Tonsoku Gene Suppression for Tandem Duplication Induction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plant breeding technologies rely on random mutagenesis, radiation, or transgenesis, which are inefficient for inducing tandem duplication events, limiting the use of genetic diversity for trait development due to the low natural occurrence rate of these events and unknown formation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Reducing or abolishing the expression of the TONSOKU gene, which suppresses tandem duplication events, to increase the rate of endogenous genome modifications such as tandem duplications in plant genomes, thereby enhancing genetic variation and trait development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If random mutagenesis by chemical exposure or radiation is used, then genetic variation is introduced, but almost exclusively loss of function alleles are induced which have limited benefits for trait improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of gene expression levels through targeted duplication events, creating gain-of-function alleles rather than loss-of-function alleles. By duplicating specific genomic regions, the invention alters expression parameters to achieve desired trait improvements, resolving the contradiction between introducing genetic variation and ensuring beneficial outcomes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate crossing schemes are used to employ naturally occurring trait differences, then desired traits can be combined, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by directly duplicating and modifying specific genomic regions in advance, rather than waiting for natural variation to occur and then combining traits through multiple crossing generations. This accelerates the trait combination process significantly by creating the desired genetic variations directly in the target plants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transgenesis is used to introduce desired traits, then specific genes can be added, but tremendous knowledge about the biology associated with the gene is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service by utilizing the plant's own endogenous genetic material for duplication and modification, rather than requiring introduction of foreign transgenes. This approach leverages the plant's natural genomic resources and processes, reducing the need for extensive external knowledge about gene biology and function while still achieving trait improvement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional breeding methods are used, then genetic diversity can be utilized, but the natural rate of tandem duplication events is uniformly very low across species
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by directly inducing tandem duplication events at higher frequencies than natural occurrence through targeted genomic approaches. This preliminary induction of duplications accelerates the generation of genetic diversity, resolving the contradiction between utilizing genetic diversity and achieving sufficient event rates for practical breeding applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of deliberately increasing a rare endogenous genome modification called tandem duplication events in the cells of an organism. The invention also provides methods for identifying and/or selecting a cell with a trait of interest that is the result of such tandem duplication events. Methods for screening a population of cells and identifying and/or selecting a cell with a desired trait are also provided herein. A population of plant cells, plant parts or plants obtained by the methods described herein are also provided.