Use of Chloroplast translation factor for increasing photosynthesis, biomass and yield

BACKGROUND

Our world currently faces the urgent challenge of increasing global food and feed production to meet rapidly growing demand. By 2050, food demand is projected to raise as much as 98%, not only to nourish expanding human and animal populations, but also to supply plant biomass for alternative energy sources. Achieving this growth depends on optimizing fundamental biological processes such as protein synthesis, where factors like EF-G (Elongation Factor G) play a vital role in supporting robust plant growth and biomass accumulation by ensuring efficient cellular function and development.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Oklahoma State researchers have developed a novel approach to addressing the challenges of rising global food demand and limited CO₂ assimilation by identifying EF-G as a master regulator in chloroplasts. EF-G controls the translation of key photosynthetic proteins, including RuBisCO subunits and activase. By overexpressing EF-G, plants exhibit increased CO₂ assimilation, enhanced starch synthesis and mobilization, improved metabolic activity, and greater biomass and seed yield. This single-gene strategy simplifies genetic engineering compared to traditional multi-gene approaches and offers a promising solution for boosting crop productivity and biofuel production.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Specialty Starch Production- Food, Industrial, & Pharmaceutical
• Animal Feed Manufacturing- Enhanced Nutritional Content
• Textile Fiber Production- Eco Materials
• Carbon Sequestration Agriculture
• Pharmaceutical Raw Materials- Drug Manufacturing

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Increase CO₂ Assimilation & Plant Biomass up to 30%
• Enhance Seed Yield by 15%
• Improves Starch Synthesis & Metabolic Pathways to Promote Growth
• Single-Gene Targeted Approach
• Combats Low Photosynthetic Efficiency

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Proof of Concept