Rhizobiaceae Insecticidal Proteins for Corn Rootworm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling corn rootworms, such as chemical pesticides, face challenges like environmental impact, resistance development in pests, and difficulty in targeting underground larvae, necessitating the need for alternative and environmentally friendly pest control mechanisms with a different mode of action.
Innovation Solution
Development of insecticidal proteins derived from bacteria in the Rhizobiaceae family, known as Rhizobiaceae Insecticidal Proteins (RIPs), which are expressed in transgenic plants or microorganisms to target corn rootworms, providing a novel mode of action and minimizing environmental burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical pesticides are applied to control corn rootworms, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but environmental burden increases and resistant insect populations develop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter from conventional synthetic pesticides to insecticidal proteins with specific amino acid sequences (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1-20). These proteins have modified molecular properties including specific toxin domains (e.g., pore-forming domains) that provide different modes of action, thereby maintaining pest control effectiveness while reducing environmental burden and resistance development
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite protein structures consisting of multiple functional domains (e.g., N-terminal domain, pore-forming domain, C-terminal domain) within single insecticidal protein molecules. This composite structure enables multifunctional activity including binding to insect gut receptors, forming ion channels, and disrupting cell membranes, providing robust pest control with reduced environmental impact
2Reliability
If chemical pesticides are applied to control corn rootworms, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but resistant insect populations appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces novel protein sequence parameters with unique amino acid compositions and structures that differ fundamentally from conventional pesticides. The specific toxin domains and binding motifs in these proteins create new modes of action that corn rootworm populations have not been exposed to, thereby preventing resistance development while maintaining control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the insecticidal protein into distinct functional domains (e.g., binding domain, pore-forming domain, transmembrane domain). This segmentation allows each domain to perform specific functions in the resistance prevention mechanism, where the binding domain targets specific insect receptors and the pore-forming domain creates ion channels, making it difficult for insects to develop resistance through single mutation events
3Reliability
If insecticides are applied prophylactically at planting time, then corn rootworm larvae control is improved, but environmental burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by incorporating insecticidal proteins into corn seeds during the seeding process. The proteins are pre-positioned in the seed coat or endosperm, providing immediate protection as larvae hatch and begin feeding on the seed and roots. This eliminates the need for separate prophylactic soil applications, reducing environmental burden while maintaining effective larvae control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the corn plant to produce its own insecticidal proteins through genetic transformation. The plant's cellular machinery synthesizes the insecticidal proteins in response to larval feeding, providing self-service protection. This eliminates the need for external pesticide applications and reduces environmental burden while maintaining effective control of corn rootworm larvae
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for controlling insect pests are disclosed. In particular, novel insecticidal proteins having toxicity to at least coleopteran insect pests are provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel insecticidal proteins are also provided. Methods of making the insecticidal proteins and methods of using the insecticidal proteins and nucleic acids encoding the insecticidal proteins of the disclosure, for example in transgenic plants to confer protection from insect damage, are also disclosed.