Txp40 Insecticidal Proteins for Spodoptera Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) pests in corn crops are limited by resistance development to existing insecticides, particularly Cry proteins, necessitating new insecticidal agents with different modes of action to mitigate resistance and ensure environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
The use of Txp40 insecticidal proteins and their variants, which exhibit oral toxicity to Spodoptera frugiperda, are integrated into transgenic corn plants or delivered through formulations to control FAW populations, offering a distinct mode of action compared to existing Bt-derived proteins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis are used to control FAW, then FAW mortality is reduced, but FAW resistance to Cry proteins develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach by using a toxin from a different biological source (Photorhabdus luminescens bacteria) rather than the conventional Bt source. This inversion of the toxin source provides a fundamentally different mode of action that FAW has not evolved resistance against, thereby maintaining control effectiveness while preventing resistance development
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of toxin source origin from Bacillus thuringiensis to Photorhabdus luminescens, which fundamentally alters the molecular structure and mechanism of action of the insecticidal protein. This parameter change results in a toxin (Txp40) that is orally active against FAW through a different pathway than Cry proteins, effectively bypassing resistance mechanisms
2Productivity
If synthetic insecticides are used to control FAW, then FAW populations are reduced, but resistance to multiple insecticides evolves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of synthetic insecticides with a biological system using recombinant insecticidal proteins. This substitution leverages the specific oral toxicity mechanism of Txp40 protein against FAW, providing crop protection through a biological pathway that does not select for the same resistance mechanisms as synthetic chemicals
3Reliability
If Bt-derived proteins are continuously expressed in corn plants, then FAW control is improved, but selection pressure favoring resistance evolution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of toxin source and mode of action from Bt-derived Cry proteins to Txp40 protein from Photorhabdus luminescens. This parameter change provides consistent FAW control through oral toxicity via a different mechanism, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing selection pressure for resistance since the pest has not been exposed to this specific toxin mode of action
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for controlling plant pests are disclosed. In particular, insecticidal proteins having toxicity to Spodoptera insect pests are provided. Polynucleotides comprising codons optimized for expression in plants encoding the insecticidal proteins are also provided. Methods of making the insecticidal proteins and methods of using the insecticidal proteins and polynucleotides encoding the insecticidal proteins of the invention, for example in transgenic plants to confer protection from insect damage, are also disclosed.