Plant Ptr1 Gene Construct for Pseudomonas Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current genetic resistance mechanisms in tomato plants, such as the Pto/Prf system, are becoming less effective against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato race 1 strains, leading to a need for new sources of resistance.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid construct comprising a Pseudomonas tomato race 1 (Ptr1) polynucleotide, a 5′ heterologous DNA promoter sequence, and a 3′ terminator sequence is used to transform plants, increasing expression of Ptr1 and conferring resistance to race 1 strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Pto/Prf resistance system is used in tomato plants, then resistance to Pst race 0 strains is achieved, but effectiveness against Pst race 1 strains is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new resistance gene Ptr1 that provides universal resistance against multiple Pst races (race 1 and intermediate strains) that were not effectively controlled by the Pto/Prf system. This multi-functional resistance mechanism expands the protective capability beyond the limitations of race-specific resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the resistance profile by introducing a novel gene Ptr1 with different recognition specificity compared to Pto. This parameter change in the immune system's recognition capability allows detection of effectors (AvrRpt2, AvrRpt2B) that Pto cannot recognize, thereby changing the effectiveness parameters against different bacterial races.
2Reliability
If transgenic transformation is used to introduce Ptr1 gene, then disease resistance is conferred, but genetic modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The genetic construct is segmented into functional modules: the Ptr1 coding sequence, a promoter region for expression control, and a terminator sequence. This segmentation allows for systematic assembly and verification of the transgenic construct, reducing the complexity of genetic modification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nucleic acid construct as an intermediary vehicle to deliver the Ptr1 gene into plant cells. This construct acts as a mediator that facilitates the transfer and integration of the resistance gene, simplifying the transformation process compared to direct gene introduction methods.
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 Ptr1 gene provides strong resistance to several race 1 Pst strains and recognizes the type III effector AvrRpt2, effectively inhibiting pathogen multiplication and conferring disease resistance.
Implementation Method 1
In the second immune response, plants use intracellular proteins (R proteins or nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like (NOD-like) receptors, NLRs) to detect pathogen effector proteins translocated inside the host cell during the infection process. NLR-triggered immunity (NTI) is typically associated with programed cell death and significant inhibition of pathogen multiplication
Implementation Method 2
After translocation of AvrPto or AvrPtoB into the plant cell, Pto, which encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase, physically interacts with either one of these effectors and acts in concert with Prf, an NLR, to activate NTI
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants. One aspect of embodiments of the disclosure relates to a nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising a Pseudomonas tomato race 1 (Ptr1) polynucleotide, a 5′ heterologous DNA promoter sequence, and a 3′ terminator sequence, wherein the nucleic acid molecule, the DNA promoter sequence, and the terminator sequence are operatively coupled to permit transcription of the nucleic acid molecule. Methods of imparting disease resistance to a plant and methods of identifying a candidate plant suitable for breeding that displays enhanced disease resistance are also disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosure also include plant cells, plants, and plant seeds including a heterologous Pseudomonas tomato race 1 (Ptr1) polynucleotide.