Rhizobial tRNA-derived small RNAs and uses thereof for regulating plant nodulation
US12404517B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12N15/8261
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Rhizobial infection is the key process for initiating symbiotic nitrogen-fixing root nodules in legumes, which requires specific recognition of signal molecules produced by the bacteria and their hosts. Here, it is established that rhizobial tRNA-derived small RNA fragments (tRFs) are crucial signal molecules modulating host nodulation, which uncovers a bacterial small RNA-mediated mechanism for prokaryote-eukaryote interaction. Transgenic plants are also provided that express a construct encoding rhizobial-derived tRNA, which is subsequently cleaved to produce artificial tRFs. Constructs and methods of producing the same are also provided, as well as modifications for repressing a mechanism for the negative regulation of nodulation present within plants.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.