Rubber Particle Protein Complex Enhances Natural Rubber Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current methods for increasing natural rubber production from Hevea brasiliensis are limited by the unclear biosynthesis mechanism, reliance on chemical inducers that can damage trees, and inefficiencies in enhancing isopentenyl diphosphate production, which does not directly translate to increased rubber production.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the binding of cis-prenyltransferase (CPT), Nogo-B receptor (NgBR), and rubber elongation factor (REF) proteins to rubber particles in vitro, or genetically transforming plants to express these proteins, to enhance rubber synthesis activity and increase natural rubber production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical inducers (ethephon or methyl jasmonate) are applied to Hevea brasiliensis to induce lactiferous duct formation, then natural rubber production is increased, but the trees are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural rubber productionVSAvoidtree damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the key proteins (CPT, NgBR, and REF) responsible for rubber synthesis from the complex chemical induction process. By isolating these specific proteins and applying them directly to rubber particles, the method eliminates the need for harmful chemical inducers while maintaining rubber production enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces proteins as intermediary substances that mediate rubber synthesis directly at the rubber particle level. These proteins act as biological catalysts that facilitate rubber production without the harmful side effects of chemical inducers, providing a safer alternative that protects tree health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If genes for monomer synthesis pathways (MVA and MEP pathways) are enhanced in Hevea brasiliensis, then isopentenyl diphosphate production is increased, but natural rubber production does not significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisopentenyl diphosphate productionVSAvoidnatural rubber production

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by targeting the specific location where rubber synthesis occurs - the rubber particles. Instead of systemically enhancing monomer production throughout the plant, the method locally applies CPT, NgBR, and REF proteins directly to rubber particles, ensuring that monomers are efficiently converted to rubber at the precise site of synthesis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the genetic modification approach (enhancing MVA and MEP pathways) with a direct protein application approach. Rather than modifying the plant's genetic machinery to produce more monomers, the method uses externally applied proteins to catalyze rubber synthesis directly, substituting a biochemical mechanism for a genetic one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If Hevea brasiliensis is cultivated to mature for rubber extraction, then natural rubber can be harvested, but the production period is limited to 20 to 30 years

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural rubber extractionVSAvoidproduction period

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by introducing CPT, NgBR, and REF proteins to enhance rubber synthesis capacity before the tree reaches maturity. This pre-enhancement of rubber production capability allows for extended productivity beyond the conventional 20-30 year limit, as the trees maintain enhanced synthesis ability throughout their lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach stabilizes and enhances rubber synthesis activity, leading to more efficient rubber production without the need for continuous chemical application and improves the productivity of natural rubber, utilizing plant resources effectively for environmentally friendly rubber products.

Implementation Method 1

cis-prenyltransferase (CPT) is involved in natural rubber biosynthesis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) is involved in dolichol biosynthesis by a human CPT

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

rubber elongation factor (REF) are bound to rubber particles in latex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS11236365B2Method for producing polyisoprenoid, transformed plant, method for producing pneumatic tire and method for producing rubber product

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

Provided is a method for producing a polyisoprenoid, which can increase natural rubber production by enhancing the rubber synthesis activity of rubber particles. The present invention provides methods for producing a polyisoprenoid using a gene coding for a cis-prenyltransferase (CPT) family protein, a gene coding for a Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) family protein and a gene coding for a rubber elongation factor (REF) family protein, specifically a method for producing a polyisoprenoid in vitro using rubber particles bound to proteins coded for by these genes, and a method for producing a polyisoprenoid in vivo using a recombinant organism (plant) having these genes introduced therein.