UPL3 Reduction for Seed Yield and Quality in Oilseed Rape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for increasing seed yield in oilseed rape (OSR) are limited by low levels of seed size and protein/lipid content, and high glucosinolate levels, which affect the quality and yield of the seed oil and protein.
Innovation Solution
Reducing or abolishing the expression of the ubiquitin protein ligase 3 (UPL3) gene in plants, either through mutation or RNA interference, to increase seed weight, size, and lipid/protein content, while decreasing glucosinolate levels, thereby enhancing seed yield and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional breeding methods are used to increase seed size and seed number, then seed yield is improved, but glucosinolate levels remain high which reduces seed oil quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful function of UPL3 by targeting it for degradation. The FUSCA3 transcription factor is engineered to bind to and promote degradation of UPL3, effectively taking out the problematic ubiquitin ligase activity that prevents seed storage improvement without affecting other plant functions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the stability parameter of UPL3 protein by introducing targeted degradation through the FUSCA3-UPL3 interaction. This parameter change reduces UPL3 levels to appropriate ranges that allow increased seed size, protein content, and lipid content while reducing glucosinolate levels to improve oil quality
2Productivity
If UPL3 activity is reduced to increase seed size and storage compounds, then seed yield and quality are improved, but protein ubiquitylation processes may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating spatially and functionally specific protein degradation. The FUSCA3 transcription factor is engineered with a specific degradation domain that targets only UPL3 for degradation, while leaving other ubiquitin ligases and protein stability mechanisms intact. This localized approach allows selective reduction of UPL3 without disrupting overall protein homeostasis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the FUSCA3 transcription factor as an intermediary mediator between the genetic modification and the UPL3 protein. FUSCA3 binds to the UPL3 coding sequence and promotes its degradation, acting as a controlled intermediary that allows precise regulation of UPL3 levels without direct manipulation of UPL3 itself, thereby maintaining system reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The reduction of UPL3 expression leads to a 12% increase in seed lipid and 13% increase in seed protein levels, resulting in larger seeds and improved seed oil quality by reducing glucosinolate levels, thus enhancing overall seed yield and nutritional value.
Implementation Method 1
Protein ubiquitylation is a universally conserved process in eukaryotes that regulates protein levels and activities. Ubiquitin is a small 76 amino acid protein that is coupled by an N-lysine isopeptide linkage to glycine moieties in proteins.
Implementation Method 2
chains of ubiquitin molecules coupled through lysine 48 signals the degradation of the ubiquitylated protein by the 26S proteasome
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods for increasing seed yield, increasing the total content of protein and/or lipid in seeds and reducing glucosinolate levels by reducing the expression or activity of UPL3. The invention also relates to genetically altered plants characterised by the above phenotypes and methods of producing such plants.