Method to modify cell number, architecture and yield of plants by overexpressing the E2F transcription factor

US7592507B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CrooDesign, N.V. · BE

Inventors

• Tom Beeckman · Merelbeke, BE
• Lieven De Veylder · Aalst, BE
• Dirk Inze · Aalst, BE
• Vladimir Mironov · Evergem, BE
• Willem Broekaert · Dilbeek, BE
• Willy Dillen · Sint-Amandsberg, BE
• Valerie Frankard · Lessines, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 22, 2009
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A40/146
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for modifying plant growth and development processes by affecting cell cycle regulation comprising modulating expression of members of the plant E2F transcription factor family. More specific the invention relates to methods for stimulating cell division in a plant. The invention further relates to transgenic plants produced by the methods of the invention having altered plant growth and development characteristics compared to their isogenic counterparts. Preferably, the plant characteristics modified by the present invention include enlarged cotyledons, enhanced growth rate, stress resistance and seedling survival, more cells, more tillers, more panicles.