Modular Synthetic Plant Regulatory Elements for Gene Expression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack efficient and versatile regulatory elements for modulating gene expression in plants, limiting the ability to engineer desired phenotypes and traits.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel synthetic gene regulatory elements, including promoters, leaders, introns, and 3' untranslated regions, which are operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, enabling precise control over gene expression in transgenic plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing regulatory elements are used in plants, then gene expression can be modulated, but the efficiency and versatility of regulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene expression regulation efficiencyVSAvoidregulation versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The synthetic regulatory elements are designed to function across multiple plant species and gene types, providing universal applicability. The elements can regulate both endogenous and heterologous genes, and can be used for diverse traits including herbicide resistance, insect resistance, and yield improvement, thereby achieving multi-functionality in gene expression modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs synthetic regulatory elements with optimized sequence parameters and structural features that enhance their binding affinity to transcription factors and RNA polymerase. By modifying parameters such as promoter strength, intron positioning, and 3' UTR sequences, the elements achieve superior regulation efficiency compared to natural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If regulatory elements are operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, then precise control over gene expression is enabled, but the complexity of the genetic construct increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene expression control precisionVSAvoidgenetic construct complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulatory elements are divided into distinct functional modules including promoters, 5' UTRs, introns, coding sequences, and 3' UTRs. Each module can be independently optimized and assembled, allowing precise control of gene expression while simplifying the design and construction of complex genetic traits through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If novel synthetic regulatory elements are developed, then enhanced regulation of gene expression is achieved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring their activity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene expression regulation enhancementVSAvoidregulatory element activity measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates reporter genes such as GFP, luciferase, or GUS as intermediary markers linked to the synthetic regulatory elements. These reporters provide easily detectable signals that correlate with the activity of the regulatory elements, enabling straightforward measurement and characterization of gene expression patterns without directly assaying the synthetic elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250320514A1Plant regulatory elements and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

The invention provides recombinant DNA molecules and constructs, as well as their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising the recombinant DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, as are methods of their use.