14-3-3 Protein Overexpression to Enhance Plant Oil Production
- Detailed Technology Description
- Executive Summary Vegetable oils are used for nutrition, biofuel, industrial applications, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. To meet the growing demand for vegetable oils, production of oilseeds has increased steadily in recent years. Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have discovered a method to significantly increase the content of oil in plant seeds. Description of Technology MSU researchers have discovered a novel way to increase production of oil in plant seeds. WRINKLED-1 (WRI1) is a transcription factor that regulates plant oil biosynthesis in maturing seeds. The turnover rate of WRI1 limits its activity. 14-3-3 proteins are a highly conserved family of proteins involved in numerous physiological processes. The researchers found that two isoforms of 14-3-3 interact with WRI1, affecting WRI1 turnover and thus enhancing the activity of WRI1. This increases the lipid (oil) content of the seed about 10% on average, and up to 30-40%. Key BenefitsHigher oil yields per seed or biomassEnhanced-calorie forage crops ApplicationsEnhanced oil content in oilseed cropsHigh calorie density forage crops Patent Status: Provisional patent application has been filed. Licensing Rights Available Full licensing rights available Inventors: Dr. Christoph Benning, Dr. John B. Ohlrogge, Wei Ma, Que Kong Tech ID: TEC2016-0156 Learn more about the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) at MSU
- *Abstract
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- *Principal Investigator
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Name: Christoph Benning, Professor
Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Name: John Ohlrogge, University Distinguished Professor
Department: Department of Plant Biology
Name: Wei Ma, Visiting Research Associate
Department: Plant Biology
Name: Que Kong, Visiting Research Associate
Department: GLBRC
- Country/Region
- USA
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