Trichoderma reesei Mutant Strain for Enhanced Cellulase Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Trichoderma reesei strains have limitations in protein production capabilities, particularly cellulase production, and there is a need for further enhancement of protein-producing abilities through novel mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Development of a mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei with mutations in specific polypeptides, such as those represented by SEQ ID NOs: 4, 5, and 6, to eliminate or reduce their functions, specifically targeting the HSF-type DNA-binding, TLD, and F-box domains, enhancing protein production and cellulase activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional Trichoderma reesei strains are used for protein production, then basic cellulase production is achieved, but protein production capability is limited and cannot be further enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein production capabilityVSAvoidnovel mechanism exploration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by mutating specific genes (cre1, xyr1, atf2) that control protein production in Trichoderma reesei. By altering the genetic parameters of these transcription factors, the invention achieves enhanced cellulase and protein production capabilities beyond conventional strains, directly resolving the limitation in productivity while exploring novel genetic mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If Cre1 function is reduced to enhance cellulase production, then cellulase production amount increases, but other protein production capabilities may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecellulase production amountVSAvoidprotein production stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separately optimizing multiple transcription factor genes (cre1, xyr1, atf2) rather than relying on a single gene modification. This segmented approach allows independent control over different aspects of protein production, enhancing cellulase production through Cre1 reduction while maintaining overall protein production stability through coordinated modification of multiple genetic elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simultaneously modifies multiple genetic parameters (cre1, xyr1, atf2 genes) to achieve balanced protein production. By changing the functional parameters of several transcription factors in combination, the invention resolves the contradiction between enhancing cellulase production and maintaining overall protein production stability, as each gene modification contributes to different aspects of the production system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If glucose or lactose is added to culture medium to improve cellulase production, then production amount increases, but production cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecellulase production amountVSAvoidcultivation process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modifying the genetic structure of Trichoderma reesei strains to constitutively enhance protein production capability. This genetic preprocessing allows the organism to produce high levels of cellulase without requiring external induction by glucose or lactose addition during cultivation, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by creating mutant strains that inherently possess enhanced protein production capability through genetic modification. These self-sufficient strains can maintain high cellulase production levels without external supplementation of inducers like glucose or lactose, reducing manufacturing complexity and operational costs while sustaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250304632A1Mutant strain of trichoderma reesei and method of producing protein using same
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

A mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei, the mutant strain having a mutation that eliminates or reduces a function of a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID No: 6. A method produces a cellulase, the method including a step of cultivating the mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei, the mutant strain having a mutation that eliminates or reduces a function of a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID No: 6.