Unicrop Ltd

Other

Unicorp Ltd

Andrei Anissimov

Anne Kanerva

Kimmo Koivu

Viktor Kuvshinov

Seppo Paavo Kaijalainen

Kari Petri Juntunen

The present invention is related to a recoverable block of function (RBF) system for controlling transgene escape and transgene containment in plants. The RBF-system comprises at least one blocking construct (BC), wherein the BC comprises as the blocking gene a nucleotide sequence or crtB gene encoding phytoene synthase, which is used alone or in combination with other BCs. The crtB gene expresses under the control of a germination specific promoter or a promoter constitutively repressed by a Recovering construct (RC) and blocks the germination of a transgenic seed. The blocked germination is recoverable by a user controlled intervention including addition of an effective amount of gibberellin and sugar and may involve so called recovering constructs (RCs), wherein the recovering gene may encode ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase or ent-kaurene synthase.

Use of phytoene synthase for controlling transgene escape

The present invention is related to a process based on a source-sink principle, for producing products of interest from crushed or uncrushed germinating dicotyledonous seeds comprising an expression system, which is induced or can be induced during germination. The product is either a seed derived composition comprising one or more gene products. Alternatively, it is a product of interest obtained by placing the composition in contact with a substrate, containing a substance capable of being transformed by the seed derived composition as such, dried or in down-stream processed form.

Process for converting storage reserves of dicotyledonous seeds into compositions comprising one or more gene products

An improved double Recoverable Block of Function (RBF) system for transgene containment with enhanced reliability is disclosed. The system includes two blocking constructs (BCs) at the opposite sides of a transgene of interest (TGI). The system comprises means for recovery of the function blocked by expression of the blocking genes of the BCs. The invention is also related to a kit comprising a cloning vector having the BCs and TGI or alternatively a place for TGI to be inserted in. Segregating (two-insert) and inducible (one-insert) types of double RBF are disclosed. The two BCs are either similar or different in their DNA and RNA structures. The two BCs may encode same protein but promoters driving the blocking genes are different and/or the coding sequence of the blocking genes is modified by codon preference change. A system comprising two BCs having different blocking genes is also disclosed. The system may consist of one or two Recovering constructs (RC), but also a system recovering without an RC is disclosed. Whether the system includes an RC or not, the recovery is induced by an external intervention that is controlled by human being.

Double recoverable block of function

The present invention is related to a family of novel spatiotemporally active Rubisco promoters (SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3) obtainable from light grownseedlings. Furthermore the invention is related to transgene expression in specific plant organs or at specific stages of plant development. DNA constructs and expression cassettes comprising at least one of the promoter sequences functionally fused in frame with genes encoding desired gene products are disclosed. Seeds from transformed homologous and heterologous plants and from subsequent generation of the transformed plants are collected and used for efficient production of desired gene products, especially in contained conditions.

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The present invention provides a molecular mechanism for gene containment in sexually reproducing transgenic plants. The mechanism is achieved with a molecular construct comprising a blocking construct (BC) that is inserted fully or partially into an intron of a transgene of interest (TGI). The TGI encodes desired gene products, such as heterologous or homologous proteins, peptides or other useful products. The expression of the BC leads to block of at least one molecular or physiological function that is essential for development or reproduction of the transgenic plant. Thereby the BC expression leads to death or incapacity of sexual reproduction of the plant. Moreover, the mechanism comprises an externally applicable recovering tool to recover the functions blocked by the BC. The recovering tool may be a recovering construct (RC).

Molecular mechanisms for gene containment in plants

The present invention is related to a family of novel spatiotemporally active Rubisco promoters (SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3) obtainable from light grownseedlings. Furthermore the invention is related to transgene expression in specific plant organs or at specific stages of plant development. DNA constructs and expression cassettes comprising at least one of the promoter sequences functionally fused in frame with genes encoding desired gene products are disclosed. Seeds from transformed homologous and herterologous plants and from subsequent generation of the transformed plants are collected and used for efficient production of desired gene products, especially in contained conditions.

Growing community of inventors

Helsinki, Finland

Andrei Anissimov