SOUL Haem-Binding Protein Modulation for Alkaloid Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for modulating alkaloid content in plants, such as tobacco, are limited in effectively reducing nicotine levels and minimizing the formation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).

Innovation Solution

Modulating the activity or expression of genes encoding SOUL haem-binding proteins in plants, which regulates the levels of alkaloids like nicotine, nornicotine, and PON, thereby reducing TSNA precursors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional methods are used to modulate alkaloid content, then some reduction in nicotine levels is achieved, but the effectiveness is limited and TSNA formation is not sufficiently minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenicotine contentVSAvoideffectiveness of reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces SOUL haem-binding proteins as intermediary molecules that mediate the reduction of alkaloid content. These proteins bind to heme groups, preventing their conversion to alkaloids through heme oxygenase activity. By introducing this intermediary binding mechanism, the patent achieves more effective and reliable reduction of nicotine and TSNA precursors compared to conventional direct inhibition methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If alkaloid content is decreased to reduce TSNA precursors, then health considerations are improved, but commercial value may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTSNA precursor contentVSAvoidalkaloid content

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the expression levels of SOUL haem-binding protein genes. By controlling the quantity of binding proteins produced (through gene expression regulation), the system achieves precise control over alkaloid conversion. This allows optimization where sufficient TSNA precursor reduction is achieved while maintaining adequate alkaloid content for commercial purposes, resolving the contradiction between health and commercial value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the precise modulation of alkaloid content in plants, decreasing nicotine levels and reducing the production of TSNA precursors, which is beneficial for both commercial applications and health considerations.

Implementation Method 1

SOUL haem-binding proteins bind to heme groups, preventing heme oxygenase from converting heme to alkaloids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeme binding:

Data Source

PatentUS12234468B2Method for decreasing the alkaloid content of a tobacco plant

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for modulating (e.g. decreasing) the alkaloid content of a plant (e.g. a tobacco plant), the method comprising modifying said plant by modulating the activity or expression of at least one gene encoding a SOUL haem-binding protein. The present invention also provides for the use of at least one gene encoding a SOUL haem-binding protein for modulating the alkaloid content of a plant, as well as tobacco cells, plants, plant propagation materials, harvested leaves, processed tobaccos, or tobacco products obtainable in accordance with the invention.