|
Suppression of an NMDA-like Receptor
BACKGROUND: A major
influence on the successful harvest of nearly every
type of crop is adequate rainfall or irrigation. Particularly
at critical phases in crop life cycle, drought conditions
can delay, diminish or destroy productivity. Naturally
drought resistant arid zone plants acutely control water
metabolism through modification of stomatal opening.
A simple and robust technology has now been developed
which imparts exceptional drought resistance to any
crop plant through manipulation of an NMDA-like receptor.
This receptor plays a key role in mediating the hormonal
regulation by Abscisic Acid (ABA) of stomatal opening
and moisture retention during light and dark cycles.
Inhibition or suppression of the receptor results in
prolonged stomatal closing and water retention.
DESCRIPTION: Non-toxic
chemical inhibitors of the enzyme originally developed
for pharmaceutical use have been demonstrated to effectively
impart drought resistance when applied to plants (wheat,
arabidopsis). Block of NMDA affinity has a protective
CNS activity in animals. The technology thus can be
used to impart temporary drought resistance as needed
by spray application to the crop.
ADVANTAGES: For
the first time, it should be possible to protect from
transient drought conditions any crops, ranging from
grains to high value ornamentals, to forestry species.
The approach would involve an inhibitor spray or an
activatible transgene incorporated into the plant. Both
approaches have been tested successfully.
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT:
Examination in other plant species is under way
CASE NUMBER: SD99-112
INQUIRIES TO: invent@ucsd.edu
|
