Recombinant Insecticidal Polypeptides for Broad-Spectrum Pest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genetically engineered crops that produce pesticidal proteins from Bacillus strains provide limited resistance to a narrow range of insect pests and may lead to resistance development in insects, necessitating the identification of alternative biological control agents.
Innovation Solution
Development of recombinant insecticidal polypeptides with at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 124 or its biologically active portions, which can be used to create chimeric, fusion, or transgenic proteins for enhanced pesticidal activity against Lepidoptera and Coleoptera pests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If genetically engineered crops produce pesticidal proteins from Bacillus strains, then insect resistance is improved, but the range of protected insect pests remains narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by engineering crops to produce multiple different pesticidal proteins simultaneously (Cry1Ab, Cry2Aa, Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1) that target different insect orders. This multi-functional approach allows a single crop variety to provide broad-spectrum protection against Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, and other pest groups, resolving the contradiction between reliable insect resistance and narrow protection range.
2Productivity
If genetically engineered crops produce pesticidal proteins, then commercial success is achieved, but insect resistance to these proteins develops over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by combining pesticidal proteins with different modes of action, toxicity profiles, and target specificities in single crop varieties. For example, Cry1Ab targets Lepidoptera while Cry34Ab1 and Cry35Ab1 target Coleoptera with different binding mechanisms. This diversification of protein parameters prevents insects from developing resistance to all proteins simultaneously, maintaining reliable insect resistance while ensuring commercial success.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by creating crops that express multiple pesticidal proteins with complementary activities. The combination of Cry1Ab, Cry2Aa, Cry34Ab1, and Cry35Ab1 creates a composite defensive system where proteins work synergistically or independently against different pest groups, delaying resistance development and maintaining long-term effectiveness in commercially successful crops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum pesticidal proteins are developed, then protection range is improved, but specificity to target pests may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by engineering different pesticidal proteins with highly specific targeting capabilities for different insect orders. Cry1Ab specifically targets Lepidoptera through cadherin receptor binding, while Cry34Ab1 and Cry35Ab1 specifically target Coleoptera through different receptor mechanisms. This localized specificity at the protein level allows broad-spectrum protection across multiple pest groups while minimizing non-target effects on beneficial insects and non-pest species.
Data Source
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AI summary
Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of plant species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.