Repressor Function Reduction in Trichoderma reesei for Cellulase Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Trichoderma reesei strains have limitations in protein production capabilities, particularly cellulase production, and there is a need for further enhancement of protein-producing abilities through novel mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei is developed by eliminating or reducing the function of specific polypeptides with amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOs: 4, 5, and 6, specifically through frameshift mutations or deletions of HSF-type DNA-binding, TLD, and F-box domains, enhancing protein production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional Trichoderma reesei strains are used for protein production, then basic cellulase production is achieved, but protein production capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein production capabilityVSAvoidproduction stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates specific repressor polypeptides (SEQ ID NOs: 4, 5, and 6) from the Trichoderma reesei strain. By removing these negative regulatory elements, the patent unleashes the full protein production potential of the organism without the constraining influence of the repressors, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving productivity and maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the genetic parameters of the Trichoderma reesei strain by introducing mutations that eliminate or reduce the function of specific polypeptides. This genetic parameter change transforms the strain from a conventional limited-producer to a high-capacity protein production system, achieving both enhanced productivity and stable performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If protein production is enhanced through conventional methods, then production amount increases, but novel production mechanisms are not discovered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein production amountVSAvoidproduction mechanism diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful or limiting effect of repressor polypeptides into a benefit. By identifying and eliminating these repressors, the patent discovers a novel production mechanism where removing negative regulators becomes the key to enhancing protein production. This approach not only increases production amount but also reveals new insights into fungal protein production mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If specific polypeptide functions are eliminated through mutation, then protein production is enhanced, but genetic complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein-producing abilityVSAvoidgenetic modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by specifically removing or disabling the functions of only three key repressor polypeptides (SEQ ID NOs: 4, 5, and 6) rather than attempting comprehensive genetic modification. This targeted approach enhances protein production while minimizing the overall genetic complexity and making the modification process more manageable and scalable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250304631A1Mutant strain of trichoderma reesei and method of producing protein using same
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

A mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei, the mutant strain having a mutation that eliminates or reduces a function of a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID No: 5. A method produces a cellulase, the method including a step of cultivating the mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei, the mutant strain having a mutation that eliminates or reduces a function of a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID No. 5.