Thickened Aleurone Cereal Grain via Gene Expression Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cereal grains with thickened aleurone that are also agronomically useful, as existing mutants often exhibit pleiotropic effects, reduced seed setting, and poor germination rates.
Innovation Solution
Cereal grains with a reduced level and/or activity of mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding (mtSSB), RECA3, or TWINKLE polypeptides, achieved through genetic variations such as mutations, silencing RNA molecules, or splice site modifications, which result in a thicker aleurone layer and improved nutritional properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If existing cereal grain mutants with thickened aleurone are used, then aleurone thickness is improved, but germination rates and agronomic traits deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the expression levels of specific genes (Dek1, CR4, SAL1, Thk1, Xcl, Dil1, Dil2, ELO2, ROS1a) that control aleurone development. By adjusting the expression parameters of these key regulatory genes rather than creating random mutations, the invention achieves thickened aleurone while maintaining normal germination and agronomic traits. This targeted gene expression modulation resolves the contradiction between aleurone thickness improvement and germination rate maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If bran is removed to produce white rice, then ease of operation and consumer preference are improved, but nutritional content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enhancing the nutritional properties specifically in the aleurone layer, which is the outermost layer of the endosperm. By thickening this specific layer and increasing its nutritional components (proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), the invention creates a grain structure where the valuable nutrients are concentrated in a layer that can be retained during processing. This allows production of whole grain or minimally processed rice that maintains both processing ease and superior nutritional content.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to cereal grain comprising an aleurone, an embryo, a starchy endosperm and a reduced level and/or activity of a mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding (mtSSB) polypeptide, a RECA3 polypeptide or a TWINKLE polypeptide. Grain of the invention, or aleurone therefrom, has improved nutritional properties, and hence is particularly useful for human and animal feed products.