SlTPP4 Gene Inhibition for Heat-Resilient Parthenocarpic Fruit Set

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inducing parthenocarpy in plants, such as using auxin and gibberellin, are not well understood and require mechanical or chemical treatments, which can be cumbersome and environmentally dependent.

Innovation Solution

Inhibition of the SlTPP4 gene expression or inducing a loss-of-function mutation in the SlTPP4 gene using SlTPP4 gene expression inhibitors, SlTPP4 protein activity inhibitors, or SlTPP4 gene mutagens, specifically targeting the SlTPP4 protein with a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, to induce facultative parthenocarpy without separate mechanical or chemical treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If auxin or gibberellin is used to induce parthenocarpy, then fruit formation is improved, but the process requires mechanical or chemical treatment and environmental control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit formation rateVSAvoidtreatment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and identifies the specific gene (SlTPP4) that controls parthenocarpy, isolating the genetic factor from the complex hormonal treatments. By targeting this single gene through inhibition or mutation, the complex mechanical and chemical treatment processes are replaced with a precise genetic intervention approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from hormonal treatment (auxin/gibberellin application) to genetic level intervention (SlTPP4 gene inhibition or mutation). This parameter change transforms the approach from external chemical application to internal genetic control, simplifying the overall process while maintaining fruit formation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If traditional parthenocarpy induction methods are used, then seedless fruits are produced, but environmental factors still affect fruit development

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseedless fruit productionVSAvoidenvironmental dependence

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by modifying the plant's genetic makeup before environmental challenges occur. By introducing SlTPP4 gene inhibition or mutation, the plant is pre-equipped with the capability to form parthenocarpic fruits, ensuring reliable seedless fruit production regardless of subsequent environmental conditions such as temperature or pollination availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If SlTPP4 gene inhibition is used to induce parthenocarpy, then treatment simplicity is improved, but gene targeting precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment simplicityVSAvoidgene targeting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs intermediaries in the form of specific molecular tools (such as RNA interference mechanisms or CRISPR components) that mediate between the simple application method and the precise gene targeting requirement. These intermediary molecules enable straightforward application while ensuring accurate SlTPP4 gene inhibition through complementary base pairing or guide RNA-directed nuclease activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250361517A1Gene that controls parthenocarpic fruit formation and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 UNIV OF SEOUL IND COOP FOUND

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a gene that controls parthenocarpy and uses thereof. Specifically, according to the disclosure, when the SlTPP4 gene in a plant is knocked down/knocked out, the plant may form parthenocarpic fruits. When the expression of the SlTPP4 gene g of the present disclosure is inhibited to induce parthenocarpy, the fruit formation rate is 90%, and the parthenocarpic plant exhibits facultative parthenocarpy, and thus may also form normal seeded fruits when pollination occurs. In addition, fruiting occurs well even in a high temperature stress environment.