Plant Regulatory Elements for Precise Gene Expression Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plant genetic engineering lacks effective regulatory elements for precise modulation of gene expression in plants, limiting the ability to confer desirable traits such as herbicide resistance and pest resistance.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel recombinant DNA molecules comprising DNA sequences with specific regulatory elements, such as promoters, leaders, and introns, that are operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, allowing for precise control of gene expression in transgenic plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional plant genetic engineering methods are used, then basic gene expression can be achieved, but precise modulation of gene expression is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of gene expression modulationVSAvoidability to confer desirable traits
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The regulatory element is divided into distinct functional components: a promoter region for initiating transcription, an enhancer region for boosting expression, and a 3' UTR for termination and stability control. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for precise expression modulation while maintaining versatility for different traits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite regulatory element by combining multiple functional DNA sequences (promoter, enhancer, 3' UTR) into a single operable unit. This composite structure integrates the advantages of each component to achieve precise expression control across different plant tissues and conditions, enabling versatile trait conferance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If regulatory elements are operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, then precise control of gene expression is achieved, but the complexity of the recombinant DNA molecule increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of gene expressionVSAvoidcomplexity of recombinant DNA molecule
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the promoter, enhancer, and 3' UTR into a single integrated regulatory element that functions as one operable unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall recombinant DNA molecule structure while maintaining precise expression control, as the combined element acts cooperatively rather than requiring separate independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite regulatory element is designed to be universally applicable across different heterologous transcribable DNA molecules. The same regulatory element structure can control expression of various genes conferring different traits (herbicide resistance, pest resistance, etc.), reducing the need for multiple specialized regulatory elements and simplifying the overall system.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If novel regulatory elements are developed for precise gene expression modulation, then the ability to confer desirable traits is enhanced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring expression precision increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to confer desirable traitsVSAvoidmeasurement of expression precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a reporter gene (such as GFP or GUS) that produces a detectable signal (fluorescence or enzymatic activity) corresponding to gene expression levels. This allows visual or biochemical detection of expression precision without complex molecular analysis, making it easier to measure and optimize the regulatory element's performance for conferring desirable traits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3434771B1Plant regulatory elements and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP3434771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3434771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3434771B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides novel recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful for modulating gene expression in plants, plant cells, seeds, and progeny plants. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, seeds, and progeny plants comprising the recombinant DNA molecules of the invention, along with methods of their use.