues associated with transgenic organisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the plant's own CRISPR-Cas9 editing machinery to modify its endogenous MAX1 gene, making the system self-service rather than relying on external transgenic elements. This self-editing approach enhances reliability and commercial viability by eliminating the need for stable transformation of foreign DNA, while still achieving significant yield improvements.
3Device complexity
If single gene solutions are pursued for complex traits like yield, then research simplicity is improved, but background genetics and environment reduce the impact of individual genes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves significant yield impact through single gene editing by making strategic parameter changes in the MAX1 gene that control key physiological pathways. By targeting specific functional domains of the MAX1 gene that regulate plant architecture and yield components, the patent amplifies the effect of single gene modification, overcoming the typical limitation of small effects from individual genes in complex traits.
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 CRISPR-Cas editing of the MAX1 gene leads to improved plant architecture and yield traits, such as increased branching, seed size, and seed number, without the need for transgenes, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a CRISPR-Cas effector protein; and 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.