Transporter Polypeptides for Broad-Spectrum Plant Rust Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plant resistance genes often become ineffective due to the emergence of new virulent pathogen races, and there is a need to determine the molecular basis of genes like Lr67 that provide broad-spectrum, adult plant resistance to biotrophic fungal pathogens.
Innovation Solution
Identification and utilization of new transporter polypeptides and genes that confer resistance to biotrophic fungal pathogens, specifically those active as sugar transporters and not primarily involved in glucose transport, with specific amino acid sequences and modifications that enhance resistance to pathogens like leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-gene pathogen resistance is used in plants, then strong hypersensitive response is achieved, but resistance becomes ineffective due to emergence of new virulent pathogen races
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing resistance into multiple independent genes (R genes) rather than relying on a single gene. Each R gene provides resistance to specific pathogen races, and the combination of multiple R genes creates a comprehensive resistance system that adapts to diverse pathogen strains, preventing the effectiveness loss associated with single-gene resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by identifying and utilizing R genes that provide broad-spectrum resistance across multiple pathogen races and species. The R genes are designed to function against various rust fungi (Puccinia triticina, Puccinia striiformis, Puccinia graminis) and other biotrophic pathogens, making the resistance system universally effective against diverse pathogens rather than specialized for a single race.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple genes are used to confer durable resistance, then resistance durability is improved, but genetic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by identifying specific functional characteristics of R genes (such as nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat structure, protein kinase activity, or ABC transporter function) that enable durable resistance. By focusing on genes with specific functional parameters rather than simply combining any multiple genes, the patent achieves durability while managing genetic complexity through functional categorization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Lr34 gene is deployed for broad spectrum resistance, then durable resistance to multiple pathogens is achieved, but response strength is reduced (weaker non-hypersensitive response)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining different types of resistance mechanisms: it integrates R genes that provide strong hypersensitive responses (such as NB-LRR class genes) with genes like Lr34 that provide broad-spectrum durable resistance. This combination allows the plant to achieve both the strength of hypersensitive response and the versatility of broad-spectrum resistance, as the patent identifies R genes that can function through multiple mechanisms simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to new transporter polypeptides, and genes encoding therefor, which can be used to confer upon a plant resistance to one or more biotrophic fungal pathogens.