18449242. RICE SUBERIN BIOSYNTHETIC GENES AND REGULATORS simplified abstract (THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA)

RICE SUBERIN BIOSYNTHETIC GENES AND REGULATORS

Organization Name

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Inventor(s)

Julia Bailey-serres of Orange CA (US)

Alexander T. Borowsky of Riverside CA (US)

Mauricio Reynoso of La Plata (AR)

RICE SUBERIN BIOSYNTHETIC GENES AND REGULATORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18449242 titled 'RICE SUBERIN BIOSYNTHETIC GENES AND REGULATORS

Simplified Explanation

The present disclosure provides a list of genes, and the proteins encoded by these genes, that modulate and/or participate in the synthesis of the biopolymer suberin. The genes described here are useful in methods for producing genetically modified plants or breeding plants with increased or decreased suberin. Such plants can contain modified, mutated, or engineered candidate peptides; or have disrupted or enhanced expression using methods such as clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated (Cas) nuclease, an antisense nucleic acid, a zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), or a transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nuclease. Increased suberin has a positive influence on response to plant water stress and pathogen protection, and a long-lasting role as a carbon sink in soil; and decreased suberin encourages symbioses and nutrient uptake.

• Genes and proteins involved in suberin synthesis modulation
• Methods for producing genetically modified plants with altered suberin levels
• Use of gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas, ZFN, and TALE nucleases
• Benefits of increased suberin for plant stress response and carbon sequestration
• Benefits of decreased suberin for symbioses and nutrient uptake

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in agriculture for developing crops with improved stress tolerance and nutrient uptake capabilities.

Problems Solved

This technology addresses the need for plants to better cope with water stress, pathogens, and nutrient deficiencies in various environments.

Benefits

The technology offers the potential for increased crop yields, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, and improved sustainability in agriculture.

Potential Commercial Applications

Commercial applications include the development of genetically modified crops with enhanced traits for farmers and agricultural companies.

Possible Prior Art

Previous research may have explored the role of specific genes in suberin synthesis, but the use of gene editing technologies for modulating suberin levels in plants is a novel approach.

How does the modulation of suberin synthesis impact the overall growth and development of plants?

The article does not delve into the specific effects of altered suberin levels on plant morphology, yield, or other growth characteristics.

Are there any potential environmental or ecological implications of manipulating suberin levels in plants?

The potential effects on soil health, microbial communities, and ecosystem dynamics resulting from changes in suberin content are not discussed in detail in the article.

Original Abstract Submitted

The present disclosure provides a list of genes, and the proteins encoded by these genes, that modulate and/or participate in the synthesis of the biopolymer suberin. The genes described here are useful in methods for producing genetically modified plants or breeding plants with increased or decreased suberin. Such plants can contain modified, mutated, or engineered candidate peptides; or have disrupted or enhanced expression using methods such as clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated (Cas) nuclease, an antisense nucleic acid, a zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), or a transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nuclease. Increased suberin has a positive influence on response to plant water stress and pathogen protection, and a long-lasting role as a carbon sink in soil; and decreased suberin encourages symbioses and nutrient uptake.