Plant Gene Expression Modification for Seed Size and Yield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to increase seed size while maintaining or increasing the number of seeds per plant, as mutations that enhance seed size often result in decreased seed number, posing a challenge for crop yield improvement.

Innovation Solution

Modifying plant cells with mutations in genes such as ARF8, YDK1, RNA Pol IV, RNA Pol V, DCL3, AGO6, CMT3, and DRM2 to alter gene expression and activity, which affects seed development by regulating cell division and endosperm and embryo growth, thereby increasing seed size without reducing seed number.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If mutations are introduced to enhance seed size, then seed size increases, but seed number per plant decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed sizeVSAvoidseed number per plant

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies specific genetic parameters (ARF8, YDK1, RNA Pol IV, RNA Pol V, DCL3, AGO6, CMT3, DRM2) to alter gene expression levels and activity, thereby changing the developmental parameters of seed tissues. This targeted parameter modification enables increased seed size through enhanced cell division and tissue growth without the trade-off of reduced seed number that characterizes conventional mutations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically regulates gene expression during seed development by modifying transcription factors and RNA polymerase activity. This dynamic control allows the plant to optimize both seed size growth and seed number maintenance at different developmental stages, resolving the static contradiction between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Weight of stationary object

If gene expression is modified to increase cell division in embryo and endosperm, then seed weight increases, but this may compromise overall plant productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed weightVSAvoidcrop yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by targeting specific genes (ARF8, YDK1, and others) that are expressed specifically in seed tissues during development. This localized genetic modification enhances seed weight through increased cell division in embryo and endosperm without adversely affecting other plant organs or overall productivity, as the modification is spatially and temporally restricted to seed development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230309481A1Modification of plant gene expression to effect increased seed size and yield

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 SAINT LOUIS UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to modified plant cells and plants having increased seed number and seed size. Studies identified genes such as ARF8, YDK1, RNA Pol IV, RNA Pol V, DCL3, AGO6, CMT3 and DRM2 as linked to seed characteristics and the inventors therefore propose modulating the expression and/or activity of these target genes in plants as an approach to increase/improve seed production.