Gene Editing to Increase Plant Protein Content
Biotechnology and modern molecular plant breeding techniques can be effectively utilized to develop plant cultivars with increased proteins in both seeds and vegetative tissues. AgGene Inc. has developed a proprietary technology to enhance protein content in plant tissue by manipulating regulatory genes implicated in the accumulation of storage proteins. Our technology encompasses a multifaceted approach to increase protein content. Utilizing two approaches, our technology targets gene overexpression and gene knockout using gene-editing technology.
The AgGene Difference
Seed Protein
AgGene has developed a proprietary technology to increase protein in a portfolio of globally important crops. By using gene-editing technology to disable negative regulators of plant storage protein accumulation, our technology can increase protein levels in plant tissue. More information about this High Protein Trait can be found by clicking the button below.
Pod Shatter Tolerance
We are currently developing a proprietary technology to improve canola pod shatter resistance. Pod shatter is problematic in Canada as it leads to premature loss of seeds before harvest. By conferring pod shatter resistance, the per acre yield of canola will be notably increased.
Gene Editing Service
We are also developing a propriety gene editing workflow that can deliver gene edited and foreign DNA free plants faster than established techniques.
Preliminary Experiments Demonstrate Increased Plant Protein
High Protein Trait
We have identified an important gene of interest (GOI) through extensive research, which serves as a master regulator controlling the accumulation of storage proteins. We developed a genetically engineered Canola germplasm in which our GOI was overexpressed. Our engineered Canola line had increased seed protein levels ranging from 15-20% compared to control checks. Due to the potential regulatory hurdles associated with genetically modified crops (GMO), we have developed alternative routes to achieve similar improvement in protein content in plant tissues. Our research has identified two candidate genes that function as negative regulators of our GOI. When these two candidate genes are working normally in the plant, they reduce the activity and function of our GOI, in turn, limiting the amount of storage proteins that accumulate in plant tissue. Our research indicates that disabling these negative regulators will result in higher protein levels in plant tissue. We can disable the function of these candidate genes using gene-editing technology.
