Virus-Resistant Tobacco via eIF(iso)4E Gene Mutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tobacco varieties lack effective resistance to the PVY-Breaking strain and Tobacco bushy top virus (TBTV), with unidentified resistance genes hindering precise marker breeding and quality yield in tobacco production.
Innovation Solution
Introducing mutations in the translation initiation factor eIF(iso)4E gene to render the eIF(iso)4E protein non-functional or suppressing its expression to 20% or lower, thereby creating virus-resistant tobacco.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tobacco varieties are bred using conventional resistance genes (e.g., VAM), then resistance to PVY is achieved, but the PVY-Breaking strain can overcome this resistance, rendering the tobacco vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the genetic parameter by targeting the eIF(iso)4E translation initiation factor gene, which is a different mechanism from conventional resistance genes. By mutating or suppressing this specific gene, the tobacco achieves resistance to both PVY and PVY-Breaking strain, as well as TBTV, thereby improving resistance durability and adaptability against diverse viral strains
2Reliability
If wild species with resistance to PVY-Breaking strain are used in breeding programs, then resistance to the breaking strain is achieved, but adverse traits affecting quality and yield are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the beneficial resistance trait from wild species by targeting the eIF(iso)4E gene, which confers resistance to PVY-Breaking strain and TBTV. This approach allows obtaining resistance without introducing adverse traits, as the eIF(iso)4E gene can be specifically modified or suppressed without affecting other quality and yield-related characteristics
3Reliability
If resistance genes from wild species are introduced into cultivated varieties, then virus resistance is achieved, but the mode of inheritance is complex and practical use is distant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the breeding process by focusing on a specific gene (eIF(iso)4E) with known functional characteristics. By modifying this single gene through mutation or suppression, the patent achieves resistance with a more straightforward inheritance pattern compared to utilizing complex resistance mechanisms from wild species, thereby reducing breeding complexity and accelerating practical application
4Reliability
If conventional breeding programs are used, then existing resistance traits are maintained, but no resistance to TBTV or PVY-Breaking strain is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by targeting the eIF(iso)4E gene, which plays a critical role in viral protein synthesis. By mutating or suppressing this gene, the tobacco simultaneously achieves resistance to multiple viruses including PVY, PVY-Breaking strain, and TBTV, thereby expanding the resistance spectrum without requiring separate resistance mechanisms for each virus
Data Source
AI summary
A virus-resistant tobacco in accordance with the present invention is such that it includes a mutation in a translation initiation factor eIF(iso)4E gene, the mutation causing production of an eIF(iso)4E protein which is non-functional with respect to a virus or suppressing expression of the eIF(iso)4E gene, or a virus-resistant tobacco in accordance with the present invention is such that an expression level of the eIF(iso)4E gene is 20% or lower as compared to a wild type.