US20220170039A1 - Truncated forms of atypical cys his rich thioredoxin 4 (acht4) capable of inhibiting acht4-mediated oxidation of the small subunit of adp-glucose pyrophosphorylase (aps1) - Google Patents

Truncated forms of atypical cys his rich thioredoxin 4 (acht4) capable of inhibiting acht4-mediated oxidation of the small subunit of adp-glucose pyrophosphorylase (aps1) Download PDF

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US20220170039A1
US20220170039A1 US17/676,315 US202217676315A US2022170039A1 US 20220170039 A1 US20220170039 A1 US 20220170039A1 US 202217676315 A US202217676315 A US 202217676315A US 2022170039 A1 US2022170039 A1 US 2022170039A1
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acht4
algae
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recombinant polynucleotide
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Avihai DANON
Erez ELIYAHU
Vivekanand TIWARI
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Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd
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    • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
    • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
    • C12N15/63—Introduction of foreign genetic material using vectors; Vectors; Use of hosts therefor; Regulation of expression
    • C12N15/79—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts
    • C12N15/82—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts for plant cells, e.g. plant artificial chromosomes (PACs)
    • C12N15/8241—Phenotypically and genetically modified plants via recombinant DNA technology
    • C12N15/8261—Phenotypically and genetically modified plants via recombinant DNA technology with agronomic (input) traits, e.g. crop yield
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    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
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    • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
    • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
    • C12N15/63—Introduction of foreign genetic material using vectors; Vectors; Use of hosts therefor; Regulation of expression
    • C12N15/79—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts
    • C12N15/82—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts for plant cells, e.g. plant artificial chromosomes (PACs)
    • C12N15/8241—Phenotypically and genetically modified plants via recombinant DNA technology
    • C12N15/8242—Phenotypically and genetically modified plants via recombinant DNA technology with non-agronomic quality (output) traits, e.g. for industrial processing; Value added, non-agronomic traits
    • C12N15/8243—Phenotypically and genetically modified plants via recombinant DNA technology with non-agronomic quality (output) traits, e.g. for industrial processing; Value added, non-agronomic traits involving biosynthetic or metabolic pathways, i.e. metabolic engineering, e.g. nicotine, caffeine
    • C12N15/8245—Phenotypically and genetically modified plants via recombinant DNA technology with non-agronomic quality (output) traits, e.g. for industrial processing; Value added, non-agronomic traits involving biosynthetic or metabolic pathways, i.e. metabolic engineering, e.g. nicotine, caffeine involving modified carbohydrate or sugar alcohol metabolism, e.g. starch biosynthesis
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    • C12N9/00—Enzymes; Proenzymes; Compositions thereof; Processes for preparing, activating, inhibiting, separating or purifying enzymes
    • C12N9/0004—Oxidoreductases (1.)
    • C12N9/0051—Oxidoreductases (1.) acting on a sulfur group of donors (1.8)
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
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    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/146—Genetically Modified [GMO] plants, e.g. transgenic plants

Definitions

  • the present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast ACHT4
  • Genetically modified plants with improved agronomic traits such as yield, pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, improved seed compositions, and the like are desired by both farmers and consumers. Although considerable efforts in plant breeding have provided significant gains in desired phenotypes, the ability to introduce specific DNA into plant genomes provides further opportunities for generation of plants with improved and/or unique phenotypes. The ability to develop genetically modified plants with improved traits depends in part on the identification of genes that are useful in recombinant DNA constructs for production of transformed plants with improved properties.
  • One genetic modification that would be economically desirable would be to increase the growth and yield production of the plant. There is a need to develop a method for increasing growth in plants, regardless of the locale or the environmental conditions.
  • ACHTs The Arabidopsis thaliana atypical cysteine histidine-rich Trxs
  • ACHT4 a recently identified paralog of ACHT1 in Arabidopsis , was previously unknown.
  • the present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast ACHT4
  • the present invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a seed comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a plant, or plant part, comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides an algae comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • the present invention provides a polypeptide comprising an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the yield of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the yield of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the productivity of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the productivity of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the size of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the size of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the biomass of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the biomass of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of stimulating the growth of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby stimulating the growth of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of producing a plant or algae having an enhanced phenotype, wherein said method comprises delivering a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein to plant or algae cells, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation, regenerating plants or algae from said cells, and screening said plants or algae to identify a plant having an enhanced phenotype.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • FIG. 1A Immunoblot assay showing the oxidized state of ACHT4 active-site Cys residues captured in plants expressing ACHT4 fused with HA-tag at the end of the night (oxidized) and at 1 min (m), 5 min, 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h after beginning of illumination. Analysis of the purified proteins under reducing conditions (reduced), indicated that the changes in the oxidized level of ACHT4 were not the result of altered protein content. Equal loading was verified by ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RBCL) levels.
  • RBCL ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
  • FIG. 1B Immunoblot assay showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes, 2-Cys Prx heterotrimeric (Prx-t) and heterodimeric (Prx-d), and a unique additional complex (marked with an asterisk) extracted under nonreducing conditions (NR) from plants expressing either ACHT4MT or ACHT1MT.
  • NR nonreducing conditions
  • FIGS. 1C and 1D Reciprocal immunoprecipitation identified 2-Cys Prx (C) and APS1 (D) as the intermolecular disulfide partners of ACHT4.
  • Purified proteins were run under reducing conditions and blotted with antibodies specific to the HA-tagged ACHT4 (aHA), 2-Cys Prx ( ⁇ Prx) or APS1 ( ⁇ APS1).
  • FIG. 2A Immunoblot assay with HA Ab showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes during the transition from night to day.
  • FIG. 2B Immunoblot assay showing APS1 redox state during the transition from night to day. The panels of APS1 dimer and the monomer were taken from the same immunoblot exposure.
  • FIG. 2C Immunoblot assay with APS1 Ab of gel slice of 50 kDa monomer extracted from plants in the dark (D) or in the light (L) before ( ⁇ DTT) and after (+DTT) chemical reduction with DTT.
  • FIG. 2D Immunoblot assay with APS1 Ab showing the reduced 50 kDa APS1 monomer (red). Equal loading was verified as in FIG. 1 . The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 2E Immunoblot assay with HA Ab showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes during the transition from day to night.
  • FIG. 2F Immunoblot assay showing APS1 redox state during the transition from day to night. The panels of APS1 dimer and the monomer were taken from the same immunoblot exposure.
  • FIG. 3A Immunoblot assay showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes in plants treated for 2-hrs with 50 ⁇ E*m ⁇ 2*s ⁇ 1 light intensity (50 ⁇ E) and after abrupt decreased (10 ⁇ E) followed by abrupt increased light intensity (50 ⁇ E). Equal protein loading was verified as in FIG. 1 . The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 3B Immunoblot assay showing the APS1 redox state in plants treated for 2-hrs with 50 ⁇ E*m ⁇ 2*s ⁇ 1 light intensity (50 ⁇ E) and after abrupt decreased (10 ⁇ E) followed by abrupt increased light intensity (50 ⁇ E). Equal protein loading was verified as in FIG. 1 . The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 4A Schematic representation comparing ACHT1 and ACHT4 protein sequences.
  • ACHT4 is comprised of a chloroplast targeting transit peptide (TP) followed by a conserved thioredoxin (Trx) domain and long C-terminus domain.
  • TP chloroplast targeting transit peptide
  • Trx conserved thioredoxin
  • FIG. 4B Immunoblot assay of intermolecular disulfide complexes of ACHT4 ⁇ C as in FIG. 1B .
  • FIG. 4C Immunoblot assay with HA Ab showing the ACHT4 ⁇ C intermolecular disulfide complexes during the transition from night to day.
  • FIG. 4D Immunoblot assay of thylakoid membranes (T), enriched grana (G), grana margin (GM) and stroma lamellae (SL) and decorated with anti-HA Ab (ACHT1, ACHT4, ACHT4 ⁇ C), or with Ab against the PS II protein PsbA (PsbA) or the PS I protein PsaD Ab (PsaD).
  • T thylakoid membranes
  • G enriched grana
  • GM grana margin
  • SL stroma lamellae
  • ACHT1, ACHT4, ACHT4 ⁇ C anti-HA Ab
  • PsbA Ab against the PS II protein PsbA
  • PsaD Ab against the PS I protein PsaD Ab
  • FIG. 5A Immunoblot assay with APS1 Ab showing APS1 redox state in WT plants (WT), plants expressing increased level of ACHT4 ⁇ C (ACHT4 ⁇ C), or plants expressing increased level of ACHT4 (ACHT4). Equal protein loading was verified as in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5B Leaves starch content of plants expressing increased level of ACHT4 ⁇ C, or plants expressing increased level of ACHT4 relative to that of WT plants. The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B Effect of overexpression of AtACHT4 ⁇ C on biomass accumulation in Arabidopsis plants.
  • Overexpressing (OE) AtACHT4 ⁇ C in Arabidopsis plants stimulated growth (fresh weight, FW, FIG. 6A ; dry weight, DW, FIG. 6B ) in comparison to wild type plants, indicating that OE of AtACHT4 ⁇ C stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth.
  • the OE of AtACHT4 decreased growth, confirming that the C-terminus of ACHT4 attenuates growth.
  • FIG. 7 A phylogenetic tree showing that Arabidopsis has one paralog of ACHT4 where other crop plants, including potato, maize, rice, barley, wheat, sorghum , castor, bean, rapeseed, cotton, soybean, beat, banana, chili, chickpea, tomato, African oilpalm, Foxtail millet, cassava and the algae Chlamydomonas and Chlorella have one to five paralogs.
  • Arabidopsis ACHT4 Arabidopsis ACHT4 (AtACHT4) was performed against several crop plants, biofuel plants and algae genomes database. Pairwise distance analysis of proteins was performed using MEGA 7 program and the proteins closely related to AtACHT4 were aligned and then phylogenetic tree was constructed.
  • Arabidopsis Arabidopsis thaliana : NP_172333.1; SEQ ID NO: 1
  • Potato-1 Solanum tuberosum : XP_006348023.1; SEQ ID NO: 2
  • Potato-2 Solanum tuberosum : XP_006351368.1; SEQ ID NO: 3
  • Maize-1 Zea mays : NP_001266702.1; SEQ ID NO: 4
  • Maize-2 Zea mays : ACR34655.1; SEQ ID NO: 5
  • Maize-3 Zea mays : ACN36361.1; SEQ ID NO: 6
  • Rice-1 Oryza sativa : XP_015632287.1; SEQ ID NO: 7
  • Rice-2 Oryza sativa : XP_015646723.1; SEQ ID NO: 8
  • Barley-1 Hordeum vulgare : BAK03063.1
  • FIG. 8 Effect of OE of StACHT4-2 ⁇ C in potato plants on tubers yield.
  • OE StACHT4-2 ⁇ C in potato plants nearly doubled tubers yield (g per plant) in comparison to WT plants (cultivated Desiree), indicating that StACHT4-2 ⁇ C stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth.
  • OE of StACHT4-2 did not change growth, confirming that the deletion of StACHT4-2 C-terminus relieves growth attenuation and tubers yield in a similar fashion to Arabidopsis AtACHT 4 ⁇ C.
  • FIG. 9 Photographs of potato plants after 60-days growth in the greenhouse showing higher shoots growth and higher tuber yield in StACHT4-2 ⁇ C-OE plants over WT (cultivated Desiree) plants. Scale bar in each panel represents 10 cm.
  • FIG. 10 Percent change of transitory starch level of leaves of 6-weeks old StACHT4-1 ⁇ C OE and StACHT4-1 OE potato plants.
  • Overexpressing (OE) StACHT4-1 ⁇ C in potato plants stimulated transitory starch accumulation in leaves relative to wild type plants.
  • OE of StACHT4-1 decreased transitory starch accumulation, confirming that the C-terminus of StACHT4-1 attenuates starch synthesis in potato leaves.
  • FIG. 11 Schematic representation of plant expression vector construct for the over expression of the four StACHT4 construct. Only the construct of StACHT4-1 ⁇ C is shown.
  • the present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function and/or expression of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast ACHT4
  • ACHTs The Arabidopsis thaliana atypical cysteine histidine-rich Trxs
  • AtACHT4 A recently discovered paralog, AtACHT4, was found by the inventors to attenuate starch synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by oxidizing a regulatory disulfide of the AGPase (ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, which catalyzes the first committed step in the starch synthesis pathway; Examples 1-2).
  • AGPase ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, which catalyzes the first committed step in the starch synthesis pathway; Examples 1-2).
  • the oxidizing reaction of AtACHT4 with AGPase requires the C-terminus of AtACHT4 (Example 2).
  • the present invention provides compositions comprising ACHT4 proteins and nucleic acids and uses thereof.
  • ACHT4 sequences may be from any species comprising such sequences.
  • Table 1 hereinbelow discloses the amino acid sequences of some ACHT4 paralogs in various species, while Table 2 hereinbelow discloses the nucleic acid sequences of some ACHT4 paralogs in various species.
  • MAEVISKTSLFFRGACVNHHHHADDF 18 napus 2 1 SVSPVSFGLKKSFSSLKQKPLRSDFSGK (Rapeseed) QILQTFNRSFRSSSVTAQSTLRIGTAQK (2006)KGLQENMREISSAQELVDSLADA GDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKMCQ LAEQSADVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLG VHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRVCSFSCTNATI KKFRDALAKHSPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKE LVALAANKELNFSYTPKVVPVEKEAAI PTSNPALPVPHPSMSGSEEKTLVSAGR Brassica BnACHT4- XP_013672630.
  • MAEAAISRTNLIFRGACVTHHHHADD 19 napus 3 1 YSVSSSPVSFGLRKSFSSLKLKPPRQID (Rapeseed) TQFQTFTRSSRASSITAQTTLRIGTPQK (16KGLKENMREISSAQELVDSLTNA GDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQL
  • MAEAAISRTNLIFRGACVNQHKHVDD 20 napus 4 1 YSVSSPVSFGLRKSFPSLKVKPFNQFQS (Rapeseed) SRSSSSITAQTALRIGTPQRWWEKGLK ENMREISSAQELVDSLTNAGDKLVVV DFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEQNPDV QFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLGVHVLPFFR FYRGAHGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALA KHTPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELVALAAN KELNFSYTPKDVPVEEEAAPVPVSNPG LPVAHPSMKANDGKTLVSSGR Brassica BnACHT4- XP_013641071.
  • MADVLSKTNLVPSSCCNGYKNQKKD 22 communis 1 GAFVLKRSCSLKVSSRKFNPQAFGSQK (Castor) ISLISDFYGKRVIVQEKQLKRGNFHQFS IKAQTGLRLKNAPKWWEKGLQPNMK EITSAQDLVDSLMNAGDKLVIVDFFSP GCGGCKALHPKICQFAEMNPDVQFLQ VNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRG AQGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHTP DRCSLGPTKGLEEKELIALASNKDLNF TCTPKPVQPTAPAQEEIIPAALTPAHVN QTLPLPIPLSTTSLMSAQDLGEKTLVTS GR Phaseolus PvACHT4- XP_007161960.
  • MAEVLGKSNLFTACNYSQKKHQEGG 26 histrum 2 1 VPLFSRRISVFCLRKNSFPSLRLEPQAL (Cotton) RSGFNGQRVVFLEKRSLNERRFCRVPI KAQMQTGLIGKTQKWWEKGNQPNM KEVTSAQDLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFS PGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQFL KVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYR GAQGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHS PDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELLALAANKDLS FNYTPKPVHPAPEEIPVLKEVPSGSSFK LKESEEKTLIGVGR Gossypium GhACHT4- XP_016672835.
  • MAEVLGKSNLFTACNCSQKKNQEGGV 27 histrum 3 1 PLFSRRISAFCLRKNSFPSLKLEPQALRS (Cotton) GFNGQRVVVLEKRSLNERRFCRVPIKA QMQTGLIGKTQKWWEKGNQPNMKEV TSAQDLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGC GGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQFLKLN YEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAQ GRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHSPDR CSLGPTKGLEEKELLALAANKDLSFNY TPKPVHPAPEEMPVLEEVPSGSSFRPKE SEEKTLVGVGR Glycine GmACHT4- XP_003548763.
  • MADALAQMTLLSPHGHRSLSRSSDRR 32 acuminate 2 1 NRLVCASKDDLLRSSSSCNSQFHGRRL (Banana) VIGAQRERPLRGNRGSSSVQMTLSFKK ASKWWEKGLHPNMKDIKSAEDLVDSL SNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGCAGCRALHPKI CQFAELNPDVQFLQLNHEEHKSMCYS LNVHVLPFFRFYRGAHGRLCSFSCTNA TIKKFKDALAKHITERCSLGPAKGLEE TELLALAANKDLSFTYTRTPVPVPDEL AEKAPFNPNLPVHAAARLTLESEDKAF AAAGR Capsicum CaACHT4 XP_016552829.
  • AGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKLC QLAEMNPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSL NVHLLPFFRFYRGAEGRVCSFSCTNAT IKKFKDALAKYGTDRCTFGPPKGLEEK ELLALAANKELSFNYIPKTEEEPVLVAS QEEVEDRTPNKESPLPLPLPLPISSTSSL KPKQDTEKEAYATSGR Cicer CaACHT4 XP_004493141.
  • MMEVLSQSGVMSPCGHRWVVRSCKE 37 guineensis 1 1 RSPSFVGFPRSSSRTIESLMSSSRNSGFH (African GRRLSIGAWRVNAVKGNFSSTPVQMS oilpalm) LCVGKALKWWEKELQPNMKEIESAQ DLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGCGGCK ALHPKICQFAKLNPDVLFLQVNYEKH KSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAHGRLC SFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHTTDRCSLG PTKGLEESELMALAANKDLSFSYTRKP VPVPSPDEAAEEVVLSPKLPVSSTPRVI QDSEEKALVAAGR Elaeis EgACHT4- XP_010921294.
  • MAEALCNGVVPSPCGGDVGVAGRVS 41 italic 3 1 GAAAALAESVPIGGYRTKSSFSAGRM (Foxtail AMTDRKMRPLPRSIEAAPGQMNLSFP millet) KAMRWWEKGLQPNMREIESAQDLAD SLLNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRALH AKIAQFAEKNPDVMFLQVNYETHKSM CYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRVSSFSC TNATIKKFKDALAKHGPDRCSLGPAR GLEESELMALAANKDLQFTYEKPGLV PLAEAIAKEAAAPGGPWFPLPASATQF LTQGSENSLLSSGR Chla mydomonas CrACHT4 XP_001697443.
  • WWTKSAPPNVVHIKSVQHLVDEMVR 43 Single- 1, partial AERLAGAGERLVIMDVFAPWCAACKA cell green LYPKLMKLMEERPDVLLLTVNFDENK alga) TVVKAMGVKVLPYFMFYRGKEGKLQ EFSASNKRFHLIQEAIERHSTDRCFLDS TDEEPVLAEFPTVVPAKGISGSLDEPAG RAAGKAVGQPQPVA
  • the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of the sequences listed in Table 1.
  • the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43.
  • a “corresponding sequence” is an amino acid (or nucleic acid) sequence from a first species for which there is a similar or equivalent sequence in a second species, which may be inferred by sequence alignment, as is well known in the art.
  • nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of the sequences listed in Table 2.
  • nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86.
  • the present invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • OE over-expression of a C-terminal truncated form of AtACHT4 (AtACHT4 ⁇ C, in which there is a 47 amino acid deletion of the C-terminus) has a dominant negative effect in Arabidopsis plants.
  • AtACHT4 ⁇ C overexpression relieves the oxidation of AGPase and boosts starch synthesis.
  • the OE of the full length ACHT4 does not, confirming that the C-terminus of AtACHT4 is indeed required for the attenuation of starch synthesis and the authenticity of the stimulating effect of AtACHT4-C-Del.
  • AtACHT4-C-Del results in a significant increase in transitory starch content in Arabidopsis leaves and stimulates growth, indicating that AtACHT4 ⁇ C stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward plant metabolism and growth.
  • ACHT4 there are homologs of the ACHT4 found in Arabidopsis (AtACHT4), and in other species including potato, cassava, maize, rice, barley, wheat, sorghum , rapeseed, castor, bean, cotton, soybean, beet, banana, peppers, chickpea, tomato, oil palm, millet, several species of algae, and other plants and algae (Tables 1-2).
  • ACHT4 in potato paralogs StACHT4-2 and StACHT4-1
  • StACHT4-2 is similarly involved in attenuating starch synthesis and growth, and overexpression of the C-terminally deleted forms of StACHT4-1 and StACHT4-2, respectively, disinhibits (i.e. promotes) starch synthesis and nearly doubles tuber yield and plant shoot growth, respectively.
  • ACHT4 Since ACHT4 is expressed in all major crop and biofuel species, including rice and corn, attenuation of ACHT4 through dominant negative C-terminal deletions or other means, represents a promising new target for increasing plant growth and yield in all major crop and biofuel species.
  • the inactivating mutation in the ACHT4 gene as described in the methods and compositions of the present invention is a deletion mutation.
  • the inactivating mutation is an insertion mutation.
  • the inactivating mutation is a substitution mutation.
  • the inactivating mutation is a null mutation.
  • the inactivating mutation is another type of mutation known in the art.
  • the insertion, deletion or substitution mutation comprises an insertion, deletion or substitution of a single nucleic acid, while in another embodiment, it comprises an insertion, deletion or substitution of 1-5 nucleic acids, 1-10 nucleic acids, 5-20 nucleic acids, 10-50 nucleic acids, 25-100 nucleic acids, 100-500 nucleic acids, 300-400 nucleic acids, 200-500 nucleic acids, or 500 or more nucleic acids.
  • the mutation is a dominant negative mutation.
  • a dominant negative mutation also called an antimorphic mutation
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion of ACHT4 is a deletion of the entire C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of a portion of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • a “corresponding sequence” is a nucleic acid (or amino acid) sequence from a first species for which there is a similar or equivalent sequence in a second species, which may be inferred by sequence alignment, as is well known in the art.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 141-207 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 150-225 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 150-300 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 75-150 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 3-75 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 3-30 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 75-225 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 3-60 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 60-120 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 120-180 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 150-225 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 687-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 651-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 600-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 801-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 750-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 774-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 687-750 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 600-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 651-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 750-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 801-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 849-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 876-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 825-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-801 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-849 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 501-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 549-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 600-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 651-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-651 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-600 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-549 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-501 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises insertion of a non-native sequence into a portion of the C-terminal of ACHT4 encoding the C-terminal of ACHT4, wherein said the C-terminal of ACHT4 is inactivated as a result.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises substitution of nucleic acid residues, as is known to one of skill in the art.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists essentially of any of the mutations listed hereinabove.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists of any of the mutations listed hereinabove.
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • expression refers to transcription of DNA to produce RNA.
  • the resulting RNA may be without limitation mRNA encoding a protein, antisense RNA that is complementary to an mRNA encoding a protein, or an RNA transcript comprising a combination of sense and antisense gene regions, such as for use in RNAi technology.
  • Expression as used herein may also refer to production of encoded protein from mRNA.
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • “recombinant polynucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide having a genetically engineered modification introduced through manipulation via mutagenesis, restriction enzymes, and the like.
  • Recombinant polynucleotides may comprise DNA segments obtained from different sources, or DNA segments obtained from the same source, but which have been manipulated to join DNA segments which do not naturally exist in the joined form.
  • a recombinant polynucleotide may exist outside of the cell, for example as a PCR fragment, or integrated into a genome, such as a plant genome.
  • the present invention contemplates the use of polynucleotides effective for imparting an enhanced phenotype to genetically modified plants or algae expressing said polynucleotides.
  • Exemplary polynucleotides for use in the present invention are provided herein in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO: 44 through SEQ ID NO: 86).
  • a subset of the nucleic molecules of this invention includes fragments of the disclosed polynucleotides consisting of oligonucleotides of at least 15, preferably at least 16 or 17, more preferably at least 18 or 19, and even more preferably at least 20 or more, consecutive nucleotides.
  • Such oligonucleotides are fragments of the larger molecules having a sequence provided herein in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO: 44 through SEQ ID NO: 86), and find use, for example as probes and primers for detection of the polynucleotides of the present invention.
  • variants of the polynucleotides provided herein may be naturally occurring, including homologous polynucleotides from the same or a different species, or may be non-natural variants, for example polynucleotides synthesized using chemical synthesis methods, or generated using recombinant DNA techniques. Degeneracy of the genetic code provides the possibility to substitute at least one base of the protein encoding sequence of a gene with a different base without causing the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide produced from the gene to be changed.
  • a polynucleotide useful in the present invention may have any base sequence that has been changed from the sequences in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO: 44 to SEQ ID NO: 86) by substitution in accordance with degeneracy of the genetic code.
  • a polynucleotide of the present invention is substantially identical to a reference polynucleotide if, when the sequences of the polynucleotides are optimally aligned there is about 60% nucleotide equivalence; more preferably 70%; more preferably 80% equivalence; more preferably 85% equivalence; more preferably 90%; more preferably 95%; and/or more preferably 98% or 99% equivalence over a comparison window.
  • a comparison window is preferably at least 50-100 nucleotides, and more preferably is the entire length of the polynucleotide provided herein.
  • Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by algorithms; preferably by computerized implementations of these algorithms (such as the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package).
  • the reference polynucleotide may be a full-length molecule or a portion of a longer molecule.
  • the window of comparison for determining polynucleotide identity of protein encoding sequences is the entire coding region.
  • a polynucleotide of the present invention is operatively linked in a recombinant polynucleotide to a promoter functional in a plant or alga to provide for expression of the polynucleotide in the sense orientation such that a desired polypeptide is produced. Also considered are embodiments wherein a polynucleotide is operatively linked to a promoter functional in a plant to provide for expression of the polynucleotide in the antisense orientation such that a complementary copy of at least a portion of an mRNA native to the target plant host is produced.
  • a transcript may contain both sense and antisense regions of a polynucleotide, for example where RNAi methods are used for gene suppression.
  • the promoter of the expression vector of the present invention is operably linked to the polynucleotide.
  • the promoter is a constitutive promoter.
  • the promoter is an inducible promoter.
  • the promoter is a tissue-specific promoter.
  • a promoter used in the compositions and methods of the present invention is cisgenic, i.e. is a promoter that is native to the plant.
  • DNA constructs used for transforming plant cells will comprise a polynucleotide one desires to introduce into a target plant.
  • Such constructs will also typically comprise a promoter operatively linked to said polynucleotide to provide for expression in the target plant.
  • Other construct components may include additional regulatory elements, such as 5′ or 3′ untranslated regions (such as polyadenylation sites), intron regions, and transit or signal peptides.
  • promoters that are active in plant cells have been described in the literature. These include promoters present in plant genomes as well as promoters from other sources, including nopaline synthase (NOS) promoter and octopine synthase (OCS) promoters carried on tumor-inducing plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens , caulimovirus promoters such as the cauliflower mosaic virus or figwort mosaic virus promoters.
  • NOS nopaline synthase
  • OCS octopine synthase
  • promoters that function in plant cells are known to those skilled in the art and available for use in recombinant polynucleotides of the present invention to provide for expression of desired genes in genetically modified plant cells.
  • the promoters may be altered to contain multiple “enhancer sequences” to assist in elevating gene expression.
  • enhancers are known in the art.
  • the expression of the selected protein may be enhanced.
  • These enhancers often are found 5′ to the start of transcription in a promoter that functions in eukaryotic cells, but can often be inserted in the forward or reverse orientation 5′ or 3′ to the coding sequence.
  • these 5′ enhancing elements are introns. Deemed to be particularly useful as enhancers are the 5′ introns of the rice actin 1 and rice actin 2 genes.
  • enhancers examples include elements from the CaMV 35S promoter, octopine synthase genes, the maize alcohol dehydrogenase gene, the maize shrunken 1 gene and promoters from non-plant eukaryotes.
  • promoters for use for seed composition modification include promoters from seed genes such as napin, globulin 1, glutelin 1, and peroxiredoxin antioxidant.
  • promoters for expression in plant green tissues include those from genes such as SSU, aldolase and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK).
  • Recombinant constructs prepared in accordance with the invention will also in one embodiment, include a 3′ untranslated DNA region that typically contains a polyadenylation sequence following the polynucleotide coding region.
  • 3′ UTRs include those from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium tumefaciens (nos), a gene encoding the small subunit of a ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (rbcS), and the T7 transcript of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
  • Constructs and vectors may also include a transit peptide for targeting of a gene target to a plant organelle, particularly to a chloroplast, leucoplast or other plastid organelle.
  • the present invention provides a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the cell is from an Arabidopsis . In one embodiment, the cell is from Arabidopsis thaliana . In one embodiment, the cell is from a crop plant. In one embodiment, the crop plant is Solanum tuberosum (Potato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Zea mays (Maize). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Oryza sativa (Rice). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Manihot esculenta (Cassava). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Hordeum vulgare (Barley). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Triticum aestivum (Wheat). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Sorghum bicolor .
  • the crop plant is Brassica napus (Rapeseed). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Ricinus communis (Castor). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Gossypium histrum (Cotton). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Glycine max (Soybean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Beta vulgaris (Beet). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Musa acuminate (Banana). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Capsicum annuum (Sweet and chili Peppers). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Cicer arietinum (Chick pea).
  • the crop plant is Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Elaeis guineensis (African oilpalm). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Setaria italic (Foxtail millet).
  • the crop plant is a food crop. In another embodiment, the crop plant is a nutritionally enhanced food crop.
  • the cell is a moss cell. In one embodiment, the moss is Physcomitrella patens . In another embodiment, the cell is an algae cell. In one embodiment, the algae cell is Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . In another embodiment, the algae cell is Ostreococcus tauri . In another embodiment, the algae cell is a Chlorella.
  • host cells that contain a vector, e.g., a DNA plasmid and support the replication and/or expression of the vector.
  • Host cells may be prokaryotic cells such as E. coli , or eukaryotic cells such as yeast, plant, insect, amphibian, or mammalian cells.
  • host cells are monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plant cells. In other embodiments monocotyledonous host cell is a maize host cell.
  • the host cell utilized in the methods of the present invention is transiently transfected with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention.
  • the host cell utilized in the methods of the present invention is a plant protoplast.
  • Plant protoplasts are plant cells that had their entire plant cell wall enzymatically removed prior to the introduction of the molecule of interest. The complete removal of the cell wall disrupts the connection between cells producing a homogenous suspension of individualized cells which allows more uniform and large scale transfection experiments. This comprises, but is not restricted to protoplast fusion, electroporation, liposome-mediated transfection, and polyethylene glycol-mediated transfection. Protoplast preparation is therefore a very reliable and inexpensive method to produce millions of cells.
  • the plant protoplast is derived from one of the following genuses: Acorus, Aegilops, Allium, Amborella, Antirrhinum, Apium, Arabidopsis, Arachis, Beta, Betula, Brassica, Capsicum, Ceratopteris, Citrus, Cryptomeria, Cycas, Descurainia, Eschscholzia, Eucalyptus, Glycine, Gossypium, Hedyotis, Helianthus, Hordeum, Ipomoea, Lactuca, Linum, Liriodendron, Lotus, Lupinus, Lycopersicon, Medicago, Mesembryanthemum, Nicotiana, Nuphar, Pennisetum, Persea, Phaseolus, Physcomitrella, Picea, Pinus, Poncirus, Populus, Prunus, Robinia, Rosa, Saccharum, Schedonorus, Secale, Sesamum, Solanum, S
  • a further aspect of the present invention provides a method of making such a plant cell involving introduction of a vector including the construct into a plant cell. For integration of the construct into the plant genome, such introduction will be followed by recombination between the vector and the plant cell genome to introduce the sequence of nucleotides into the genome. RNA encoded by the introduced nucleic acid construct may then be transcribed in the cell and descendants thereof, including cells in plants regenerated from transformed material. A gene stably incorporated into the genome of a plant is passed from generation to generation to descendants of the plant, so such descendants should show the desired phenotype.
  • germ line cells may be used in the methods described herein rather than, or in addition to, somatic cells.
  • the term “germ line cells” refers to cells in the plant organism which can trace their eventual cell lineage to either the male or female reproductive cell of the plant.
  • Other cells referred to as “somatic cells” are cells which give rise to leaves, roots and vascular elements which, although important to the plant, do not directly give rise to gamete cells. Somatic cells, however, also may be used. With regard to callus and suspension cells which have somatic embryogenesis, many or most of the cells in the culture have the potential capacity to give rise to an adult plant.
  • the cells in the callus and suspension can therefore be referred to as germ cells.
  • certain cells in the apical meristem region of the plant have been shown to produce a cell lineage which eventually gives rise to the female and male reproductive organs.
  • the apical meristem is generally regarded as giving rise to the lineage that eventually will give rise to the gamete cells.
  • An example of a non-gamete cell in an embryo would be the first leaf primordia in corn which is destined to give rise only to the first leaf and none of the reproductive structures.
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a seed comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention is directed to seed from a genetically modified plant, wherein the genome of said seed comprises an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a functional portion of an encoding region for a polypeptide provided herein, and wherein plants grown from said seed exhibit an enhanced phenotype as compared to the phenotype of a control plant.
  • the enhanced phenotype is increased yield.
  • Exogenous polynucleotides of the present invention include recombinant polynucleotides providing for expression of mRNA encoding a polypeptide.
  • the present invention provides a plant, or plant part, comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a plant comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an ACHT4 gene. Transformed seeds and plant parts are also encompassed.
  • the plant part is a seed.
  • the plant part is a leaf.
  • the plant part is a stem.
  • the plant part is a root.
  • the plant part is a flower.
  • the plant part is a tuber.
  • the plant part is a fruit.
  • a plant of the present invention is any plant that comprises an ACHT4 gene or homolog.
  • a plant of the present invention is a crop plant.
  • the crop plant is Solanum tuberosum (Potato).
  • the crop plant is Zea mays (Maize).
  • the crop plant is Oryza sativa (Rice).
  • the crop plant is Manihot esculenta (Cassava).
  • the crop plant is Hordeum vulgare (Barley).
  • the crop plant is Triticum aestivum (Wheat).
  • the crop plant is Sorghum bicolor .
  • the crop plant is Brassica napus (Rapeseed).
  • the crop plant is Ricinus communis (Castor).
  • the crop plant is Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Gossypium histrum (Cotton). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Glycine max (Soybean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Beta vulgaris (Beet). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Musa acuminate (Banana). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Capsicum annuum (Sweet and chili Peppers). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Cicer arietinum (Chick pea). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Elaeis guineensis (African oilpalm). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Setaria italic (Foxtail millet).
  • the crop plant is a food crop. In another embodiment, the crop plant is a nutritionally enhanced food crop.
  • a plant of the present invention is an Arabidopsis .
  • the Arabidopsis plant is Arabidopsis thaliana .
  • the Arabidopsis plant is Arabidopsis arenicola, Arabidopsis arenosa, Arabidopsis cebennensis, Arabidopsis croatica, Arabidopsis halleri, Arabidopsis lyrata, Arabidopsis neglecta, Arabidopsis pedemontana , or Arabidopsis suecica.
  • a plant of the present invention is a moss.
  • the moss is a Sphagnum.
  • the Sphagnum species is cristatum or subnitens .
  • the moss is used for peat.
  • peat is used for fuel, as a horticultural soil additive, and in smoking malt in the production of Scotch whisky.
  • the moss is used for decorative purposes, such as in gardens and in the florist trade.
  • the moss is used as insulation.
  • the moss is used as an absorber of liquids.
  • moss is used for first-aid dressings, for diapers or napkins.
  • the moss is a Physcomitrella patens .
  • the moss is a Fontinalis antipyretica which, in one embodiment, is used to subdue fires.
  • the plant is an ornamental plant.
  • Plants included in the invention are any plants amenable to transformation techniques, including gymnosperms and angiosperms, both monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
  • the present invention provides any clone of such a plant, seed, selfed or hybrid progeny and descendants, and any part of any of these, such as cuttings, seed.
  • the invention provides any plant propagule, that is any part which may be used in reproduction or propagation, sexual or asexual, including cuttings, seed and so on.
  • the present invention provides an alga comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the alga is a microalga.
  • the species of the alga is selected from the following species: Ankistrodesmus, Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella, Chlorella protothecoides (autotrophic/heterothrophic), Crypthecodinium cohnii, Cyclotella, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Gracilaria, Hantzschia , Nannochloris, Nannochloropsis, Neochloris oleoabundans, Nitzschia , Phaeodactylum tricornutum , Pleurochrysis carterae (also called CCMP647), Sargassum, Scenedesmus, Schizochytrium , Stichococcus, Tetraselmis suecica, and Thalassiosira pseudonana .
  • the alga is a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii .
  • the alga is a Chla
  • the present invention provides a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • Polypeptides considered in the present invention are entire proteins or at least a sufficient portion of the entire protein to impart the relevant biological activity of the protein, e.g. enhanced plant phenotype.
  • the term “protein” also includes molecules consisting of one or more polypeptide chains.
  • a polypeptide useful in the present invention may constitute an entire protein having the desired biological activity, or may constitute a portion of an oligomeric protein having multiple polypeptide chains.
  • Polypeptides useful for generation of genetically modified plants having enhanced properties include the polypeptide provided herein as SEQ ID NOs: 1-43, as well as homologs of such polypeptides.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion of ACHT4 is a deletion of the entire C-terminal domain of ACHT4.
  • the C-terminal domain of ACHT4 is the sequence that is downstream of the conserved thioredoxin (Trx) domain (as depicted in FIG. 4A ).
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of a portion of the C-terminal domain of ACHT4.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the 47 amino acid C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises:
  • the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a homolog of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a paralog of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a variant of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 corresponds to SEQ ID NO: 87.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the 68-69 amino acid C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises:
  • amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises:
  • the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a homolog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a paralog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a fragment any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a variant any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 47-69 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 50-75 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 50-100 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 25-50 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 1-25 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 1-10 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 25-75 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 1-20 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 20-40 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 40-60 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 50-70 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 250-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 260-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 240-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-240 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-250 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-260 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-270 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 240-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 250-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 260-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 275-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 290-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-250 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-290 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 175-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 200-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 220-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-175 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-200 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-220 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises insertion of a non-native sequence into a portion of the C-terminal of ACHT4 encoding the C-terminal of ACHT4, wherein said the C-terminal of ACHT4 is inactivated as a result.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises substitution of amino acid residues, such as a substitution of polar for non-polar residues, non-polar for polar residues, charged for uncharged residues, positively charged for negatively charged residues, or vice versa, or a combination thereof, as is known to one of skill in the art.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists essentially of any of the mutations listed hereinabove.
  • an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists of any of the mutations listed hereinabove.
  • an ACHT4 protein having an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion is a truncated ACHT4.
  • an ACHT4 protein having an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion is represented as ACHT4 ⁇ C.
  • the truncated form of ACHT4 comprises:
  • the truncated form of ACHT4 comprises:
  • the truncated form of ACHT4 comprises:
  • the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a homolog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a paralog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a fragment any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a variant any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92.
  • Homologs of the polypeptides of the present invention may be identified by comparison of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide to amino acid sequences of polypeptides from the same or different plant sources, e.g. manually or by using known homology-based search algorithms such as those commonly known and referred to as BLAST, FASTA, and Smith-Waterman.
  • a homolog is a peptide from the same or a different organism that performs the same biological function as the polypeptide to which it is compared.
  • An orthologous relation between two organisms is not necessarily manifest as a one-to-one correspondence between two genes, because a gene can be duplicated or deleted after organism phylogenetic separation, such as speciation.
  • a local sequence alignment program e.g. BLAST, can be used to search a database of sequences to find similar sequences, and the summary Expectation value (E-value) used to measure the sequence base similarity.
  • a further aspect of the invention comprises functional homolog proteins which differ in one or more amino acids from those of a polypeptide provided herein as the result of one or more of the well-known conservative amino acid substitutions, e.g. valine is a conservative substitute for alanine and threonine is a conservative substitute for serine.
  • Conservative substitutions for an amino acid within the native polypeptide sequence can be selected from other members of a class to which the naturally occurring amino acid belongs.
  • amino acids within these various classes include, but are not limited to: (1) acidic (negatively charged) amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid; (2) basic (positively charged) amino acids such as arginine, histidine, and lysine; (3) neutral polar amino acids such as glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine; and (4) neutral nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids such as alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine.
  • conserveed substitutes for an amino acid within a native amino acid sequence can be selected from other members of the group to which the naturally occurring amino acid belongs.
  • a group of amino acids having aliphatic side chains is glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine
  • a group of amino acids having aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains is serine and threonine
  • a group of amino acids having amide-containing side chains is asparagine and glutamine
  • a group of amino acids having aromatic side chains is phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan
  • a group of amino acids having basic side chains is lysine, arginine, and histidine
  • a group of amino acids having sulfur-containing side chains is cysteine and methionine.
  • Naturally conservative amino acids substitution groups are: valine-leucine, valine-isoleucine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, lysine-arginine, alanine-valine, aspartic acid-glutamic acid, and asparagine-glutamine.
  • a further aspect of the invention comprises polypeptides that differ in one or more amino acids from those of a described protein sequence as the result of deletion or insertion of one or more amino acids in a native sequence.
  • the present invention provides polypeptides with at least about 50% sequence identity. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with at least about 70% sequence identity. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with at least about 80% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence of any of the amino acid sequences listed in Table 1. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with higher identity to such a polypeptide sequence, e.g. 90% to 99% identity.
  • Identity of protein homologs is determined by optimally aligning the amino acid sequence of a putative protein homolog with a defined amino acid sequence and by calculating the percentage of identical and conservatively substituted amino acids over the window of comparison.
  • the window of comparison for determining identity is the entire polypeptide sequence disclosed herein, e.g. the full sequence of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1.
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the yield of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the yield of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the productivity of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the productivity of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the size of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the size of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of increasing the biomass of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the biomass of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of stimulating the growth of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby stimulating the growth of said plant or algae.
  • the present invention provides a method of enhancing the starch content of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby enhancing the starch content of said plant or algae.
  • the plant or algae has enhanced starch in transitory starch stores. In another embodiment, the plant or algae has enhanced starch in non-transitory starch stores. In one embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in one or more leaves. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in the roots. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in the stem. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in one or more seeds. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in its tubers. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in its fruit. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in one or more of its flowers.
  • the present invention provides methods comprising the step of “contacting” a cell with a polynucleotide or expression vector as described herein.
  • plants are genetically modified using a microbial vector comprising ACHT4 ⁇ C.
  • the microbial vector is Agrobacterium tumefaciens .
  • plants are genetically modified using microprojectile bombardment.
  • corn, rice, and other cereal grains are genetically modified using microprojectile bombardment.
  • plants are genetically modified using electroporation.
  • plants are genetically modified using microinjection, which in one embodiment, is direct microinjection of genetically modified DNA into anchored cells.
  • plants are genetically modified using transposons or transposable elements.
  • the step of contacting is performed in vitro. In another embodiment, the step of contacting is performed in vivo.
  • the ACHT4 ⁇ C is integrated into the plant or algae chromosome. In another embodiment, the ACHT4 ⁇ C is expressed from a vector.
  • the present invention provides a method of producing a plant having an enhanced phenotype, wherein said method comprises transforming plant cells with a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation, regenerating plants from said cells, and screening said plants to identify a plant having an enhanced phenotype.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • the present invention provides a method of producing an algae having an enhanced phenotype, wherein said method comprises delivering a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein to algae cells, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation, growing algae from said cells, and screening said algae to identify a plant having an enhanced phenotype.
  • ACHT4 atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4
  • Genetically modified plant seed provided by this invention may be grown to generate genetically modified plants having an enhanced phenotype as compared to an appropriate control line. Such seed is obtained by screening transformed plants for enhanced phenotypes resulting from the introduction of a recombinant polynucleotide into the genomic DNA of tissue from a parental line. The recombinant polynucleotide is introduced into the genome to produce genetically modified cells that can be cultured into genetically modified plants having an enhanced phenotype as compared to the parental line or other appropriate control. Such genetically modified cells are cultured into genetically modified plants that produce progeny genetically modified seed.
  • multiple genetically modified plants (events) comprising the recombinant polynucleotides are evaluated, e.g. from 2 to 20 or more genetically modified events, to identify a desired enhanced phenotype.
  • the design of a recombinant polynucleotide is based on a rational expectation of a phenotypic modification, the present invention also contemplates that unexpected, yet desired enhanced phenotypes may be obtained.
  • Genetically modified plants grown from genetically modified seed as described herein will have improved phenotypes that contribute to increased yield or other increased plant value, including, for example, improved seed quality.
  • plants having altered cell division, enhanced plant growth and development, stress tolerance, including tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress, altered seed or flower development, improved light response, and enhanced carbon and/or nitrogen metabolism, transport or utilization properties are of particular interest.
  • the present invention provides a cisgenic plant.
  • a cisgenic plant of the present invention is genetically modified, in one embodiment, comprises a second copy of a gene in which a portion of said gene is deleted, but contains no foreign or heterologous genes.
  • the promoters used in the expression of ACHT4 ⁇ C are cisgenic.
  • food crops of the present invention are cisgenic.
  • the present invention provides a transgenic plant.
  • a transgenic plant of the present invention is genetically modified with foreign or heterologous genes.
  • transgenic plants of the present invention are used for biofuel.
  • transgenic plants of the present invention are food crop plants.
  • Any method or delivery system may be used for the delivery and/or transformation (plant cells)/transfection (algae cells) of the nucleic acid vectors encoding ACHT4 and homologs, paralogs, etc. in the host cell, e.g., plant protoplast.
  • the vectors may be delivered to the host cell either alone, or in combination with other agents.
  • Transient expression systems may also be used. Homologous recombination may also be used.
  • Transformation may be accomplished by a wide variety of means, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, Agrobacterium -mediated transformation (e.g., Komari et al., 1998, Curr. Opin. Plant Biol., 1:161), including floral dip transformation, particle bombardment mediated transformation (e.g., Finer et al., 1999, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 240:59), protoplast electroporation (e.g., Bates, 1999, Methods Mol. Biol., 111:359), viral infection (e.g., Porta and Lomonossoff, 1996, Mol. Biotechnol. 5:209), microinjection, and liposome injection.
  • Agrobacterium -mediated transformation e.g., Komari et al., 1998, Curr. Opin. Plant Biol., 1:161
  • particle bombardment mediated transformation e.g., Finer et al., 1999
  • exemplary delivery systems that can be used to facilitate uptake by a cell of the nucleic acid include calcium phosphate and other chemical mediators of intracellular transport, microinjection compositions, and homologous recombination compositions (e.g., for integrating a gene into a preselected location within the chromosome of the cell).
  • Alternative methods may involve, for example, the use of liposomes, electroporation, or chemicals that increase free (or “naked”) DNA uptake, transformation using viruses or pollen and the use of microprojection.
  • Standard molecular biology techniques are common in the art (e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York).
  • transformation constructs will, in one embodiment, include T-DNA left and right border sequences to facilitate incorporation of the recombinant polynucleotide into the plant genome.
  • DNA is inserted randomly, i.e. at a non-specific location, in the genome of a target plant line.
  • DNA insertion is targeted in order to achieve site-specific integration, e.g. to replace an existing gene in the genome, to use an existing promoter in the plant genome, or to insert a recombinant polynucleotide at a predetermined site known to be active for gene expression.
  • site specific recombination systems exist which are known to function in plants including cre-lox and FLP-FRT.
  • Transformation methods of this invention are preferably practiced in tissue culture on media and in a controlled environment.
  • Media refers to the numerous nutrient mixtures that are used to grow cells in vitro, that is, outside of the intact living organism.
  • Recipient cell targets include, but are not limited to, meristem cells, callus, immature embryos and gametic cells such as microspores, pollen, sperm and egg cells. It is contemplated that any cell from which a fertile plant may be regenerated is useful as a recipient cell. Callus may be initiated from tissue sources including, but not limited to, immature embryos, seedling apical meristems, microspores and the like. Cells capable of proliferating as callus are also recipient cells for genetic transformation. Practical transformation methods and materials for making genetically modified plants of this invention, e.g. various media and recipient target cells, transformation of immature embryos and subsequent regeneration of fertile genetically modified plants are known in the art.
  • the method of transformation of algae comprises any of the methods as described hereinabove.
  • transformation of algae is accomplished using glass bead-assisted transformation, particle gun-mediated (biolistic) transformation, treatment with cellulolytic enzymes to weaken their cell walls, or homologous recombination.
  • DNA is introduced into only a small percentage of target cells in any one experiment.
  • Marker genes are used to provide an efficient system for identification of those cells that are stably transformed by receiving and integrating a genetically modified DNA construct into their genomes.
  • Preferred marker genes provide selective markers that confer resistance to a selective agent, such as an antibiotic or herbicide. Potentially transformed cells are exposed to the selective agent. In the population of surviving cells will be those cells where, generally, the resistance-conferring gene has been integrated and expressed at sufficient levels to permit cell survival. Cells may be tested further to confirm stable integration of the exogenous DNA.
  • Useful selective marker genes include those conferring resistance to antibiotics such as kanamycin (nptII), hygromycin B (aph IV) and gentamycin (aac3 and aacC4) or resistance to herbicides such as glufosinate (bar or pat) and glyphosate (EPSPS).
  • antibiotics such as kanamycin (nptII), hygromycin B (aph IV) and gentamycin (aac3 and aacC4)
  • herbicides such as glufosinate (bar or pat) and glyphosate (EPSPS).
  • Screenable markers which provide an ability to visually identify transformants can also be employed, e.g., a gene expressing a colored or fluorescent protein such as a luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a gene expressing a beta-glucuronidase or uidA gene (GUS) for which various chromogenic substrates are known. It is also contemplated that combinations of screenable and selectable markers will be useful for identification of transformed cells.
  • a gene expressing a colored or fluorescent protein such as a luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a gene expressing a beta-glucuronidase or uidA gene (GUS) for which various chromogenic substrates are known.
  • GFP green fluorescent protein
  • GUS beta-glucuronidase or uidA gene
  • Cells that survive exposure to the selective agent, or cells that have been scored positive in a screening assay may be cultured in regeneration media and allowed to mature into plants.
  • Developing plantlets can be transferred to soil less plant growth mix, and hardened off, e.g., in an environmentally controlled chamber at about 85% relative humidity, 600 ppm CO 2 , and 25-250 microeinsteins m ⁇ 2 s ⁇ 1 of light, prior to transfer to a greenhouse or growth chamber for maturation.
  • Plants are preferably matured either in a growth chamber or greenhouse. Plants are regenerated from about 6 weeks to 10 months after a transformant is identified, depending on the initial tissue. During regeneration, cells are grown to plants on solid media at about 19 to 28° C. After regenerating plants have reached the stage of shoot and root development, they may be transferred to a greenhouse for further growth and testing. Plants may be pollinated using conventional plant breeding methods known to those of skill in the art and seed produced.
  • Progeny may be recovered from transformed plants and tested for expression of the exogenous recombinant polynucleotide.
  • Useful assays include, for example, “molecular biological” assays, such as Southern and Northern blotting and PCR; “biochemical” assays, such as detecting the presence of RNA, e.g. double stranded RNA, or a protein product, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAs and Western blots) or by enzymatic function; plant part assays, such as leaf or root assays; and also, by analyzing the phenotype of the whole regenerated plant.
  • “molecular biological” assays such as Southern and Northern blotting and PCR
  • biochemical assays, such as detecting the presence of RNA, e.g. double stranded RNA, or a protein product, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAs and Western blots) or by enzymatic function
  • any vector which will produce a host cell, e.g., plant protoplast, carrying the introduced encoding nucleic acid should be sufficient.
  • the selection of the vector, or whether to use a vector, is typically guided by the method of transformation selected.
  • plant cells transformed with a plant expression vector may be regenerated, e.g., from single cells, callus tissue or leaf discs according to standard plant tissue culture techniques. Almost any plant can be entirely regenerated from cells, tissues, and organs of the plant using methods that are known in the art.
  • the transformed plants may then be grown, and either pollinated with the same transformed strain or different strains, and the resulting hybrid having expression of the desired phenotypic characteristic identified. Two or more generations may be grown to ensure that expression of the desired phenotypic characteristic is stably maintained and inherited and then seeds harvested to ensure expression of the desired phenotypic characteristic has been achieved.
  • a plant cell is regenerated to obtain a whole plant from the transformation process.
  • the term “growing” or “regeneration” as used herein means growing a whole plant from a plant cell, a group of plant cells, a plant part (including seeds), or a plant piece (e.g., from a protoplast, callus, or tissue part).
  • Regeneration from protoplasts varies from species to species of plants, but generally a suspension of protoplasts is first made. In certain species, embryo formation can then be induced from the protoplast suspension.
  • the culture media will generally contain various amino acids and hormones, necessary for growth and regeneration. Examples of hormones utilized include auxins and cytokinins. Efficient regeneration will depend on the medium, on the genotype, and on the history of the culture. If these variables are controlled, regeneration is reproducible. Regeneration also occurs from plant callus, explants, organs or parts.
  • the mature genetically modified plants are propagated by utilizing cuttings or tissue culture techniques to produce multiple identical plants. Selection of desirable genetically modified plants is made and new varieties are obtained and propagated vegetatively for commercial use.
  • mature genetically modified plants can be self-crossed to produce a homozygous inbred plant.
  • the resulting inbred plant produces seed containing the genetic mutation.
  • These seeds can be grown to produce plants that would produce the selected phenotype, e.g., increased lateral root growth, uptake of nutrients, overall plant growth and/or vegetative or reproductive yields.
  • Parts obtained from the regenerated plant are included in the invention, provided that these parts comprise cells comprising the isolated nucleic acid of the present invention. Progeny and variants, and mutants of the regenerated plants are also included within the scope of the invention, provided that these parts comprise the introduced nucleic acid sequences.
  • Genetically modified plants expressing a selectable marker can be screened for transmission of the nucleic acid of the present invention by, for example, standard immunoblot and DNA detection techniques.
  • Genetically modified plant cells are also typically evaluated on levels of expression of the genetically modified nucleic acid. Expression at the RNA level can be determined initially to identify and quantitate expression-positive plants.
  • Standard techniques for RNA analysis can be employed and include PCR amplification assays using oligonucleotide primers designed to amplify only the genetically modified RNA templates and solution hybridization assays using genetically modified nucleic acid-specific probes.
  • the RNA-positive plants can then analyzed for protein expression by Western immunoblot analysis using the specifically reactive antibodies of the present invention.
  • in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry can be done using genetically modified nucleic acid specific polynucleotide probes and antibodies, respectively, to localize sites of expression within genetically modified tissue. Generally, a number of genetically modified lines are usually screened for the incorporated nucleic acid to identify and select plants with the most appropriate expression profiles.
  • the present invention provides a genetically modified plant that is homozygous for the introduced genetically modified nucleic acid; i.e., a genetically modified plant that contains two added nucleic acid sequences, one gene at the same locus on each chromosome of a chromosome pair.
  • a homozygous genetically modified plant can be obtained by sexually mating (selfing) a heterozygous genetically modified plant that contains a single added genetically modified nucleic acid, germinating some of the seed produced and analyzing the resulting plants produced for altered expression of a polynucleotide of the present invention relative to a control plant (i.e., native, non-genetically modified). Back-crossing to a parental plant and out-crossing with a non-genetically modified plant are also contemplated.
  • Transformed plant cells which are derived by any of the above transformation techniques can be cultured to regenerate a whole plant which possesses the transformed genotype. Such regeneration techniques often rely on manipulation of certain phytohormones in a tissue culture growth medium.
  • Engineered plants exhibiting the desired physiological and/or agronomic changes can be used directly in agricultural production.
  • the products are commercial products.
  • Some non-limiting example include genetically engineered trees for e.g., the production of pulp, paper, paper products or lumber; tobacco, e.g., for the production of cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco; crops, e.g., for the production of fruits, vegetables and other food, including grains, e.g., for the production of wheat, bread, flour, rice, corn; and canola, sunflower, e.g., for the production of oils or biofuels.
  • biofuels are derived from a genetically engineered plant or algae of the present invention.
  • a biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture and anaerobic digestion, as opposed to a fuel produced by geological processes such as those involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, from prehistoric biological matter.
  • Biofuels can be derived directly from plants, or indirectly from agricultural wastes.
  • plants or plant parts as described herein are used as biofuel.
  • algae are used as a biofuel.
  • the biofuel is selected from the group consisting of: biodiesel, ethanol, biojet fuel, and green gasoline.
  • the biofuel is an alcohol fuel, such as bioethanol.
  • the bioethanol is produced by fermentation of sugars derived from wheat, corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, molasses, or a combination thereof.
  • the bioethanol is produced by fermentation of any sugar or starch from which alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, can be made (such as barley, potato and fruit waste, etc).
  • the present invention provides a biofuel comprising genetically modified plants or plant parts of the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a process of producing a biofuel comprising: delivering a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal-inactivated ACHT4 to plant or algae cells, regenerating plants or algae from said cells, screening said plants or algae to identify a plant having enhanced yield, extracting sugar or starch from some or all portions of said plant or algae or progeny thereof, fermenting said sugars to produce an alcoholic mixture, and distilling said alcohol from said mixture.
  • Methods for producing biofuels from plants and plant parts are known in the art.
  • algae are a sustainable source for essential omega-3 fatty acids.
  • algae of the present invention are used as commodity animal feeds. In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as a source for foods. In one embodiment, essential omega-3 fatty acids from algae are used in infant formula and other food products and vitamins. In another embodiment, carbohydrates and emulsifiers produced from seaweeds are used in food products. In another embodiment, Spirulina is used in food products.
  • algae of the present invention are used as a source for specialty feeds.
  • algae contain carbohydrates, proteins, vegetable oils, micronutrients, vitamins, as well as valuable pigments used in animal feeds, such as beta carotene, lutein and astaxanthin.
  • algae is used as a source of feed in aquaculture operations, including as feed for fish and shellfish like clams, oysters, mussels and scallops.
  • algae of the present invention are used as a source for chemicals.
  • the chemical is a plastic.
  • the chemical is a fertilizer.
  • the alga is seaweed.
  • some microalgae fix atmospheric nitrogen and could be a source of organic fertilizers (“green manure”).
  • algae of the present invention are used as a source for cosmetics.
  • the cosmetic is a skin-care product.
  • the cosmetic provide UV protection.
  • algae of the present invention are used as a source for pharmaceuticals.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered species of woody, ornamental or decorative, crop or cereal, fruit or vegetable plant, and algae (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ), which may be used in the compositions and methods provided herein.
  • plants include plants from the genus Arabidopsis or the genus Oryza .
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered gymnosperms and angiosperms, both monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
  • Examples of monocotyledonous angiosperms include, but are not limited to, asparagus, field and sweet corn, barley, wheat, rice, sorghum , onion, pearl millet, rye and oats and other cereal grains.
  • Examples of dicotyledonous angiosperms include, but are not limited to tomato, tobacco, cotton, rapeseed, field beans, soybeans, peppers, lettuce, peas, alfalfa, clover, cole crops or Brassica oleracea (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts), radish, carrot, beets, eggplant, spinach, cucumber, squash, melons, cantaloupe, sunflowers and various ornamentals.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered woody species, such as poplar, pine, sequoia , cedar, oak, etc.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered plant including, but are not limited to, wheat, cauliflower, tomato, tobacco, corn, petunia , trees, etc.
  • commercial products are derived from genetically engineered crop plants, for example, cereals and pulses, maize, wheat, potatoes, tapioca, rice, sorghum , millet, cassava, barley, pea, and other root, tuber, or seed crops.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered cereal crops, including, but are not limited to, any species of grass, or grain plant (e.g., barley, corn, oats, rice, wild rice, rye, wheat, millet, sorghum , triticale, etc.), non-grass plants (e.g., buckwheat flax, legumes or soybeans, etc.).
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered grain plants that provide seeds of interest, oil-seed plants and leguminous plants.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered grain seed, such as corn, wheat, barley, rice, sorghum , rye, etc.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered oil seed plants, such as cotton, soybean, safflower, sunflower, Brassica , maize, alfalfa, palm, coconut, etc.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered oil-seed rape, sugar beet, maize, sunflower, soybean, or sorghum .
  • commercial products are derived from genetically engineered leguminous plants, such as beans and peas (e.g., guar, locust bean, fenugreek, soybean, garden beans, cowpea, mungbean, lima bean, fava bean, lentils, chickpea, etc.)
  • beans and peas e.g., guar, locust bean, fenugreek, soybean, garden beans, cowpea, mungbean, lima bean, fava bean, lentils, chickpea, etc.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered horticultural plant of the present invention, such as lettuce, endive, and vegetable brassicas including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, and carnations and geraniums; tomato, tobacco, cucurbits, carrot, strawberry, sunflower, tomato, pepper, chrysanthemum , poplar, eucalyptus , and pine.
  • a genetically engineered horticultural plant of the present invention such as lettuce, endive, and vegetable brassicas including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, and carnations and geraniums; tomato, tobacco, cucurbits, carrot, strawberry, sunflower, tomato, pepper, chrysanthemum , poplar, eucalyptus , and pine.
  • commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered corn ( Zea mays ), canola ( Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp.), alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ), rice ( Oryza sativa ), rye ( Secale cereale ), sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum vulgare ), sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ), wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), soybean ( Glycine max ), tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana benthamiana ), potato ( Solanum tuberosum ), peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea ), cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum ), sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatus ), cassava ( Manihot esculenta ), coffee ( Coffea spp.), coconut ( Cocos nucifera ), pineapple ( Ananas comosus ), citrus trees (Citrus spp.
  • “enhanced phenotype” as used herein refers to a measurable improvement in a crop trait including, but not limited to, yield increase, including increased yield under non-stress conditions and increased yield under environmental stress conditions.
  • Stress conditions may include, for example, drought, shade, fungal disease, viral disease, bacterial disease, insect infestation, nematode infestation, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, reduced nitrogen nutrient availability, reduced phosphorus nutrient availability and high plant density.
  • agronomic traits can affect “yield”, including without limitation, plant height, pod number, pod position on the plant, number of internodes, incidence of pod shatter, grain size, efficiency of nodulation and nitrogen fixation, efficiency of nutrient assimilation, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, carbon assimilation, plant architecture, resistance to lodging, percent seed germination, seedling vigor, and juvenile traits.
  • Other traits that can affect yield include, efficiency of germination (including germination in stressed conditions), growth rate (including growth rate in stressed conditions), seed size, composition of seed (starch, oil, protein) and characteristics of seed fill.
  • the present invention also provides genetically modified plants that demonstrate enhanced phenotypic properties that may or may not confer an increase in overall plant yield. Such properties include enhanced plant morphology, plant physiology or enhanced components of the mature seed harvested from the genetically modified plant.
  • the present invention also provides genetically modified plants with enhancements in seed oil, tocopherol, protein and starch components, including increases in the quantity of any of these components, alterations in the ratios of any of these components, or production of new types of these components that do not exist in the seed from control plants.
  • increases in total tocopherol content are desirable, as are increases in the relative percentage of alpha-tocopherol produced by plants.
  • “increased yield” of a genetically modified plant of the present invention may be evidenced and measured in a number of ways, including test weight, seed number per plant, seed weight, seed number per unit area (i.e. seeds, or weight of seeds, per acre), bushels per acre, tonnes per acre, tons per acre, kilo per hectare. Increased yield may result from improved utilization of key biochemical compounds, such as nitrogen, phosphorous and carbohydrate, or from improved responses to environmental stresses, such as cold, heat, drought, salt, and attack by pests or pathogens. Polynucleotides of the present invention may also be used to provide plants having improved growth and development, and ultimately increased yield, as the result of modified expression of plant growth regulators or modification of cell cycle or photosynthesis pathways.
  • polynucleotides of the present invention include recombinant polynucleotides providing for expression of mRNA encoding a polypeptide. In another embodiment, polynucleotides of the present invention include recombinant polynucleotides providing for expression of mRNA complementary to at least a portion of an mRNA native to the target plant for use in suppression of the ACTH4 gene.
  • “gene suppression” is used herein to refer to reduction or suppression of expression of a target protein in a host cell as the result of transcription of a recombinant polynucleotide provided herein, wherein the polynucleotide is oriented with respect to a promoter to provide for production of RNA having a gene silencing effect, such as antisense RNA or interfering RNA (RNAi).
  • RNAi interfering RNA
  • the present invention provides an antibody against a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • down-regulation of ACHT4 protein is partial. In another embodiment, the down-regulation completely eliminates protein activity by decreasing overall steady state levels of the protein associated therewith.
  • down-regulation of ACHT4 protein comprises decreasing the levels of ACHT4 protein. In another embodiment, down-regulation of ACHT4 protein comprises decreasing the activity of ACHT4 protein.
  • the down-regulation is achieved by antisense RNA.
  • the down-regulation is achieved by ribozyme technology, which, in one embodiment, works at the RNA translational level and involves making catalytic RNA molecules which bind to and cleave the mRNA of interest. Both of these were found effective in regulating protein levels in plants.
  • the down-regulation is achieved by co-suppression.
  • the down-regulation is achieved using antibodies.
  • the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
  • the down-regulation is achieved using functional fragments of antibodies, which in one embodiment, is a single chain antibody (SCAb).
  • SCAb single chain antibody
  • the antibody binds to ACHT4 ⁇ C. In another embodiment, the antibody binds to ACHT4.
  • the present invention provides methods for using antibodies to ACHT4 and/or ACHT4 ⁇ C as described herein and functional fragments thereof (e.g., Fv or Fab fragments), for increasing plant or algae yield and/or growth comprising administering said antibody to a plant or alga.
  • functional fragments thereof e.g., Fv or Fab fragments
  • the present invention provides methods for using anti-sense RNA, ribozymes, etc for increasing plant or algae yield and/or growth comprising transforming said plant or alga with said RNA or ribozyme.
  • the present invention also encompasses genetically modified plants with stacked engineered traits, e.g. a crop having an enhanced phenotype resulting from expression of a recombinant polynucleotide provided herein, in combination with herbicide and/or pest resistance traits.
  • genes of the current invention can be stacked with other traits of agronomic interest, such as a trait providing herbicide resistance, for example a RoundUp Ready trait, or insect resistance, such as using a gene from Bacillus thuringensis to provide resistance against lepidopteran, coliopteran, homopteran, hemiopteran, and other insects.
  • Herbicides for which resistance is useful in a plant include glyphosate herbicides, phosphinothricin herbicides, oxynil herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, dinitroaniline herbicides, pyridine herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, bialaphos herbicides, sulfonamide herbicides and gluphosinate herbicides.
  • Arabidopsis thaliana var Columbia were grown under a 8/16 h light/dark cycle at 20° C./18° C., respectively, at 80 ⁇ E*m ⁇ 2*s ⁇ 1 (unless otherwise stated) for 3-4 weeks. Thylakoid membranes were isolated as previously described.
  • ACHT4, ACHT4MT (in which the non-nucleophilic cysteine of the active site was replaced with a serine), ACHT4 ⁇ C and ACHT1 open reading frames were ligated upstream and in frame of the HA3 affinity tag and under the control of the 35S promotor into pART7 vector. All four constructs were used to transform Arabidopsis leaves using a standard floral dip transformation protocol (Clough and Bent Plant J. 1998 December; 16(6):735-43, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
  • the floral dip transformation method involves simple dipping of developing floral tissues into a solution containing Agrobacterium tumefaciens, 5% sucrose and 500 microliters per litre of surfactant Silwet L-77.
  • the Mass-spectrometry analysis was performed by the Biological Mass Spectrometry Unit at Weizmann Institute of Science by online reversed-phase nano-liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analyses. Survey scans were recorded in the FT-mode followed by data-dependent collision-induced dissociation of the 7 most intense ions in the linear ion trap. Raw spectra were processed using open-source software DTA SuperCharge. The data were searched with MASCOT (Matrix Science, London, UK) against a Swissprot or NCBI database. Control samples treated with DTT or derived from wild-type plants, allowed for the subtraction of nonspecific background proteins.
  • Anti-APS1 polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits at GenScript HK Ltd., using a purified peptide (CILGLDDQRAKEMPF). 2-Cys Prx-specific polyclonal antibodies were as in Dangoor, 2009 Plant Physiol. 149:1240-1250, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Mouse monoclonal anti-HA antibodies (SIGMA H9658) were used in protein blot assays.
  • Starch content of 0.8 g samples of two month-old rosettes was analyzed using the SIGMA starch assay kit (SA20-1KT). Every replicate included ten rosettes.
  • Sequence data can be found in the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative or GenBank/EMBL databases under the following accession numbers: ACHT4 (AT1G08570), 2-Cys PrxA (At3g11630), and APS1 (AT5G48300).
  • ACHT1 panel showed that two of the main ACHT4 complexes, with estimated sizes of ⁇ 55 kDa and ⁇ 70 kDa, corresponded to the combined molecular weight of the previously characterized heterodimeric and the heterotrimeric ACHT1 and 2-Cys Prx complexes, respectively (Dangoor, 2012).
  • an additional third intermolecular disulfide ACHT4 complex (marked with asterisk), with a higher molecular weight than that of the ACHT4 2-Cys Prx heterotrimer, and which did not form in ACHT1 extracts, was identified as well.
  • ACHT4-2-Cys Prx intermolecular disulfide complexes they were pulled down in a reciprocal analysis performed under non-reducing denaturing conditions, with either anti-HA (for ACHT4) or anti-2-Cys Prx sera.
  • Protein blot analysis of denatured and reduced samples identified the 2-Cys Prx in the anti-HA pulled down complexes and ACHT4 in the anti-2-Cys Prx pulled down complexes ( FIG. 1C ).
  • mass-spectrometry analysis identified both ACHT4 and 2-Cys Prx in the gel slice containing the heterotrimer complex but not in a corresponding gel slice containing extracts that were separated under reducing conditions (Table 3).
  • ACHT4 exchanged disulfides with the 2-Cys Prx in plants in a similar manner as that reported for ACHT1.
  • the contrasting levels of ACHT4 RIs in the dark would be a result of the levels of its two substrates, high level of oxidized 2-Cys Prx and low level of reduced APS1.
  • the increase in the level of APS1-ACHT4 RIs upon illumination ( FIG. 2A ) matched the increase in reduction of APS1 at this time period, further supporting this notion.
  • the APS1-ACHT4 RI level approached steady state level after a 30 min transition period in the light.
  • the 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 RI levels ( FIG. 2A ) showed a similar pattern to those of 2-Cys Prx-ACHT1 (Dangoor, 2012) also during illumination, a transient decrease, then an increased level, which reached a steady state after the 30 min transition period in the light.
  • the reduced cysteines are first blocked with N-ethyl maleimide (NEM), and the disulfides are then chemically reduced and reacted with methoxypolyethylene glycol-maleimide (mPEG).
  • NEM N-ethyl maleimide
  • mPEG methoxypolyethylene glycol-maleimide
  • ACHT4 Participates in the Regulation of APS1 During Fluctuations in Light Intensity
  • ACHT4 participated in the diurnal regulation of APS1, that has been proposed to influence the day and night cycles of starch synthesis and degradation.
  • Such activity might be important for the rationing of photosynthates to starch and sugars exported from the chloroplast during the day.
  • such activity may regulate the levels of starch to be used as a transient pool for reduced carbon in a fluctuating light environment.
  • We tested this hypothesis by subjecting the plants to small fluctuations of light intensity during the day.
  • APS1-ACHT4 RI levels declined within 5 min, and rose again when the light intensity was switched back to 50 ⁇ E*m ⁇ 2*s ⁇ 1 ( FIG. 3A ).
  • the C-terminus of ACHT4 is important for its reaction with APS1
  • FIG. 4A We then assessed whether the distinct 47-amino acid-long ACHT4 C-terminus ( FIG. 4A ) is responsible for its in planta differences from ACHT1, by analyzing the 2-Cys Prx and APS1 RIs in plants expressing ACHT4 lacking the C-terminus (ACHT4 ⁇ C). Notably, the ACHT4 ⁇ C form reacted with 2-Cys Prx, and formed the two intermolecular disulfide-linked 2-Cys Prx ACHT4 RIs, but failed altogether to interact with APS1 ( FIG. 2B ). The preferential reaction of ACHT4 ⁇ C with the 2-Cys Prx and not with APS1 was maintained throughout the transition from night to day ( FIG. 4C ).
  • ACHT4 and ACHT1 are thylakoid-associated proteins.
  • Protein blot analysis showed that ACHT1 was primarily found in both the grana and the stroma lamella domains, whereas ACHT4 was mainly present in the stroma lamella domain and was undetectable in the grana ( FIG. 4D ), further promoting distinct roles of ACHT4 and ACHT1.
  • ACHT4 ⁇ C The membrane association of ACHT4 ⁇ C was then analyzed to determine whether ACHT4 localization is influenced by its unique C-terminus. Only a small increase in the partitioning of ACHT4 ⁇ C to the grana margins was observed, suggesting that the ACHT4 C-terminus deletion effect on its disulfide exchange reaction with APS1 was direct and not mediated via its thylakoid domain localization.
  • AtACHT4 ⁇ C-OE, AtACHT4-OE and WT lines were grown under long day (18 h/6 h of light/dark cycle at 21° C./18° C.) for 4 weeks.
  • the plants shoot was excised and fresh weight (FW) were recorded.
  • the tissues were dried at 60° C. for 4 days and dry weight (DW) were recorded.
  • the FW of AtACHT4 ⁇ C-OE plants was increased by 10.6% ( FIG. 6A ) and the DW was increased by 9.1% over those of WT ( FIG. 6B ), indicating that AtACHT4 ⁇ C stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth.
  • the FW of AtACHT4 OE plants was decreased by 10.9% ( FIG. 6A ) and the DW was increased by 11.5% over those of WT ( FIG. 6B ), confirming that the C-terminus of ACHT4 attenuates growth.
  • Arabidopsis has one paralog of ACHT4 where other crop plants, including potato, maize, rice, barley, wheat, sorghum , castor, bean, rapeseed, cotton, soybean, beat, banana, chili, chickpea, tomato, African oilpalm, Foxtail millet, cassava and the algae Chlamydomonas and Chlorella have one to five paralogs ( FIG. 7 ).
  • HA Human influenza hemagglutinin tag was fused in frame at the C-terminus of each of the protein coding sequences. All four StACHT4::pART7 and StACHT4-2 ⁇ C:: pART7 constructs were digested with NotI and subcloned into pART27 plant expression vector ( FIG. 11 ) and used to transform potato leaf discs ( Solanum tuberosum cv. Desiree) using a standard agrobacterium -based transformation protocol. Positive transformants were identified by PCR analysis and protein expression was verified by immunoblot analysis using anti-HA antibody.
  • the StACHT4-2 ⁇ C-OE and WT plants were planted on May 22, 2016 and were grown for 60 days in the green-house. Plants were harvested, tubers were collected, counted and their fresh weight was recorded ( FIG. 8 ). The yield analysis of the StACHT4-2 ⁇ C-OE lines showed 91% increase in the total tuber yield per plant as compared to WT plants. Photographs of representative plants show the increase in biomass accumulation of both shoots and tubers ( FIG. 9 ).
  • OE of the potato paralogs StACHT4-2 ⁇ C and StACHT4-1 ⁇ C relieves growth and starch synthesis attenuation, as was found for OE of Arabidopsis AtACHT4 ⁇ C.
  • each of the two potato paralogs has a unique function.
  • OE expression of StACHT4-2 ⁇ C stimulated the allocation of photosynthates towards growth and near doubles tuber yield and plants shoot growth ( FIGS. 8-9 ), whereas OE expression of StACHT4-1 ⁇ C stimulated transitory starch ( FIG. 10 ).
  • OE of the full length protein of either StACHT4-2 ( FIG. 8 ) or StACHT4-1 FIG.

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Abstract

The present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/753,024 filed on Feb. 15, 2018, which is a National Phase Application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2016/050891, having International Filing Date of Aug. 16, 2016, claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/205,768 filed on Aug. 17, 2015. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.
    • SEQUENCE LISTING STATEMENT
  • The ASCII file, entitled 91421SequenceListing.txt, created on Feb. 21, 2022, comprising 159,405 bytes, submitted concurrently with the filing of this application is incorporated herein by reference.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Genetically modified plants with improved agronomic traits such as yield, pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, improved seed compositions, and the like are desired by both farmers and consumers. Although considerable efforts in plant breeding have provided significant gains in desired phenotypes, the ability to introduce specific DNA into plant genomes provides further opportunities for generation of plants with improved and/or unique phenotypes. The ability to develop genetically modified plants with improved traits depends in part on the identification of genes that are useful in recombinant DNA constructs for production of transformed plants with improved properties.
  • One genetic modification that would be economically desirable would be to increase the growth and yield production of the plant. There is a need to develop a method for increasing growth in plants, regardless of the locale or the environmental conditions.
  • The Arabidopsis thaliana atypical cysteine histidine-rich Trxs (ACHTs) constitute a small family of plant-specific and chloroplast-localized Trxs. They are light-regulated and are good catalysts of 2-Cys Prx reduction.
  • The expression profile of the ACHT family members suggests that they have distinct roles. The role of ACHT4, a recently identified paralog of ACHT1 in Arabidopsis, was previously unknown.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a seed comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant, or plant part, comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides an algae comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a polypeptide comprising an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the yield of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the yield of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the productivity of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the productivity of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the size of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the size of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the biomass of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the biomass of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of stimulating the growth of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby stimulating the growth of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing a plant or algae having an enhanced phenotype, wherein said method comprises delivering a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein to plant or algae cells, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation, regenerating plants or algae from said cells, and screening said plants or algae to identify a plant having an enhanced phenotype.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
  • FIG. 1A: Immunoblot assay showing the oxidized state of ACHT4 active-site Cys residues captured in plants expressing ACHT4 fused with HA-tag at the end of the night (oxidized) and at 1 min (m), 5 min, 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h after beginning of illumination. Analysis of the purified proteins under reducing conditions (reduced), indicated that the changes in the oxidized level of ACHT4 were not the result of altered protein content. Equal loading was verified by ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RBCL) levels.
  • FIG. 1B: Immunoblot assay showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes, 2-Cys Prx heterotrimeric (Prx-t) and heterodimeric (Prx-d), and a unique additional complex (marked with an asterisk) extracted under nonreducing conditions (NR) from plants expressing either ACHT4MT or ACHT1MT. The conversion of the complexes to the monomer (mono) by chemical reduction (R) indicated the disulfide nature of the complexes.
  • FIGS. 1C and 1D: Reciprocal immunoprecipitation identified 2-Cys Prx (C) and APS1 (D) as the intermolecular disulfide partners of ACHT4. Immunoblot assay of proteins immunoprecipitated with anti-HA (ACHT4 IP), anti-2-Cys Prx (Prx IP), and anti-APS1 (APS IP) affinity matrixes or with a nonspecific matrix (Control IP) from plants expressing ACHT4MT. Purified proteins were run under reducing conditions and blotted with antibodies specific to the HA-tagged ACHT4 (aHA), 2-Cys Prx (αPrx) or APS1 (αAPS1).
  • FIG. 2A: Immunoblot assay with HA Ab showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes during the transition from night to day.
  • FIG. 2B: Immunoblot assay showing APS1 redox state during the transition from night to day. The panels of APS1 dimer and the monomer were taken from the same immunoblot exposure.
  • FIG. 2C: Immunoblot assay with APS1 Ab of gel slice of 50 kDa monomer extracted from plants in the dark (D) or in the light (L) before (−DTT) and after (+DTT) chemical reduction with DTT.
  • FIG. 2D: Immunoblot assay with APS1 Ab showing the reduced 50 kDa APS1 monomer (red). Equal loading was verified as in FIG. 1. The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 2E: Immunoblot assay with HA Ab showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes during the transition from day to night.
  • FIG. 2F: Immunoblot assay showing APS1 redox state during the transition from day to night. The panels of APS1 dimer and the monomer were taken from the same immunoblot exposure.
  • FIG. 3A: Immunoblot assay showing the ACHT4 intermolecular disulfide complexes in plants treated for 2-hrs with 50 μE*m−2*s−1 light intensity (50 μE) and after abrupt decreased (10 μE) followed by abrupt increased light intensity (50 μE). Equal protein loading was verified as in FIG. 1. The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 3B: Immunoblot assay showing the APS1 redox state in plants treated for 2-hrs with 50 μE*m−2*s−1 light intensity (50 μE) and after abrupt decreased (10 μE) followed by abrupt increased light intensity (50 μE). Equal protein loading was verified as in FIG. 1. The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 4A: Schematic representation comparing ACHT1 and ACHT4 protein sequences. ACHT4 is comprised of a chloroplast targeting transit peptide (TP) followed by a conserved thioredoxin (Trx) domain and long C-terminus domain.
  • FIG. 4B: Immunoblot assay of intermolecular disulfide complexes of ACHT4ΔC as in FIG. 1B.
  • FIG. 4C: Immunoblot assay with HA Ab showing the ACHT4ΔC intermolecular disulfide complexes during the transition from night to day.
  • FIG. 4D: Immunoblot assay of thylakoid membranes (T), enriched grana (G), grana margin (GM) and stroma lamellae (SL) and decorated with anti-HA Ab (ACHT1, ACHT4, ACHT4ΔC), or with Ab against the PS II protein PsbA (PsbA) or the PS I protein PsaD Ab (PsaD).
  • FIG. 5A: Immunoblot assay with APS1 Ab showing APS1 redox state in WT plants (WT), plants expressing increased level of ACHT4ΔC (ACHT4ΔC), or plants expressing increased level of ACHT4 (ACHT4). Equal protein loading was verified as in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5B: Leaves starch content of plants expressing increased level of ACHT4ΔC, or plants expressing increased level of ACHT4 relative to that of WT plants. The results shown are representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B: Effect of overexpression of AtACHT4ΔC on biomass accumulation in Arabidopsis plants. Overexpressing (OE) AtACHT4ΔC in Arabidopsis plants stimulated growth (fresh weight, FW, FIG. 6A; dry weight, DW, FIG. 6B) in comparison to wild type plants, indicating that OE of AtACHT4ΔC stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth. The OE of AtACHT4 decreased growth, confirming that the C-terminus of ACHT4 attenuates growth.
  • FIG. 7: A phylogenetic tree showing that Arabidopsis has one paralog of ACHT4 where other crop plants, including potato, maize, rice, barley, wheat, sorghum, castor, bean, rapeseed, cotton, soybean, beat, banana, chili, chickpea, tomato, African oilpalm, Foxtail millet, cassava and the algae Chlamydomonas and Chlorella have one to five paralogs. The blastP analysis for Arabidopsis ACHT4 (AtACHT4) was performed against several crop plants, biofuel plants and algae genomes database. Pairwise distance analysis of proteins was performed using MEGA 7 program and the proteins closely related to AtACHT4 were aligned and then phylogenetic tree was constructed. The amino acid sequences of proteins were downloaded from respective databases and have accession numbers or protein ID as follow: Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana: NP_172333.1; SEQ ID NO: 1); Potato-1 (Solanum tuberosum: XP_006348023.1; SEQ ID NO: 2); Potato-2 (Solanum tuberosum: XP_006351368.1; SEQ ID NO: 3); Maize-1 (Zea mays: NP_001266702.1; SEQ ID NO: 4); Maize-2 (Zea mays: ACR34655.1; SEQ ID NO: 5); Maize-3 (Zea mays: ACN36361.1; SEQ ID NO: 6); Rice-1 (Oryza sativa: XP_015632287.1; SEQ ID NO: 7); Rice-2 (Oryza sativa: XP_015646723.1; SEQ ID NO: 8); Barley-1 (Hordeum vulgare: BAK03063.1; SEQ ID NO: 9); Barley-2 (Hordeum vulgare: BAK07858.1; SEQ ID NO: 10); Wheat (Triticum aestivum: Traslated ORF in 1st frame from mRNA AK335384.1; SEQ ID NO: 11); Cassava-1 (Manihot esculenta: OAY44415.1; SEQ ID NO: 12); Cassava-2 (Manihot esculenta: OAY41970.1; SEQ ID NO: 13); Sorghum-1 (Sorghum bicolor: KXG39469.1; SEQ ID NO: 14); Sorghum-2 (Sorghum bicolor: XP_002465837.1; SEQ ID NO: 15); Sorghum-3 (Sorghum bicolor: KXG36972.1; SEQ ID NO: 16); Rapeseed-1 (Brassica napus: CDY06319.1; SEQ ID NO: 17); Rapeseed-2 (Brassica napus: XP_013711973.1; SEQ ID NO: 18); Rapeseed-3 (Brassica napus: XP_013672630.1; SEQ ID NO: 19); Rapeseed-4 (Brassica napus: XP_013716476.1; SEQ ID NO: 20); Rapeseed-5 (Brassica napus: XP_013641071.1; SEQ ID NO: 21); Castor (Ricinus communis: XP_002525461.1; SEQ ID NO: 22); Bean-1 (Phaseolus vulgaris: XP_007161960.1; SEQ ID NO: 23); Bean-2 (Phaseolus vulgaris: XP_007161924.1; SEQ ID NO: 24); Cotton-1 (Gossypium histrum: NP_001313760.1; SEQ ID NO: 25); Cotton-2 (Gossypium histrum: XP_016753539.1; SEQ ID NO: 26); Cotton-3 (Gossypium histrum: XP_016672835.1; SEQ ID NO: 27); Soybean-1 (Glycine max: XP_003548763.1; SEQ ID NO: 28); Soybean-2 (Glycine max: NP_001276128.1; SEQ ID NO: 29); Beet (Beta vulgaris: XP_010672407.1; SEQ ID NO: 30); Banana-1 (Musa acuminata: XP_009416338.1; SEQ ID NO: 31); Banana-2 (Musa acuminata: XP_009406843.1; SEQ ID NO: 32); Chili (Capsicum annuum: XP_016552829.1; SEQ ID NO: 33); Chick pea (Cicer arietinum: XP_004493141.1; SEQ ID NO: 34); Tomato-1 (Solanum lycopersicum: XP_004252003.1; SEQ ID NO: 35); Tomato-2 (Solanum lycopersicum: XP_004249307.1; SEQ ID NO: 36); African oilpalm-1 (Elaeis guineensis: XP_010938119.1; SEQ ID NO: 37); African oilpalm-2 (Elaeis guineensis: XP_010921294.1; SEQ ID NO: 38); Foxtail millet-1 (Setaria italica: XP_004984516.2; SEQ ID NO: 39); Foxtail millet-2 (Setaria italica: XP_004985651.1; SEQ ID NO: 40); Foxtail millet-3 (Setaria italica: XP_004958724.1; SEQ ID NO: 41); Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: XP_001697443.1; SEQ ID NO: 42); Chlorella (Chlorella variabilis: XP_005851922.1; SEQ ID NO: 43).
  • FIG. 8: Effect of OE of StACHT4-2ΔC in potato plants on tubers yield. OE StACHT4-2ΔC in potato plants nearly doubled tubers yield (g per plant) in comparison to WT plants (cultivated Desiree), indicating that StACHT4-2ΔC stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth. OE of StACHT4-2 did not change growth, confirming that the deletion of StACHT4-2 C-terminus relieves growth attenuation and tubers yield in a similar fashion to Arabidopsis AtACHT4ΔC.
  • FIG. 9: Photographs of potato plants after 60-days growth in the greenhouse showing higher shoots growth and higher tuber yield in StACHT4-2ΔC-OE plants over WT (cultivated Desiree) plants. Scale bar in each panel represents 10 cm.
  • FIG. 10: Percent change of transitory starch level of leaves of 6-weeks old StACHT4-1ΔC OE and StACHT4-1 OE potato plants. Overexpressing (OE) StACHT4-1ΔC in potato plants stimulated transitory starch accumulation in leaves relative to wild type plants. OE of StACHT4-1 decreased transitory starch accumulation, confirming that the C-terminus of StACHT4-1 attenuates starch synthesis in potato leaves.
  • FIG. 11: Schematic representation of plant expression vector construct for the over expression of the four StACHT4 construct. Only the construct of StACHT4-1ΔC is shown.
    •  DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions for attenuating the function and/or expression of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), a light-regulated protein expressed in plants and algae that controls starch storage in chloroplast, and methods for increasing plant and algae growth and yield.
  • ACHT4
  • The Arabidopsis thaliana atypical cysteine histidine-rich Trxs (ACHTs) constitute a small family of plant-specific and chloroplast-localized Trxs. They are light-regulated and are good catalysts of 2-Cys Prx reduction.
  • A recently discovered paralog, AtACHT4, was found by the inventors to attenuate starch synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by oxidizing a regulatory disulfide of the AGPase (ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, which catalyzes the first committed step in the starch synthesis pathway; Examples 1-2). The oxidizing reaction of AtACHT4 with AGPase requires the C-terminus of AtACHT4 (Example 2).
  • Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions comprising ACHT4 proteins and nucleic acids and uses thereof. ACHT4 sequences may be from any species comprising such sequences. Table 1 hereinbelow discloses the amino acid sequences of some ACHT4 paralogs in various species, while Table 2 hereinbelow discloses the nucleic acid sequences of some ACHT4 paralogs in various species.
  • TABLE 1
    ACHT4 amino acid sequences
    Database
    Accession No.
    (Genbank SEQ
    unless otherwise ID
    Organism Paralogs specified) Amino Acid Sequence NO:
    Arabidopsis AtACHT NP_172333.1 MTEVISKTSLFLGACGNHHRVDDFSFS 1
    thaliana  4 PVSFGGFGLKKSFSCLKLKSQKPLRSV
    FYGKQIVFGDSQDESFRRSSAITAQTTL
    RIGTAQKWWEKGLKDNMREISSAQEL
    VDSLTNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKA
    LHPKICQFAEMNPDVQFLQVNYEEHK
    SMCYSLGVHVLPFFRFYRGSQGRVCSF
    SCTNATIKKFRDALAKHGPDRCSLGPT
    KGLEEKELVALAANKELNFTYTPKPVP
    VEKEAATPDSNPSLPVPLPSMSSNDEK
    TLVSAGR
    Solanum StACHT4- XP_006348023. MMKLMSKGFMFPSSSDCGEIYHHRPL 2
    tuberosum 1 1; NLPGICSFPNKSVNLSCLPSLNLSSSCLP
    (Potato) PGSC0003DMP RTDFYGRRLVINEGVSKFNRRNSQVV
    400032814 DITAQMSIGIRKAQKWWEKGVQPNMK
    EVNSAQELVDSLLSAGDKLVVVDFFSP
    GCGGCKALHPKLCQLAEMNPDVHFLQ
    VNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRG
    AEGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKYGT
    DRCTLGPPKGLEEKELLALAANKDLSF
    NYTPKTEEAPVLVTSQKEVQDTTPPNI
    ESPLPLPLPLPIASTSSQTAKRDTEKEA
    YATSGR
    Solanum StACHT4- XP_006351368. MKFNRRNHKSAAATAQMSIGIRKAPK 3
    tuberosum 2 1; WWEKGLQPNMKEVMGAQDLADTLL
    (Potato) PGSC0003DMP NAGDKLVVVDFLSPGCGGCKALHPKI
    400040925 CQLAEMNPDVQFLHVNYEEHKSMCYS
    LNVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRLCSFSCTNA
    TIKKFKDALTKYGADCCSLEPVKGLEE
    KELLALAANKDLSFAYTPKTEEPMPV
    ALQDAKVIKTSRTSSSCPNTFSLLPLPL
    PLPLASTSHKAKQDSKSEVF
    Zea mays ZmACHT4- NP_001266702. MAAAQAISKGSVVSPCGNRAAPGLLA 4
    (Maize) 1 1 RRRGAVAARVAPSAARIGGFWRKNAF
    PGGRLTLRTRRSRAASPAQMNMNLAL
    GKSMRWWEKGLQPNMREIESAQDLV
    DALTNAGDRLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRAF
    HPKICQFAEQNPDVLFLQVNYEEHKS
    MCHSLHVHVLPLFRFYRGAQGRLCSFS
    CTNTTIKKFRDALAKHKPDRCSLGPTR
    GLEESELLALAANKDLQFTYAKEEPEL
    IPRGDAPGEVVAPEPAKLPAAPKPLVR
    LGSEERSLVSSGR
    Zea mays ZmACHT4- ACR34655.1 MADALCNGVVASPCGRDVAGRARGA 5
    (Maize) 2 ARAALAESLQVAGHASKTSFSAGRMS
    VKDSKPRPLSRSLEAAAPGQMNLSFPK
    AMRWWKKGLHPNMREVESAQDLADS
    LLSAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRALHP
    KIAQFAEKNPGVQFLQVNYETHKSMC
    YSLRVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRVSSFSCT
    NATINKFKDALAKHGAERCSLGPARG
    LDESELMALAENRDLHFTYDKPGGLV
    PLAEAIAKEAAAPGGPWLPLPASLLGQ
    GSDNSLLPSGR
    Zea mays ZmACHT4- ACN36361.1 MAAAQVVAKGSVVSPCGNRAVPGLL 6
    (Maize) 3 GRRRDAVAAQMTPSAVRIGGSWRKN
    AFPGVRLALGTRRSRPASRSFSASPVQ
    MNMNLAIGKSMRWWEKGLQPNMREI
    ESAQDLVDSLTNAGERLVVVDFFSPGC
    GGCRALHPKICQFAERNPDVLFLQVNY
    EEHKSMCYSLRVHVLPFFRFYRGAQG
    RLCSFSCTNATVRSCPCFFCSYDYWYV
    LNNMQHIQNDLY
    Oryza OsACHT4- XP_015632287. MAATAAQAVAVKGSVAVPPCGSRGR 7
    sativa 1 1 RRGAVASVRMAAAAATSALRIGRRSP
    (Rice) FLGRRLAVGPRRSRPVPRNLVAPVQM
    NLAFAKATKWWEKGLQPNMREVESA
    QDLVDSLTNAGDNLVIVDFFSPGCGGC
    RALHPKICQIAEQNPDVLFLQVNYEEH
    KSMCYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRLC
    SFSCTNATIKKFRDALAKHKPDRCSLG
    PTRGLEESELLALAANKDLQFNYTKKP
    ELVPSGDAAAAQELDRGSTKLSPPAKP
    LVKQGSEERSLVSSGR
    Oryza OsACHT4- XP_015646723. MAEALCSGSVASPCGEVGVGFAAGLV 8
    sativa 2 1 RGAAAAAALAESVPIGGYSSKSTFPSG
    (Rice) RVALTERKARPLPRNLEAAHGQMNLT
    IGKAMRWWEKCLQPNMREIESAQDLA
    DSLLNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRAL
    HPKIAQLAEKNPEVLFLQVNYEKHKS
    MCYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRVSSFS
    CTNATIKKFKDALAKHGPDRCGLGPA
    KGLEESELMALAINRDLNFTYTPNQDL
    VPIADALLKEAAAPGGPWLPLPATATQ
    LFIQGSENSLLSSGR
    Hordeum HvACHT4- BAK03063.1 MATAQAVAKGTVVSPCGTRAAGFGA 9
    vulgare 1 RRRGAVAARMSPCAPAAVRIGRKSPFL
    (Barley) GARLTVGPRRSKLVPRNLVSSPVQMN
    LAFAKSTKWWEKGLKPNMREIESAQD
    LVDSLANAGDRLVVVDFFSPGCGGCR
    ALHPKICQFGEQNPDVLFLQVNYEEHK
    SMCYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRLCSF
    SCTNATIKKFRDALAKHNPDRCSIGPT
    RGLEESELLALAANKDLQFTYTKQPEP
    VPSGDSEFIAPGSPRLPPPAKPLVRQGS
    GERTLVSSGR
    Hordeum HvACHT4- BAK07858.1 MANALYGGGVAAPCGDLGAAAALAE 10
    vulgare 2 SLPMGGGYRARSSFPAGRVALAERPLP
    (Barley) RSLQVAAAAGQMNGNLTIGKAMRW
    WEKGTQPNMREVESAQDLADSLLNA
    GDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRALHPKIAQF
    AERNPDVLFLQVNYEKHKSMCYSLHV
    HVLPFFRFYRGAQGRVSSFSCTNATIK
    KFKDALAKHSPDRCSLGPARGLEKAE
    LLALAENRDLEFTYSEKPTLVPIAEAIR
    MEAASIGGPWLPLPPAATQPFPLGSEN
    GSLIPSGR
    Triticum TaACHT4 Traslated ORF in MASALCGGGSGSVAAPCGDLGAAAA 11
    aestivum 1st frame from LAESLPMGAGYRAKSSFPAGRVALAD
    (Wheat) mRNA RPLRRGLQVAAAAGQMNGNLTIGKA
    AK335384.1 MRWWEKVTHPNMREVESAQDLADSL
    LNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRALHPKI
    AQFAERNPDVLFLQVNYEKHKSMCYS
    LHVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRVSSFSCTNA
    TIKKFKDALAKHSPDRCSLGPARGLEE
    AELLALAANRDLEFTYNEKPTLVPIAE
    AIQMEAASIGGPWMPLPAAATQPLTLG
    SENGSLIPSGR
    Manihot MeACHT4- OAY44415.1 MADVLSNTNLVSSSFSSSFTGHRNEQK 12
    esculenta 1 NSSCRLKGFPRKVNRQTLRLKATSLGS
    (Cassava) DFHGKRVVLQDNQGKPKRGIYLQMSI
    KAQHTGLRLKSAPKWWEKGLQPNMR
    EVTSAQDFVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFSP
    GCGGCKALHPKICQFAEMNPDVLFLH
    VNYEEHKSMCYSLNIHVLPFFRFYRGA
    QGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALAKHSPD
    RCSLGPTKGLEEKELIALASNKDLNFK
    YAQKPDLPTPIPAKEERVPVVSPSHPNP
    ALPLPLPLPTASPKSGQGSEEKTLVGSG
    R
    Manihot MeACHT4- OAY41970.1 MAAVSSNTNLVSSSCSSSFSSSQNRPEY 13
    esculenta 2 RSSRLRVFPQELNHQALRLQTTSLGSD
    (Cassava) FHGKRVVLQEKPKCKQGISVQSSIKAQ
    TGLRLKNAKNWWEEELQPNMREVISA
    QDLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVYFFSPGCGGC
    RALHPKICQLAKNNADVQFLKVNYEE
    HKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRV
    CSFSCTNATIKKFKNALAKHTPDRSSL
    EPTKGLEEKELIALAANKDLNLTYAPK
    SDKPIPAPTKEEIVPEIPQSLSLALRRSM
    ELAQGSAEKTLVASGR
    Sorghum SbACHT4- KXG39469.1 MAAAQAVAKGSVVAPCGNRAAPGLL 14
    bicolor 1 GRRRGAVAARMAPSAVRIGASWRKT
    AFTGGRLALGLGTRRSRPASRSSFASP
    AQMNMNLAIGKSMRWWEKGLQPNM
    REIESAQDLVDSLTNAGDKLVIVDFFSP
    GCGGCRALHPKICQFAEQNPDVLFLQV
    NYEEHKSMCYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGA
    QGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHKPD
    RCSLGPTRGLEESEFLALAANKDLQFT
    YTKEPELIPRGDAPGEVIAPEPAKLPAA
    TKPLVRLGSEERSLVSSGR
    Sorghum SbACHT4- XP_002465837. MAAAQAMAKGSVGQGSLGRRRGAEA 15
    bicolor 2 1 ARVGGSWRKSAFLGGRLAVGPRRPRP
    VSRILVTSPAVQQTNLSFAKAMKWWQ
    KGLQPNMRAIQTAQDLADSLTNAGDG
    LVVVDFFSPGCAGCHALHPKICQFAER
    NPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCHSLHVHVF
    PFFRFYRGAQGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFR
    DALAKHRADRCSLGPTRGLEESELLAL
    AANKDLQFTYTKEAELAPSMEDVAEV
    MTADRPGLPTSTMPLARQGSEDRALV
    SSGR
    Sorghum SbACHT4- KXG36972.1 MAEALCNGVVASPYGGGDVGVAGRA 16
    bicolor 3 RGAAKAALAESLPVGGYATKSSFSAG
    RMSVSDRKPRPLSRNLEAAAAPGQMN
    LSFPKAMRWWEKGLHPNMREIESAQD
    LADSLLNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCR
    ALHPKIAQFAEKNPDVLFLQVNYETHK
    SMCYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRVSSF
    SCTNATVRIDHLSNFKNQQMNE
    Brassica BnACHT4- CDY06319.1 MAEAAISRTNLIFRGACVNQHKHVDD 17
    napus 1 YSVSSPVSFGLRKSFPSLKVKPFNQFQS
    (Rapeseed) SRSSSSITAQTTLRIGTPQKWWEKGLK
    ENMREISSAQELVDSLTNAGDKLVVV
    DFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEQNPDV
    QFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLGVHVLPFFR
    FYRGAHGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALA
    KHSPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELVALAAN
    KELNFSYTPRAVPVEEEEAPVPASNPG
    LPVAHPSMKANDGKTLVSSGR
    Brassica BnACHT4- XP_013711973. MAEVISKTSLFFRGACVNHHHHADDF 18
    napus 2 1 SVSPVSFGLKKSFSSLKQKPLRSDFSGK
    (Rapeseed) QILQTFNRSFRSSSVTAQSTLRIGTAQK
    WWEKGLQENMREISSAQELVDSLADA
    GDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKMCQ
    LAEQSADVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLG
    VHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRVCSFSCTNATI
    KKFRDALAKHSPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKE
    LVALAANKELNFSYTPKVVPVEKEAAI
    PTSNPALPVPHPSMSGSEEKTLVSAGR
    Brassica BnACHT4- XP_013672630. MAEAAISRTNLIFRGACVTHHHHADD 19
    napus 3 1 YSVSSSPVSFGLRKSFSSLKLKPPRQID
    (Rapeseed) TQFQTFTRSSRASSITAQTTLRIGTPQK
    WWEKGLKENMREISSAQELVDSLTNA
    GDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQL
    AEQNPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLGV
    HVLPFFRFYRGAHGRVCSFSCTNATIK
    KFRDALAKHSPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKEL
    VALAANKELNFSYTPRAVPVEEEEAPV
    PASKPGLAVPHPSMSANDEKTLVSAG
    R
    Brassica BnACHT4- XP_013716476. MAEAAISRTNLIFRGACVNQHKHVDD 20
    napus 4 1 YSVSSPVSFGLRKSFPSLKVKPFNQFQS
    (Rapeseed) SRSSSSITAQTALRIGTPQRWWEKGLK
    ENMREISSAQELVDSLTNAGDKLVVV
    DFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEQNPDV
    QFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLGVHVLPFFR
    FYRGAHGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALA
    KHTPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELVALAAN
    KELNFSYTPKDVPVEEEAAPVPVSNPG
    LPVAHPSMKANDGKTLVSSGR
    Brassica BnACHT4- XP_013641071. MAEVISKTSLFFGGGACVNHHHHHVD 21
    napus 5 1 DLSVSPVSFGFKKSFSSSLKQKPLRSDF
    (Rapeseed) SGKQILETFNRSFRSSSVTAQSTLRIGT
    AHKWWEKGSQENMREISSAQDLVDSL
    ADAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPK
    MCQLAEQSPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCY
    SLGVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRVCSFSCTN
    ATIKKFRDALAKHSPDRCSLGPTKGLE
    EKELVALAANKELKFSYTPKVVPVEK
    EVAIPTSNPGLPVPHPSTMSGSEEKTLV
    SAGR
    Ricinus RcACHT4 XP_002525461. MADVLSKTNLVPSSCCNGYKNQKKD 22
    communis 1 GAFVLKRSCSLKVSSRKFNPQAFGSQK
    (Castor) ISLISDFYGKRVIVQEKQLKRGNFHQFS
    IKAQTGLRLKNAPKWWEKGLQPNMK
    EITSAQDLVDSLMNAGDKLVIVDFFSP
    GCGGCKALHPKICQFAEMNPDVQFLQ
    VNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRG
    AQGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHTP
    DRCSLGPTKGLEEKELIALASNKDLNF
    TCTPKPVQPTAPAQEEIIPAALTPAHVN
    QTLPLPIPLSTTSLMSAQDLGEKTLVTS
    GR
    Phaseolus PvACHT4- XP_007161960. MAEVFTKASFVSSLLGSSQRHHRRVST 23
    vulgaris 1 1 VPDTCTFVSGVGGSPSLKLKSPILRSWS
    (Bean) PSSEFQGKQLLFRVNRGKPNRVSSRLR
    ASTAAQMTLRIGKVQKWWEKGLQPN
    MKEVTSAQDLVESLLNAGDKLVVVDF
    FSPGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQF
    LQVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFY
    RGAHGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALAKH
    SPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELLALAANKDL
    SFTLPKPLQPEHANEGLATAPAPVPSSE
    SLPLPSLTLNSEVSQERTLTTAGR
    Phaseolus PvACHT4- XP_007161924. MAEVLTEASLVSSWHGTTQRHHRRVS 24
    vulgaris 2 1 TVPNSSSFVSGVGRFPSLKLKSQILRSL
    (Bean) SSSSEFQGKKLLFHVNRGLANRISSRLG
    ASTAAQMTLRIGKGQKWWEKGLQPN
    MNEVTSAQDLVESLLNAGDKLVVVDF
    FSPGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQF
    LQVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFY
    RGAHGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKH
    SPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELLALAANKDL
    SFIYAPNPLQPEHENEELATAPAPVPSS
    ESLPLCHLISEVSKEKTLITAGR
    Gossypium GhACHT4- NP_001313760. MAEVLGKGNLFTTCNYSQTKNLEGGT 25
    histrum 1 1 CLVPKKISGFSLERNGFSSLKVKSQALR
    (Cotton) SDFNGQRMVFLEKKSMNRRRFCQVPI
    KAQMQSGLIGRIQKWWEKGLQPNMK
    EVASAQDLVDSLLNAGDKLVVVDFFS
    PGCGGCKALHPKICQFAEMNPDVQFL
    QVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYR
    GAQGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALAKHT
    PDRCSLSTTKGLEEKELLALSANKDLS
    FNYTPIPTHGEILIWKQVPSDSTRKLPL
    SVPTTSAKQRDSEEKTLVGVGR
    Gossypium GhACHT4- XP_016753539. MAEVLGKSNLFTACNYSQKKHQEGG 26
    histrum 2 1 VPLFSRRISVFCLRKNSFPSLRLEPQAL
    (Cotton) RSGFNGQRVVFLEKRSLNERRFCRVPI
    KAQMQTGLIGKTQKWWEKGNQPNM
    KEVTSAQDLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFS
    PGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQFL
    KVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYR
    GAQGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHS
    PDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELLALAANKDLS
    FNYTPKPVHPAPEEIPVLKEVPSGSSFK
    LKESEEKTLIGVGR
    Gossypium GhACHT4- XP_016672835. MAEVLGKSNLFTACNCSQKKNQEGGV 27
    histrum 3 1 PLFSRRISAFCLRKNSFPSLKLEPQALRS
    (Cotton) GFNGQRVVVLEKRSLNERRFCRVPIKA
    QMQTGLIGKTQKWWEKGNQPNMKEV
    TSAQDLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGC
    GGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQFLKLN
    YEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAQ
    GRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHSPDR
    CSLGPTKGLEEKELLALAANKDLSFNY
    TPKPVHPAPEEMPVLEEVPSGSSFRPKE
    SEEKTLVGVGR
    Glycine GmACHT4- XP_003548763. MAEVLTKASLVSSSWHGVSQRHHHRR 28
    max 1 1 VSTVLSNNTCSFRSGVGKFSSLKMNSQ
    (Soybean) VLRSWSSSSEFQGKKLVFHVNRGLPNR
    VNSRLRASTGTQMNLRLGKVQKWWE
    KGLQPNMKEVTSAQDFVDSLLNAGDK
    LVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQFAEM
    NPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVL
    PFFRFYRGAHGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFK
    DALAKHTPDRCSLGPTIGLEEKELEAL
    AANKDLSFTYSPKPLQPSHENEELATE
    TASAPALGSGSLPSPSMTLNAVASNER
    TLTTSGR
    Glycine GmACHT4- NP_001276128. MKSQVLRSWSSSSEFQGIKLVFHVNRG 29
    max 2 1 LPNRVNSRLRASTGAQMSFRLGKVQK
    (Soybean) WWEKGLQPNMKEVTSAQDFVDSLLS
    AGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKIC
    QFAEMNPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSL
    NVHVLPFFRFYRGAHGRLCSFSCTNAT
    IKKFKDALAKHTPDRCSLGPTKGLEEK
    ELLALAANKDLSFTNSPEPLQPAHADE
    ELGTEPAPAPGSKSLPSPSMILNSEVSK
    KRTLTTSGR
    Beta BvACHT4 XP_010672407. MADVLTKSSVFSPTISHHHSGSKNFPIK 30
    vulgaris 1 CSVAVSNRGRLVGISSLRSSFGGVRIAI
    (Beet) DKNTSFGSKRRNYQSIDAKMGLSIGKA
    QKWWEKGLQPNMREITSAEDLVDSLL
    TAGDTLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRALHPKL
    CQLAEMNPDVQFLQINYEEHKSMCYS
    LNVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRVSSFSCTNA
    TIKKFKDALAKHNPARCSLGPTKGLEE
    KELLALAANKDLSFTYTPKPVEAEPVP
    APALEEVSVKADEQVLAQESLPSFNRK
    PLSSQPSTVSEEKTLATAAR
    Musa MaACHT4- XP_009416338. MAETLAQRTLLLPGGHLSLPPFCGMRS 31
    acuminate 1 1 RPSLAAFTLFSRTKVEPLRSSSCDSKFH
    (Banana) GRRLVVGARRGRPSRARLGSGSEQMV
    LSFKKAIKWWQKGLQPNMVEIESAEH
    LVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGCGGCRA
    LHPKICQFAESNQNVLFLQINYEQHKS
    MCYSLGVHVLPFFRFYRGAHGRLCSFS
    CTNATIKKFKDALAKHITDRCSLGPAR
    GLEESELLALAANKDLSFNYTSKPVPV
    PEEIPERIPTSPKLPLHAVRRPAQESEDK
    ALAAAGR
    Musa MaACHT4- XP_009406843. MADALAQMTLLSPHGHRSLSRSSDRR 32
    acuminate 2 1 NRLVCASKDDLLRSSSSCNSQFHGRRL
    (Banana) VIGAQRERPLRGNRGSSSVQMTLSFKK
    ASKWWEKGLHPNMKDIKSAEDLVDSL
    SNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGCAGCRALHPKI
    CQFAELNPDVQFLQLNHEEHKSMCYS
    LNVHVLPFFRFYRGAHGRLCSFSCTNA
    TIKKFKDALAKHITERCSLGPAKGLEE
    TELLALAANKDLSFTYTRTPVPVPDEL
    AEKAPFNPNLPVHAAARLTLESEDKAF
    AAAGR
    Capsicum CaACHT4 XP_016552829. MAKLMNKGFVFPSSSDCGHHRPHGISS 33
    annuum 1 FPNKSVNLSCLPSTCLLRSYFYGRRLVI
    (Sweet NEALPKRNAHVAITVQMSMGIRKVQK
    and Chili WWEKGVQPNMKEVNSAQGLVDSLLS
    Peppers) AGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKLC
    QLAEMNPDVQFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSL
    NVHLLPFFRFYRGAEGRVCSFSCTNAT
    IKKFKDALAKYGTDRCTFGPPKGLEEK
    ELLALAANKELSFNYIPKTEEEPVLVAS
    QEEVEDRTPNKESPLPLPLPLPISSTSSL
    KPKQDTEKEAYATSGR
    Cicer CaACHT4 XP_004493141. MAEILTKTSLVSSWHGNRKQQHRRLS 34
    arietinum 1 MVPNKTCSFNTCVGSFPSLKLKSQFLR
    (Chick SSSFSSEFYGKNTIFRVNRSIPNRINSQF
    pea) SVSAAPKMTLRIGKIQKWWEKGLQPN
    MREVTSAQDLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDF
    FSPGCGGCRALHPKICQMAEMNPDVE
    FLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRF
    YRGAHGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAK
    HTPDRCSLEPTKGLEEKELIALSENKDL
    NFTYTPKPLQPVHTPANEELATTKASP
    VCSEPLPLPSLTSNSDEVLKERTLTRAG
    R
    Solanum SlACHT4- XP_004252003. MTKLMSKGFIFPSSSSDCGEIYDRLRLN 35
    lycopersicum 1 1; LHGICSFPNKSVNLSCLPSLKLSSSCLP
    (Tomato) Solycl2g019740. RTDFYGRRLVINEGLSNFNRRVADITA
    1 QMSVGIKKAQKWWEKGVQPNMKEV
    NSAQELVDSLLSAGDKLVVVDFFSPGC
    GGCKALHPKLCQLAEMNPDVQFLQVN
    YEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAE
    GRVCSFSCTNATIKKFRDALAKYGTDR
    CTIGSPKGLEEKELLALAANKDLSFNY
    TPKTEEEPILVTSQKEVRDRTTPNIESPL
    PLPLPLPITSTSSQTAKRDTEKEAYATS
    GR
    Solanum SlACHT4- XP_004249307. MEKLLNKAVFLPSILNSSGIYHSNQHAI 36
    lycopersicum 2 1; CVFPVKFNRRYHKSAVATAQMSIGIKR
    (Tomato) SolyclOg080730. APKWWEKGLQPNMKEVTGAQDLVDT
    1 LLNGGDKLVVVDFLSPGCGGCKALHP
    KICQLAEMNPDVQFLHVNYEEHKSMC
    YSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRLCSFSCT
    NATIKKFKDALTKYGADCCSLGPVKG
    LEEKELLALAANKDLSFAYTPKTEEPV
    PLALEEVKVIKTSRQSSSHPNTFSPLPLP
    LPLASTLHTAKQDSKS
    Elaeis EgACHT4- XP_010938119. MMEVLSQSGVMSPCGHRWVVRSCKE 37
    guineensis 1 1 RSPSFVGFPRSSSRTIESLMSSSRNSGFH
    (African GRRLSIGAWRVNAVKGNFSSTPVQMS
    oilpalm) LCVGKALKWWEKELQPNMKEIESAQ
    DLVDSLLNAGDKLVIVDFFSPGCGGCK
    ALHPKICQFAKLNPDVLFLQVNYEKH
    KSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAHGRLC
    SFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHTTDRCSLG
    PTKGLEESELMALAANKDLSFSYTRKP
    VPVPSPDEAAEEVVLSPKLPVSSTPRVI
    QDSEEKALVAAGR
    Elaeis EgACHT4- XP_010921294. MAEVLGRSGVFSLRGHRSVAPSCQKR 38
    guineensis 2 1 SPSFLGFPLSSSRPIGPPRSSSRRFVIGTR
    (African RGRSIKGNSSSSRVQMSLGVGKSLKW
    oilpalm) WEKGVQPNMKEIGSAQDLVDSLLNEG
    DKLVIVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICRIAE
    MNPHVLFLQINYEKHKSMCYSLHVHV
    LPFFRFYRGAHGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFK
    DALAKHTTDRCSLGPTKGLEESELVAL
    AANKDLSFNYTRKPVPVLTPDEAAEK
    VPLSPKLPVSSAPRVIKDSEDKALVAA
    GT
    Setaria SiACHT4- XP_004984516. MAAAQAVAKGSVVSPCGSRAAPGLLS 39
    italic 1 2 RRRGAVATRMAPSAVRIGGSWRKTAF
    (Foxtail LGGRLAVGPRRSRSASRTLVASPVQM
    millet) NMNLAIGKSMRWWEKGLQPNMREIES
    AQDLVDSLTNAGDRLVIVDFFSPGCGG
    CRALHPKICQFAEQNPDVLFLQVNHEE
    HKSMCYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAQGRL
    CSFSCTNATIKKFKDALAKHKPDRCSI
    GPTRGLEESELLALAANKDLQFTYTKK
    PELIPSGDAAAEVIAPEPTKLPAATKPS
    VKIGSEERSXWSHQEDEMNDL
    Setaria SiACHT4- XP_004985651. MAAAQAMAKMSVGSPACNRAAGSLC 40
    italic 2 1 RWRGAVAVRLGGSWSWRKSPFLGGR
    (Foxtail MAVGPRRSRPVSRNPVASPVQMNLSF
    millet) GKTMKWWEKGLQPNMRAIHTAQELV
    DSLINAGDGLVIVDFFSPGCAGCHALH
    PKICQFAERNPDVQFLQVNFEEHKSMC
    HSLHVHVFPFFRFYRGAQGRLCSFSCT
    NATIKKFKDALAKHKPDRCSLGPIKGL
    EESELLALAANRDLQFTYTKEQDLAPS
    MEDGAEVITHDHPRLPAAAKPLVRQG
    SEDRAVVSSGR
    Setaria SiACHT4- XP_004958724. MAEALCNGVVPSPCGGDVGVAGRVS 41
    italic 3 1 GAAAALAESVPIGGYRTKSSFSAGRM
    (Foxtail AMTDRKMRPLPRSIEAAPGQMNLSFP
    millet) KAMRWWEKGLQPNMREIESAQDLAD
    SLLNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCRALH
    AKIAQFAEKNPDVMFLQVNYETHKSM
    CYSLHVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRVSSFSC
    TNATIKKFKDALAKHGPDRCSLGPAR
    GLEESELMALAANKDLQFTYEKPGLV
    PLAEAIAKEAAAPGGPWFPLPASATQF
    LTQGSENSLLSSGR
    Chlamydomonas CrACHT4 XP_001697443. MASILNRAGSRSLVFETKQSLRSIPGSL 42
    reinhardtii 1 LSLRSVALKPFRTTICAAGALLTARRST
    (Single- SGLGRANGVVCQAGRSTGEWWKKDN
    cell green PPNMRDINSIQELVDALSDAGDRLVIV
    alga) EFYAQWCNACRALFPKICKIMAENPD
    VLFLKVNFDDNRDACRTLSVKVLPYF
    HFYRGAEGRVAAFSATISKLQLFKDAV
    ETYSAAFCSLEPAPGLAEFPDLIAHPEL
    HPEEAAEAARRARLASTESEEELHPLA
    DTPTVVG
    Chlorella CvACHT4 XP_005851922. WWTKSAPPNVVHIKSVQHLVDEMVR 43
    (Single- 1, partial AERLAGAGERLVIMDVFAPWCAACKA
    cell green LYPKLMKLMEERPDVLLLTVNFDENK
    alga) TVVKAMGVKVLPYFMFYRGKEGKLQ
    EFSASNKRFHLIQEAIERHSTDRCFLDS
    TDEEPVLAEFPTVVPAKGISGSLDEPAG
    RAAGKAVGQPQPVA
  • In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of the sequences listed in Table 1.
  • In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-43.
  • In one embodiment, there is one paralog of ACHT4 in a species. In another embodiment, there are two paralogs of ACHT4 in a species. In another embodiment, there are three paralogs of ACHT4 in a species. In another embodiment, there are four paralogs of ACHT4 in a species. In another embodiment, there are five paralogs of ACHT4 in a species. In another embodiment, there are six paralogs of ACHT4 in a species. In another embodiment, there are seven or more paralogs of ACHT4 in a species.
  • In one embodiment, a “corresponding sequence” is an amino acid (or nucleic acid) sequence from a first species for which there is a similar or equivalent sequence in a second species, which may be inferred by sequence alignment, as is well known in the art.
  • TABLE 2
    ACHT4 nucleic acid sequences
    Database SEQ
    Para- Accession ID
    Organism logs No. Nucleic Acid Sequence NO:
    Arabidopsis AtACHT4 NM_100730 ATGACGGAAGTGATTAGCAAAACGAGTTTGTT 44
    thaliana CTTAGGAGCTTGTGGTAATCATCACCGTGTTGA
    TGATTTCTCTTTCTCTCCGGTGAGTTTTGGTGG
    GTTTGGTTTGAAAAAGAGTTTCTCTTGTCTGAA
    GCTTAAGAGTCAGAAGCCTCTTAGAAGTGTAT
    TTTACGGAAAACAGATCGTTTTCGGAGATTCTC
    AAGACGAGAGCTTCAGAAGATCATCAGCTATC
    ACAGCTCAGACAACTTTGAGGATTGGGACAGC
    TCAGAAGTGGTGGGAGAAAGGTCTGAAAGAT
    AACATGAGAGAGATCTCTTCAGCTCAAGAGCT
    CGTTGATTCTCTTACTAACGCTGGTGATAAGCT
    TGTTGTTGTTGATTTCTTCTCACCTGGCTGTGG
    TGGCTGCAAGGCTCTCCATCCTAAGATATGTC
    AGTTTGCAGAGATGAACCCGGATGTGCAGTTT
    CTTCAGGTGAATTACGAGGAGCATAAGTCCAT
    GTGTTATAGTCTTGGTGTCCATGTTCTCCCTTTT
    TTCCGATTCTACCGTGGCTCTCAGGGTCGTGTT
    TGCAGCTTTAGCTGTACCAATGCCACGATCAA
    GAAATTCAGAGATGCCTTGGCAAAGCATGGTC
    CAGATAGGTGCAGCCTCGGACCGACCAAAGGC
    CTTGAAGAGAAAGAGCTTGTGGCACTTGCAGC
    CAACAAAGAACTCAACTTTACTTACACACCAA
    AGCCTGTACCAGTTGAGAAAGAAGCAGCCACT
    CCTGATTCAAACCCAAGTCTCCCTGTTCCTCTT
    CCTTCGATGAGCTCCAATGACGAAAAAACATT
    GGTCTCCGCAGGGAGATGA
    Solanum StACHT4- XM_006347961.2; ATGATGAAATTGATGAGCAAAGGTTTTATGTT 45
    tuberosum 1 PGSC0003DMT400048452 TCCTTCGTCTTCTGATTGTGGTGAAATTTATCA
    (Potato) TCATCGTCCTCTTAATCTACCTGGGATCTGTTC
    TTTTCCCAATAAATCGGTCAATCTTTCTTGTCT
    TCCTTCGTTGAACCTTTCATCTTCTTGTTTGCCA
    AGAACCGATTTTTATGGTCGTAGATTGGTTATA
    AATGAAGGCGTATCCAAGTTCAACCGAAGAAA
    TTCCCAAGTTGTTGATATCACTGCTCAGATGAG
    TATTGGAATCAGGAAAGCACAGAAATGGTGGG
    AGAAAGGGGTTCAACCTAACATGAAAGAGGT
    GAACAGTGCACAAGAACTTGTTGACTCTCTTTT
    GAGTGCAGGGGACAAATTAGTTGTTGTTGATT
    TCTTTTCCCCTGGCTGTGGAGGTTGTAAAGCTC
    TTCACCCCAAGTTGTGTCAGCTGGCAGAGATG
    AATCCAGATGTGCATTTTTTACAGGTGAACTAT
    GAGGAACACAAGTCGATGTGTTACTCTCTTAA
    TGTACATGTTCTCCCATTTTTCCGTTTCTATAG
    AGGAGCTGAAGGCCGTGTTTGCAGCTTTAGCT
    GTACCAATGCCACGATCAAAAAATTCAAAGAT
    GCACTGGCGAAGTATGGTACAGATCGTTGCAC
    CCTTGGGCCGCCAAAAGGGCTGGAGGAGAAA
    GAGCTACTTGCACTGGCAGCTAACAAGGATCT
    CTCCTTTAATTACACTCCAAAAACAGAAGAAG
    CACCCGTCCTTGTTACCTCACAAAAGGAAGTT
    CAGGATACAACTCCTCCAAATATAGAGTCCCC
    TCTACCACTTCCTCTTCCTCTCCCCATTGCGTC
    AACTAGCTCACAGACGGCCAAACGGGATACAG
    AGAAAGAAGCATATGCTACTTCTGGTAGATGA
    Solanum StACHT4- XM_006351306.2; ATGAAATTCAATAGAAGAAATCACAAATCA 46
    tuberosum 2 PGSC0003DMT400060823 GCAGCTGCAACTGCTCAGATGAGCATAGGT
    (Potato) ATCAGGAAAGCTCCTAAATGGTGGGAGAAA
    GGACTTCAACCGAATATGAAAGAGGTGATG
    GGTGCTCAAGACCTCGCTGACACCCTTCTA
    AACGCTGGGGATAAACTAGTCGTTGTCGAT
    TTCCTTTCCCCTGGCTGTGGAGGCTGCAAA
    GCCCTTCATCCAAAGATATGTCAGTTAGCA
    GAGATGAATCCGGATGTGCAGTTTTTACAT
    GTGAACTATGAGGAACACAAGTCAATGTGT
    TACTCGCTGAACGTACATGTTCTCCCATTT
    TTTCGTTTCTATAGAGGTGCTGAAGGTCGT
    CTTTGTAGCTTTAGTTGCACCAATGCCACG
    ATAAAAAAATTCAAAGATGCATTGACAAAG
    TATGGTGCAGATTGTTGCAGCCTCGAACCA
    GTTAAAGGGCTCGAGGAGAAAGAGCTACTT
    GCCCTAGCAGCTAATAAGGACCTCTCTTTT
    GCTTACACACCAAAAACAGAAGAACCAATG
    CCTGTTGCCTTACAAGATGCTAAGGTGATA
    AAAACAAGCAGAACATCTTCATCTTGTCCA
    AATACATTCTCCCTGTTACCACTTCCCCTT
    CCTCTTCCTCTAGCATCAACTTCACATAAG
    GCCAAACAGGACTCGAAGAGTGAAGTTTTT
    TAA
    Zea mays ZmACHT4- NM_001279773.1 ATGGCGGCAGCGCAGGCGATCTCGAAGGGGA 47
    (Maize) 1 GCGTGGTGTCTCCGTGCGGCAATCGAGCGGCG
    CCGGGCCTCCTTGCCAGGCGGAGGGGTGCCGT
    GGCGGCGCGGGTGGCGCCGTCAGCGGCGCGG
    ATCGGGGGCTTCTGGAGGAAGAACGCGTTTCC
    TGGCGGGAGGCTAACCCTGAGGACGAGGAGA
    TCCAGGGCCGCGTCACCGGCGCAGATGAACAT
    GAACCTTGCGCTTGGGAAATCGATGAGGTGGT
    GGGAGAAGGGGTTGCAGCCCAACATGCGTGA
    GATCGAGTCCGCCCAAGACCTTGTCGATGCTTT
    GACCAACGCCGGCGACAGGCTCGTCGTCGTCG
    ACTTCTTCTCTCCTGGCTGCGGCGGCTGCCGTG
    CTTTTCACCCCAAGATTTGTCAATTTGCGGAGC
    AGAATCCAGATGTGCTGTTCTTGCAAGTGAAC
    TACGAGGAGCACAAGTCTATGTGCCACAGCCT
    TCATGTCCATGTCCTACCCTTGTTCAGATTCTA
    CAGGGGAGCACAGGGACGACTCTGTAGCTTCA
    GTTGTACAAACACAACTATTAAGAAGTTCAGG
    GATGCACTCGCGAAGCACAAGCCAGATAGATG
    TAGCCTTGGCCCAACCAGGGGGCTAGAGGAAT
    CTGAGTTATTAGCCTTGGCGGCAAACAAGGAC
    CTGCAGTTCACCTACGCGAAGGAGGAACCAGA
    ACTGATCCCCAGGGGAGATGCTCCTGGGGAGG
    TCGTTGCTCCTGAGCCTGCAAAGCTTCCTGCGG
    CTCCAAAGCCTTTGGTCAGGCTGGGGTCCGAG
    GAGAGGTCACTGGTCTCGTCAGGAAGATGA
    Zea mays ZmACHT4- BT084302. ATGGCTGACGCGTTGTGCAACGGCGTCGTGGC 48
    (Maize) 2 1 GTCCCCGTGCGGCCGGGACGTCGCCGGCCGGG
    CCAGGGGCGCCGCCAGGGCCGCGCTCGCGGAG
    TCCCTGCAGGTCGCCGGGCACGCCAGCAAGAC
    CTCCTTCTCCGCCGGGAGGATGTCGGTCAAGG
    ACAGCAAGCCGAGGCCCCTGTCGCGTAGCCTC
    GAGGCCGCCGCGCCAGGACAGATGAACCTGTC
    GTTCCCCAAAGCCATGCGGTGGTGGAAGAAGG
    GGCTGCACCCCAACATGCGCGAGGTCGAGTCC
    GCGCAGGACCTGGCCGACTCGCTGCTCAGCGC
    CGGCGACAAGCTCGTGGTCGTCGACTTCTTCTC
    CCCAGGCTGCGGCGGCTGCCGCGCCCTCCACC
    CCAAGATCGCCCAGTTCGCCGAGAAGAACCCG
    GGCGTGCAGTTCTTGCAGGTGAACTACGAGAC
    GCACAAGTCCATGTGCTACAGCCTCCGCGTCC
    ACGTCCTCCCTTTCTTCAGGTTCTACCGGGGAG
    CCGAGGGCCGGGTCAGCAGCTTCAGCTGCACC
    AACGCAACGATCAACAAGTTCAAGGACGCGCT
    CGCCAAGCACGGGGCTGAGAGGTGTAGCCTCG
    GGCCTGCGCGGGGGCTGGACGAGTCGGAGCTC
    ATGGCCTTGGCTGAGAACAGGGACCTGCACTT
    CACCTACGACAAGCCGGGCGGCCTCGTCCCCC
    TCGCCGAAGCTATTGCCAAGGAGGCTGCCGCA
    CCGGGAGGCCCGTGGCTTCCTCTGCCTGCGTCC
    CTGCTCGGCCAGGGATCCGACAACTCATTGCT
    GCCCTCTGGAAGATAG
    Zea mays ZmACHT4- BT069464. ATGGCGGCGGCGCAGGTGGTCGCGAAGGGGAGCGTGG 49
    (Maize) 3 1 TGTCGCCGTGCGGCAATCGAGCGGTGCCGGGCCTCTT
    GGGCAGGCGGAGGGATGCCGTGGCGGCGCAGATGACG
    CCGTCGGCGGTGCGGATCGGGGGCTCCTGGAGGAAGA
    ACGCGTTTCCTGGCGTGAGGCTAGCCTTGGGGACGAG
    GAGATCCAGGCCCGCGTCCCGGAGTTTCTCCGCCTCG
    CCGGTGCAGATGAACATGAACCTTGCGATTGGGAAAT
    CAATGAGGTGGTGGGAGAAGGGGTTGCAGCCCAACAT
    GCGTGAGATCGAGTCCGCCCAAGACCTTGTAGATTCC
    TTAACCAACGCCGGCGAGAGGCTCGTCGTCGTCGACT
    TCTTCTCCCCTGGCTGCGGCGGCTGCCGTGCTCTTCA
    CCCGAAGATTTGCCAATTTGCGGAGCGGAACCCTGAT
    GTGCTGTTCTTGCAAGTGAACTACGAGGAGCACAAGT
    CTATGTGCTACAGCCTTCGTGTCCATGTGCTACCCTT
    CTTCAGATTCTACAGAGGAGCACAGGGACGACTCTGC
    AGCTTCAGCTGTACAAACGCAACTGTAAGATCATGTC
    CATGTTTCTTCTGTTCGTATGATTATTGGTATGTCCT
    CAATAACATGCAACATATCCAAAATGACCTTTATTGA
    Oryza OsACHT4- XM_015776801.1 ATGGCGGCGACGGCGGCGCAGGCGGTGGCGG 50
    sativa 1 TGAAGGGGAGCGTGGCGGTGCCGCCGTGCGGG
    (Rice) AGCCGCGGCCGGCGGAGGGGCGCCGTGGCGTC
    GGTGCGCATGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGACGTCGG
    CGTTGCGGATCGGCAGGAGGAGCCCCTTCCTC
    GGCCGGAGGCTGGCGGTTGGGCCGAGGAGATC
    CAGGCCCGTGCCCCGGAATCTCGTCGCGCCGG
    TGCAGATGAATCTCGCGTTTGCGAAAGCCACG
    AAGTGGTGGGAGAAGGGATTGCAGCCCAACAT
    GCGGGAGGTCGAGTCCGCGCAAGACCTCGTCG
    ACTCCTTGACCAACGCCGGCGACAATCTCGTC
    ATCGTCGACTTCTTCTCCCCTGGCTGCGGCGGC
    TGCCGTGCCCTCCACCCCAAGATTTGCCAGATT
    GCAGAGCAGAATCCGGACGTGCTGTTCTTGCA
    GGTGAACTATGAGGAGCACAAGTCTATGTGCT
    ACAGCCTCCATGTTCATGTTCTTCCTTTCTTCA
    GGTTCTACAGGGGAGCTCAGGGCCGGCTCTGC
    AGCTTCAGCTGTACTAACGCAACTATTAAGAA
    GTTCAGGGATGCGCTTGCTAAGCATAAACCAG
    ATAGATGCAGCCTTGGCCCAACTAGGGGGCTC
    GAGGAGTCGGAGCTATTGGCGCTGGCTGCGAA
    CAAGGATCTGCAGTTCAACTACACCAAGAAAC
    CAGAACTGGTTCCTAGCGGAGATGCCGCAGCT
    GCCCAGGAATTGGATCGTGGAAGCACAAAGCT
    TTCTCCACCCGCAAAACCATTGGTCAAGCAGG
    GCTCTGAAGAGAGGTCCTTGGTCTCATCAGGC
    AGATGA
    Oryza OsACHT4- XM_015791237.1 ATGGCTGAGGCACTGTGCAGCGGCAGCGTCGC 51
    sativa 2 GTCCCCGTGCGGGGAGGTGGGTGTGGGGTTCG
    (Rice) CCGCCGGCCTTGTGAGGGGCGCCGCGGCGGCG
    GCGGCGCTCGCGGAGTCTGTGCCGATTGGTGG
    GTACAGCAGCAAGAGCACGTTCCCGAGTGGGA
    GGGTGGCGCTCACGGAGAGGAAGGCGAGGCC
    CCTGCCACGGAATCTCGAAGCGGCGCATGGGC
    AGATGAACCTGACGATTGGGAAGGCCATGAGG
    TGGTGGGAGAAGTGCCTGCAGCCCAACATGAG
    GGAGATCGAGTCGGCGCAAGACCTCGCCGACT
    CCCTCCTCAACGCCGGCGACAAGCTCGTCGTC
    GTCGACTTCTTCTCCCCGGGCTGCGGTGGCTGC
    CGCGCCCTACACCCCAAGATTGCTCAACTAGC
    CGAGAAGAACCCGGAGGTGCTGTTCTTGCAAG
    TGAACTACGAGAAGCACAAGTCAATGTGCTAC
    AGCCTCCATGTTCATGTTCTGCCATTCTTCAGG
    TTCTACAGGGGAGCTCAGGGCCGTGTCAGCAG
    CTTCAGCTGCACAAACGCAACTATCAAGAAGT
    TCAAGGATGCACTTGCCAAGCATGGTCCGGAC
    AGGTGTGGCCTCGGCCCGGCGAAGGGGCTCGA
    GGAGTCGGAGCTCATGGCGTTGGCCATAAACA
    GGGACCTGAACTTCACCTACACACCAAACCAA
    GACCTTGTCCCAATTGCAGACGCCCTCCTGAA
    GGAAGCTGCTGCACCTGGAGGTCCATGGCTGC
    CATTGCCCGCAACGGCGACGCAGCTGTTCATT
    CAGGGATCTGAGAATTCGCTGTTGTCATCTGG
    AAGATAG
    Hordeum HvACHT4- AK371865.1 ATGGCGACGGCGCAGGCGGTGGCCAAGGGGA 52
    vulgare 1 CCGTGGTCTCTCCGTGCGGCACCCGGGCCGCA
    (Barley) GGATTTGGAGCCCGGCGGCGGGGCGCCGTGGC
    GGCCCGCATGTCGCCCTGCGCGCCGGCGGCGG
    TGCGGATCGGCAGGAAAAGCCCGTTTCTTGGC
    GCTAGGCTCACGGTCGGTCCCAGGAGATCCAA
    GCTCGTTCCCCGGAATCTTGTCTCCTCACCGGT
    GCAGATGAACCTTGCGTTTGCGAAATCCACCA
    AGTGGTGGGAAAAGGGTCTGAAGCCCAACATG
    AGGGAGATCGAGTCCGCCCAGGACCTCGTCGA
    CTCGTTGGCTAACGCCGGCGACAGGCTCGTCG
    TTGTTGACTTCTTCTCCCCTGGCTGCGGCGGCT
    GCCGTGCCCTCCACCCAAAGATTTGCCAGTTTG
    GGGAGCAGAACCCAGATGTGCTGTTCTTGCAA
    GTGAACTACGAGGAACACAAGTCCATGTGCTA
    CAGCCTCCATGTCCATGTGCTGCCCTTCTTCAG
    GTTCTACAGGGGAGCCCAGGGCCGCCTCTGCA
    GCTTCAGCTGTACTAACGCAACCATAAAGAAG
    TTCAGGGATGCGCTTGCCAAGCATAATCCTGA
    TAGGTGTAGCATTGGTCCAACCAGGGGCCTCG
    AGGAGTCTGAGCTGCTGGCTTTGGCTGCGAAC
    AAGGACCTGCAGTTCACATACACGAAGCAGCC
    AGAACCAGTTCCGAGTGGTGATTCCGAGTTCA
    TTGCTCCTGGGAGCCCAAGGCTTCCTCCACCTG
    CAAAACCATTGGTTCGGCAGGGTTCCGGAGAG
    AGGACCTTGGTCTCATCAGGAAGATGA
    Hordeum HvACHT4- AK376663.1 ATGGCCAACGCGCTTTACGGCGGCGGCGTGGC 53
    vulgare 2 GGCGCCGTGCGGTGACTTGGGCGCCGCGGCCG
    (Barley) CGCTCGCGGAGTCTTTGCCGATGGGCGGCGGG
    TACCGCGCGAGGAGCTCCTTCCCCGCCGGGAG
    GGTGGCGCTGGCGGAGAGGCCCCTGCCCCGGA
    GCCTCCAGGTGGCGGCCGCTGCTGGACAGATG
    AACGGGAACCTGACGATTGGCAAGGCCATGAG
    GTGGTGGGAGAAGGGGACGCAGCCCAACATG
    AGGGAGGTCGAGTCCGCGCAAGACCTCGCCGA
    CTCCCTGCTCAACGCCGGCGACAAGCTCGTCG
    TCGTCGACTTCTTCTCCCCCGGCTGCGGTGGCT
    GCCGCGCGCTCCACCCCAAGATTGCGCAGTTC
    GCCGAGCGTAATCCGGACGTGCTGTTCCTGCA
    AGTCAACTACGAGAAGCACAAGTCCATGTGCT
    ACAGCCTCCATGTCCATGTCCTCCCTTTCTTCA
    GGTTCTACAGGGGAGCTCAGGGCAGGGTCAGC
    AGCTTCAGCTGCACCAACGCAACCATAAAGAA
    GTTCAAGGACGCCCTCGCAAAGCACTCGCCGG
    ACAGGTGCAGCCTCGGCCCGGCGCGGGGGCTT
    GAGAAGGCGGAGCTCTTGGCTCTGGCTGAGAA
    CAGGGACCTGGAATTCACCTACAGCGAGAAGC
    CGACACTTGTGCCGATCGCAGAGGCCATCAGG
    ATGGAAGCTGCCTCAATCGGAGGCCCATGGCT
    GCCATTGCCTCCGGCCGCGACGCAGCCGTTTC
    CTCTGGGATCCGAGAATGGCTCGCTCATCCCCT
    CTGGAAGATAG
    Triticum TaACHT4 AK335384.1 ATGGCCAGCGCGCTATGCGGCGGCGGCAGCGG 54
    aestivum CAGCGTGGCGGCGCCGTGCGGGGACTTGGGCG
    (Wheat) CCGCGGCGGCGCTCGCGGAGTCTTTGCCGATG
    GGCGCCGGGTACCGCGCCAAGAGCTCCTTCCC
    CGCCGGGAGGGTGGCGCTGGCGGACAGGCCCC
    TGCGCCGGGGCCTCCAAGTGGCGGCGGCTGCT
    GGACAGATGAACGGGAACCTGACGATTGGCA
    AGGCCATGAGGTGGTGGGAGAAGGTGACGCA
    CCCCAATATGAGGGAGGTCGAGTCCGCGCAAG
    ACCTCGCCGACTCCCTGCTCAACGCCGGCGAC
    AAGCTCGTCGTCGTCGACTTCTTCTCCCCCGGC
    TGCGGTGGCTGCCGCGCTCTCCACCCCAAGAT
    TGCGCAGTTCGCTGAGCGGAATCCGGACGTGC
    TGTTCCTGCAAGTCAACTACGAGAAGCACAAG
    TCCATGTGCTACAGCCTCCATGTCCATGTCCTC
    CCTTTCTTCAGGTTCTACAGGGGAGCCCAGGG
    CAGGGTCAGCAGCTTCAGCTGCACAAATGCAA
    CCATCAAGAAGTTCAAGGACGCCCTCGCAAAG
    CACTCGCCGGACAGGTGCAGCCTCGGCCCGGC
    GCGGGGGCTCGAGGAGGCGGAGCTCTTGGCTC
    TGGCGGCAAACAGGGACCTGGAATTCACCTAC
    AACGAGAAGCCGACGCTGGTGCCGATCGCCGA
    GGCTATCCAGATGGAAGCTGCCTCCATTGGCG
    GCCCATGGATGCCATTGCCCGCGGCCGCGACG
    CAGCCGCTCACTCTGGGATCTGAGAATGGCTC
    GCTGATCCCCTCCGGAAGATAG
    Manihot MeACHT4- Manes. ATGGCTGATGTTTTGAGCAATACCAATCTGGTT 55
    esculenta 1 08G148200. CTTCTTCCTTCTCTTCATCTTTTACTGGTCACC
    (Cassava) 1 GAAACGAGCAGAAAAATAGCTCTTGCAGGCTA
    Downloaded AAAGGGTTCCCCCGAAAAGTGAATCGTCAGAC
    From TTTGAGATTGAAAGCGACATCGCTTGGCAGTG
    Phytozome ATTTTCATGGAAAGAGGGTTGTTCTTCAAGAC
    AATCAAGGCAAACCCAAGAGAGGGATTTATCT
    TCAAATGTCAATTAAGGCTCAGCATACTGGCC
    TTAGACTCAAGAGTGCTCCAAAATGGTGGGAA
    AAAGGATTGCAACCCAACATGAGGGAGGTGA
    CCTCTGCTCAAGACTTTGTGGACTCCCTCTTGA
    ACGCTGGAGATAAACTTGTCATTGTTGATTTCT
    TCTCCCCTGGTTGTGGTGGCTGCAAGGCTCTCC
    ATCCCAAGATATGTCAGTTTGCAGAGATGAAC
    CCAGATGTGCTGTTCCTTCATGTGAATTATGAG
    GAACATAAATCCATGTGTTATAGCCTCAATAT
    CCATGTGCTTCCCTTCTTCAGGTTTTATCGAGG
    GGCGCAAGGCCGGTTATGCAGCTTTAGCTGCA
    CTAATGCTACGATAAAAAAATTCAGAGATGCA
    CTGGCCAAGCACTCTCCAGACCGGTGCAGTCT
    CGGGCCAACAAAAGGGCTGGAGGAGAAAGAG
    CTTATTGCATTGGCTTCCAACAAAGATCTCAAC
    TTCAAATATGCACAGAAACCAGATCTGCCAAC
    GCCAATTCCTGCCAAGGAAGAGAGAGTGCCAG
    TAGTATCCCCATCTCATCCAAATCCAGCTCTAC
    CTCTACCTCTTCCTCTTCCCACAGCAAGTCCAA
    AATCTGGACAAGGCTCAGAGGAGAAAACGTTG
    GTCGGATCAGGGAGATGA
    Manihot MeACHT4- Manes. ATGGCCGCTGTTTCTAGCAACACCAATCTTGTT 56
    esculenta 2 09G143500. TCTTCTTCTTGTTCTTCATCCTTTAGTTCTTCGC
    (Cassava) 1 AAAACCGCCCCGAATACCGCTCTTCCAGGCTC
    Downloaded AGAGTGTTCCCTCAGGAATTGAATCATCAGGC
    From TTTGAGATTACAAACTACGTCGCTTGGCAGTG
    Phytozome ATTTTCATGGAAAGAGGGTTGTTCTTCAAGAA
    AAACCAAAATGCAAACAAGGGATTTCCGTTCA
    AAGCTCAATTAAGGCTCAGCAGACTGGCCTTA
    GACTCAAGAATGCTAAAAATTGGTGGGAGGAG
    GAGTTGCAACCCAACATGAGGGAGGTGATCTC
    TGCTCAAGATCTTGTGGACTCCCTCCTTAATGC
    TGGCGATAAGCTTGTCATTGTTTATTTCTTCTC
    CCCTGGCTGTGGTGGCTGTAGGGCTCTCCATCC
    CAAGATATGTCAATTGGCAAAGAACAATGCAG
    ATGTGCAGTTTCTTAAAGTGAACTATGAGGAG
    CACAAATCCATGTGTTATAGCCTCAATGTTCAT
    GTCCTTCCATTCTTCAGGTTTTACAGAGGGGCT
    CAAGGCCGAGTCTGCAGCTTTAGCTGCACCAA
    CGCCACGATCAAGAAATTTAAAAATGCATTGG
    CCAAGCACACCCCAGACAGATCCAGCCTCGAG
    CCAACAAAAGGGCTGGAGGAGAAAGAGCTCA
    TTGCATTGGCTGCCAATAAAGATCTCAACTTA
    ACATATGCACCAAAATCAGATAAGCCAATCCC
    AGCTCCAACTAAGGAAGAGATAGTACCCGAAA
    TTCCCCAATCTCTTTCTCTTGCTCTTCGTAGGA
    GTATGGAGCTTGCTCAAGGCTCAGCCGAAAAG
    ACCTTGGTCGCTTCAGGGAGATGA
    Sorghum SbACHT4- gnl|SbGDB| ATGGCGGCAGCGCAGGCGGTCGCGAAGGGGA 57
    bicolor 1 Sb01g036620.1 GCGTGGTTGCGCCGTGCGGCAATCGAGCGGCG
    Downloaded CCGGGCCTCCTTGGCAGGCGGAGGGGTGCCGT
    From GGCGGCGCGGATGGCGCCGTCGGCGGTGCGGA
    Phytozome TCGGGGCCTCATGGAGGAAGACCGCGTTTACA
    GGCGGGAGGCTAGCCTTGGGGTTGGGGACGAG
    GAGATCCAGGCCCGCGTCCCGGAGTTCTTTCG
    CGTCGCCGGCGCAGATGAACATGAACCTTGCG
    ATTGGGAAATCGATGAGGTGGTGGGAGAAGG
    GGTTGCAGCCCAACATGCGTGAGATCGAGTCC
    GCCCAAGACCTTGTCGATTCCTTGACCAACGC
    CGGCGACAAGCTCGTCATCGTCGACTTCTTCTC
    CCCTGGCTGCGGCGGCTGCCGTGCTCTTCACCC
    GAAGATTTGTCAATTTGCGGAGCAGAACCCAG
    ATGTGCTGTTCTTGCAAGTGAACTACGAGGAG
    CACAAGTCTATGTGCTACAGTCTTCATGTCCAT
    GTCCTACCCTTCTTCAGATTCTACAGGGGAGCA
    CAGGGACGGCTCTGCAGCTTCAGTTGTACAAA
    CGCAACCATTAAGAAGTTCAAGGATGCACTTG
    CGAAGCACAAGCCAGATAGATGTAGCCTTGGC
    CCAACCAGGGGGCTAGAGGAATCGGAGTTTTT
    AGCCTTGGCAGCAAACAAGGACCTGCAGTTCA
    CCTACACCAAGGAGCCAGAACTGATTCCCAGG
    GGAGATGCTCCTGGGGAGGTCATTGCTCCCGA
    GCCTGCAAAGCTTCCTGCGGCCACAAAGCCTT
    TGGTCAGGCTGGGGTCCGAAGAAAGGTCCTTG
    GTCTCATCAGGAAGATGA
    Sorghum SbACHT4- XM_002465792.1 ATGGCGGCGGCGCAGGCGATGGCGAAAGGGA 58
    bicolor 2 GCGTGGGGCAGGGGTCTCTTGGTCGGCGGAGG
    GGCGCCGAGGCGGCGCGGGTCGGAGGATCAT
    GGAGGAAGAGCGCGTTCCTCGGCGGGAGGCTG
    GCGGTTGGGCCCAGGAGACCGAGACCCGTGTC
    CCGGATTCTAGTTACGTCGCCGGCGGTGCAGC
    AGACGAACCTTTCATTTGCGAAAGCCATGAAG
    TGGTGGCAGAAGGGATTGCAGCCCAACATGCG
    GGCGATCCAGACCGCCCAAGACCTCGCCGATT
    CCTTGACCAACGCCGGCGACGGGCTCGTCGTC
    GTCGACTTCTTCTCACCCGGCTGCGCTGGCTGC
    CATGCTCTCCACCCCAAGATTTGTCAGTTCGCG
    GAGAGGAACCCGGATGTGCAGTTCCTGCAGGT
    GAACTATGAGGAGCACAAGTCTATGTGCCACA
    GCCTTCACGTTCATGTGTTCCCTTTCTTCAGGT
    TCTACAGGGGAGCTCAGGGTCGGCTCTGCAGC
    TTCAGCTGTACCAATGCAACTATTAAGAAGTT
    CAGGGATGCACTTGCAAAGCACAGAGCTGATA
    GATGCAGCCTTGGCCCTACTCGGGGACTAGAA
    GAATCAGAATTGTTGGCCCTGGCTGCAAACAA
    GGACCTGCAGTTCACCTACACCAAGGAGGCAG
    AACTGGCTCCAAGCATGGAAGATGTCGCAGAG
    GTTATGACTGCTGACCGTCCAGGGCTTCCGAC
    ATCAACAATGCCATTGGCAAGGCAGGGATCTG
    AGGACAGGGCCTTGGTCTCGTCAGGAAGATGA
    Sorghum SbACHT4- gnl|SbGDB| ATGGCTGAGGCGTTGTGCAACGGCGTCGTGGC 59
    bicolor 3 Sb02g043280.2 GTCGCCGTACGGCGGCGGGGACGTGGGCGTCG
    Downloaded CCGGCCGGGCCAGGGGCGCCGCCAAGGCCGC
    From GCTCGCGGAGTCCCTGCCGGTCGGCGGGTACG
    Phytozome CCACCAAGAGCTCCTTCTCCGCCGGGAGGATG
    TCGGTGTCGGACAGGAAGCCGAGGCCCCTGTC
    TCGGAACCTCGAGGCCGCCGCCGCGCCTGGAC
    AGATGAACCTGTCGTTTCCCAAGGCCATGCGG
    TGGTGGGAGAAGGGGCTGCACCCCAACATGCG
    GGAGATCGAGTCCGCGCAGGACCTCGCCGACT
    CCCTCCTCAACGCCGGCGACAAGCTCGTCGTC
    GTCGATTTTTTCTCCCCAGGCTGCGGCGGCTGC
    CGCGCTCTCCACCCCAAGATTGCCCAGTTCGCC
    GAGAAGAACCCGGACGTGCTGTTCCTGCAAGT
    GAACTACGAGACGCACAAGTCCATGTGCTACA
    GCCTCCACGTCCATGTCCTCCCGTTCTTCAGGT
    TCTACAGGGGAGCCGAGGGACGGGTCAGCAG
    CTTCAGCTGCACCAATGCAACGGTAAGAATCG
    ACCACCTCTCCAACTTCAAGAACCAGCAGATG
    AATGAATGA
    Brassica BnACHT4- BnaA09g48840D ATGGCGGAAGCAGCAATCAGCAGAACGAAT 60
    napus 1 CTGATCTTCCGAGGAGCTTGCGTGAATCAAC
    (Rapeseed) ACAAGCATGTAGATGATTACTCTGTCTCATC
    ACCTGTGAGTTTCGGTTTGAGAAAGAGCTTC
    CCTTCTCTGAAGGTGAAGCCTTTTAATCAATT
    CCAGAGCTCCCGATCATCATCATCCATCACA
    GCTCAGACAACGTTGAGGATTGGGACGCCTC
    AGAAATGGTGGGAGAAGGGTCTGAAAGAGA
    ACATGAGAGAGATCTCTTCAGCTCAGGAGCT
    TGTTGACTCTTTAACCAACGCTGGTGATAAG
    CTCGTTGTGGTTGACTTCTTCTCTCCTGGCTG
    TGGTGGATGCAAGGCTCTTCATCCTAAGATA
    TGTCAGTTGGCAGAGCAGAACCCTGATGTGC
    AGTTTCTTCAGGTGAACTACGAGGAGCACAA
    GTCCATGTGTTACAGTCTCGGTGTCCACGTCC
    TCCCGTTTTTCAGATTCTACCGTGGCGCTCAT
    GGTCGTGTCTGCAGCTTCAGCTGCACCAATG
    CTACGATCAAGAAGTTCAGAGATGCATTGGC
    GAAGCATAGTCCGGATAGGTGCAGCCTTGGA
    CCGACCAAAGGGCTTGAAGAGAAGGAGCTT
    GTGGCACTTGCAGCCAACAAAGAACTCAACT
    TTAGTTACACACCGAGGGCTGTACCAGTTGA
    GGAAGAAGAAGCTCCCGTCCCCGCTTCAAAC
    CCTGGTCTCCCTGTTGCTCATCCATCGATGAA
    GGCCAATGATGGAAAGACATTGGTCTCCTCA
    GGGAGATGA
    Brassica BnACHT4- XM_013856519.1; ATGGCGGAGGTAATCAGCAAAACGAGTTTGTT 61
    napus 2 LOC106415750 CTTCCGAGGAGCTTGCGTGAATCACCACCACC
    (Rapeseed) ACGCAGATGACTTCTCCGTCTCGCCGGTGAGTT
    TCGGTCTCAAAAAGAGTTTCTCTTCTCTCAAGC
    AGAAGCCTCTTAGAAGCGACTTCTCTGGAAAA
    CAGATCCTACAGACCTTCAACAGGAGCTTCCG
    ATCATCATCCGTTACCGCTCAGTCAACGCTGA
    GGATTGGGACAGCTCAGAAGTGGTGGGAGAA
    AGGTCTGCAAGAGAACATGAGAGAGATCTCTT
    CGGCGCAAGAGCTCGTCGACTCTCTCGCCGAC
    GCTGGCGATAAGCTCGTCGTGGTTGACTTCTTC
    TCTCCTGGCTGCGGCGGATGCAAGGCTCTGCA
    TCCTAAGATGTGCCAGCTGGCGGAGCAGAGCG
    CTGATGTGCAGTTTCTTCAGGTGAACTACGAG
    GAGCACAAGTCCATGTGTTATAGCCTCGGTGT
    CCACGTCCTCCCGTTTTTTCGGTTCTACCGTGG
    CGCTCAGGGTCGCGTCTGTAGCTTTAGCTGTAC
    TAATGCTACGATAAAGAAATTTAGAGACGCGT
    TGGCGAAGCATAGTCCGGATAGGTGCAGCCTT
    GGACCAACCAAGGGGCTTGAAGAGAAAGAGC
    TTGTGGCACTTGCAGCCAATAAAGAACTCAAC
    TTTAGTTACACGCCGAAGGTTGTACCTGTTGAG
    AAAGAAGCAGCTATTCCCACTTCCAACCCGGC
    ACTCCCTGTTCCTCATCCATCGATGAGTGGCAG
    TGAGGAGAAGACATTGGTCTCTGCAGGGAGGT
    GA
    Brassica BnACHT4- XM_013817176.1; ATGGCGGAAGCAGCAATTAGCAGAACGAATCT 62
    napus 3 LOC106377028 GATCTTCAGAGGAGCTTGCGTGACTCACCACC
    (Rapeseed) ACCATGCAGATGATTACTCTGTCTCATCATCAC
    CTGTGAGTTTCGGTCTGAGAAAGAGCTTCTCTT
    CTCTCAAGCTGAAGCCTCCGAGACAGATCGAT
    ACTCAATTCCAGACCTTCACAAGGAGCTCCCG
    AGCATCATCCATCACAGCTCAGACGACGCTGA
    GGATCGGGACGCCTCAGAAATGGTGGGAGAA
    GGGTCTGAAAGAGAACATGAGAGAGATCTCTT
    CAGCTCAGGAGCTTGTTGACTCTCTAACCAAC
    GCTGGTGATAAGCTCGTTGTGGTTGACTTCTTC
    TCTCCTGGCTGCGGTGGATGCAAGGCTCTTCAT
    CCTAAGATATGTCAGTTGGCAGAGCAGAACCC
    TGATGTGCAGTTTCTTCAGGTGAACTACGAGG
    AGCACAAGTCCATGTGTTACAGTCTCGGTGTC
    CACGTCCTCCCTTTCTTTCGATTCTACCGTGGC
    GCTCACGGTCGTGTCTGCAGCTTCAGCTGCAC
    AAATGCTACGATCAAGAAGTTCAGAGATGCAT
    TGGCGAAGCATAGTCCAGATAGGTGCAGCCTC
    GGACCGACCAAAGGGCTTGAAGAGAAGGAGC
    TTGTGGCGCTTGCGGCCAACAAAGAACTCAAC
    TTTAGTTACACACCGAGGGCTGTACCAGTTGA
    GGAAGAAGAAGCTCCCGTCCCCGCTTCAAAAC
    CAGGTCTTGCTGTTCCTCATCCATCGATGAGCG
    CCAATGATGAGAAGACATTGGTCTCCGCAGGG
    AGATGA
    Brassica BnACHT4- XM_013861022.1; ATGGCGGAAGCAGCAATCAGCAGAACGAATCT 63
    napus 4 LOC106420177 GATCTTCCGAGGAGCTTGCGTGAATCAACACA
    (Rapeseed) AGCATGTAGATGATTACTCTGTCTCATCACCTG
    TGAGTTTCGGTCTGAGAAAGAGCTTCCCTTCTC
    TGAAGGTGAAGCCTTTTAATCAATTCCAGAGC
    TCCCGATCATCATCATCCATCACAGCTCAGAC
    AGCGTTGAGGATTGGGACGCCTCAGAGATGGT
    GGGAGAAGGGTTTGAAAGAGAACATGAGAGA
    GATCTCTTCAGCTCAGGAGCTCGTTGACTCTCT
    AACCAACGCTGGTGATAAGCTCGTTGTGGTTG
    ACTTCTTTTCTCCTGGCTGTGGTGGATGCAAGG
    CTCTTCATCCTAAGATATGTCAGTTGGCAGAGC
    AGAACCCTGATGTGCAGTTTCTTCAGGTGAAC
    TACGAGGAGCACAAGTCCATGTGTTACAGTCT
    CGGTGTCCACGTCCTTCCGTTTTTCAGATTCTA
    CCGTGGCGCTCATGGTCGTGTCTGCAGCTTCAG
    CTGCACCAATGCTACGATAAAGAAGTTCAGAG
    ATGCATTGGCGAAGCATACTCCGGATAGGTGC
    AGCCTTGGACCGACCAAAGGGCTTGAAGAGAA
    GGAGCTTGTGGCACTTGCAGCCAACAAAGAAC
    TCAACTTTAGTTACACACCGAAGGATGTACCA
    GTTGAGGAAGAGGCAGCTCCCGTCCCCGTTTC
    AAACCCTGGTCTCCCTGTTGCTCATCCATCGAT
    GAAGGCCAATGATGGAAAGACATTGGTCTCCT
    CAGGGAGATGA
    Brassica BnACHT4- XM_013785617.1; ATGGCGGAGGTAATCAGCAAAACGAGTTTGTT 64
    napus 5 LOC106346322 CTTCGGAGGAGGAGCTTGCGTGAATCACCACC
    (Rapeseed) ACCACCACGTAGATGACTTGTCTGTCTCACCG
    GTGAGTTTCGGTTTCAAAAAGAGTTTCTCTTCT
    TCTCTCAAGCAGAAGCCTCTTAGAAGCGACTT
    CTCTGGAAAACAGATCCTAGAGACCTTCAACA
    GGAGCTTCCGATCATCATCCGTCACCGCTCAGT
    CGACGCTGAGGATTGGGACAGCTCACAAGTGG
    TGGGAGAAAGGCTCTCAAGAGAACATGAGAG
    AGATCTCTTCGGCGCAAGACCTCGTCGACTCTC
    TCGCCGACGCTGGCGATAAGCTCGTCGTGGTT
    GACTTCTTCTCCCCTGGCTGCGGGGGATGCAA
    GGCTCTGCATCCTAAGATGTGCCAGCTGGCGG
    AGCAGAGCCCTGATGTGCAGTTTCTTCAGGTG
    AATTACGAGGAGCACAAGTCCATGTGTTACAG
    TCTCGGTGTCCATGTCCTTCCCTTTTTTCGATTT
    TATCGAGGCGCTCAGGGTCGTGTCTGTAGCTTT
    AGCTGTACCAATGCTACGATAAAGAAATTTAG
    AGACGCGTTGGCGAAGCATAGTCCGGATAGGT
    GCAGCCTTGGACCAACCAAGGGGCTTGAAGAG
    AAAGAGCTTGTGGCGCTTGCAGCTAATAAAGA
    ACTAAAGTTTAGTTACACGCCGAAGGTTGTAC
    CTGTTGAGAAAGAGGTTGCCATCCCCACTTCA
    AACCCTGGTCTCCCTGTTCCTCATCCATCGACG
    ATGAGCGGCAGTGAGGAGAAGACGTTGGTCTC
    TGCAGGGAGGTGA
    Ricinus RcACHT4 XM_002525415.2; ATGGCTGATGTTTTGAGCAAGACCAATCTTGTT 65
    communis LOC8276541 CCTTCGTCTTGTTGTAATGGTTACAAGAACCAG
    (Castor) AAGAAAGATGGTGCCTTCGTTCTAAAAAGAAG
    TTGCAGTCTTAAGGTGTCATCTAGGAAATTCA
    ATCCTCAGGCTTTCGGATCACAGAAGATATCA
    CTTATTTCTGATTTTTATGGCAAGAGGGTTATT
    GTTCAAGAAAAACAACTCAAGAGAGGGAATTT
    TCATCAATTTTCAATTAAGGCTCAGACTGGACT
    GAGACTCAAGAATGCTCCAAAATGGTGGGAAA
    AGGGGTTGCAACCAAACATGAAGGAGATCACC
    TCTGCACAAGACCTTGTGGACTCCCTTATGAAT
    GCTGGGGACAAACTTGTAATTGTTGATTTCTTC
    TCCCCTGGCTGTGGTGGCTGCAAAGCTCTCCAT
    CCAAAGATATGTCAATTTGCGGAGATGAACCC
    TGATGTCCAGTTTCTTCAGGTGAATTATGAGGA
    ACATAAATCCATGTGTTATAGCCTCAATGTAC
    ACGTACTGCCATTCTTTAGATTTTACCGAGGGG
    CTCAAGGCCGAGTATGCAGCTTTAGCTGTACT
    AATGCCACGATTAAGAAATTTAAAGATGCATT
    AGCCAAGCACACCCCAGACCGATGCAGCCTCG
    GGCCAACCAAAGGGCTGGAGGAGAAAGAGCT
    TATTGCGTTGGCTTCTAACAAAGATCTCAACTT
    TACATGCACACCAAAACCAGTTCAACCAACTG
    CTCCTGCTCAGGAAGAGATAATACCAGCAGCA
    CTCACCCCAGCTCATGTGAATCAAACCCTACCT
    CTTCCTATTCCTCTCTCTACAACAAGCCTGATG
    TCTGCCCAAGACTTGGGGGAGAAAACCTTGGT
    TACTTCTGGGAGATAG
    Phaseolus PvACHT4- XM_007161898.1; ATGGCTGAAGTTTTTACCAAGGCGAGTTTCGTT 66
    vulgaris 1 PHAVU_ TCTTCTTTGCTTGGTAGTAGTCAACGCCACCAT
    (Bean) 001G112200g CGAAGGGTGTCGACGGTTCCTGATACTTGTAC
    CTTTGTTTCTGGCGTCGGAGGGTCTCCTTCTCT
    CAAGTTAAAGTCTCCGATTCTCAGATCTTGGTC
    CCCTTCTTCTGAGTTTCAGGGTAAACAGCTTCT
    CTTTCGTGTAAATAGAGGAAAGCCCAACAGGG
    TCAGTTCGCGGTTGAGAGCGTCAACTGCTGCT
    CAGATGACCCTTAGAATAGGGAAAGTTCAAAA
    ATGGTGGGAAAAGGGGCTTCAACCCAACATGA
    AAGAGGTGACTTCGGCCCAAGACCTTGTGGAA
    TCACTGTTAAACGCAGGGGACAAGTTGGTGGT
    GGTTGATTTCTTCTCTCCTGGTTGTGGTGGCTG
    CAAAGCCCTTCACCCTAAGATATGTCAACTGG
    CAGAGATGAATCCTGATGTTCAATTCCTTCAG
    GTGAACTATGAGGAGCATAAGTCCATGTGTTA
    TAGCCTCAATGTCCATGTTCTACCCTTCTTCCG
    CTTCTATAGAGGTGCTCATGGTCGATTATGTAG
    CTTTAGCTGCACCAATGCCACGATCAAGAAGT
    TTAGAGACGCATTGGCCAAACACTCCCCAGAT
    AGATGCAGCTTGGGCCCAACCAAAGGGTTAGA
    GGAGAAAGAGCTCCTAGCTCTTGCTGCCAACA
    AAGATCTTTCCTTTACCTTGCCAAAACCTTTAC
    AACCTGAACACGCAAATGAAGGGTTGGCAACT
    GCTCCTGCTCCTGTTCCTAGTTCAGAATCTCTT
    CCTTTACCTTCACTGACCCTCAATTCTGAGGTC
    TCCCAAGAGAGAACCTTGACCACTGCTGGGAG
    ATGA
    Phaseolus PvACH XM_007161862.1; ATGGCTGAGGTTTTGACCGAGGCAAGTTTGGT 67
    vulgaris T4-2 PHAVU_ TTCTTCGTGGCATGGTACTACTCAACGCCACCA
    (Bean) 001G109200g TCGAAGAGTATCGACAGTTCCCAATTCTTCTAG
    CTTCGTTTCTGGCGTTGGAAGGTTCCCTTCTCT
    CAAGTTAAAGTCTCAGATTCTCAGATCCCTCTC
    CTCTTCTTCTGAGTTTCAGGGTAAAAAGCTTCT
    CTTTCATGTAAATAGAGGACTAGCCAACAGAA
    TCAGTTCGCGGTTGGGAGCTTCAACTGCAGCG
    CAGATGACCCTTAGAATAGGGAAAGGTCAGAA
    ATGGTGGGAAAAGGGGCTTCAACCCAACATGA
    ATGAGGTGACTTCCGCCCAAGATCTTGTAGAA
    TCACTGTTAAACGCAGGGGACAAGTTAGTGGT
    GGTTGATTTCTTCTCTCCTGGTTGTGGTGGCTG
    CAAAGCCCTTCACCCTAAGATATGTCAACTGG
    CAGAGATGAATCCTGATGTTCAATTCCTTCAG
    GTGAACTATGAGGAACATAAGTCCATGTGTTA
    TAGCCTCAATGTCCATGTTCTTCCCTTCTTCCG
    CTTCTATAGAGGTGCTCATGGTCGATTATGTAG
    CTTTAGCTGCACCAATGCCACGATCAAGAAGT
    TTAAAGATGCATTGGCCAAACACTCCCCAGAT
    AGATGCAGCTTGGGCCCAACCAAAGGGTTAGA
    GGAAAAAGAGCTCCTAGCTCTTGCTGCCAACA
    AAGATCTTTCGTTCATCTACGCACCAAATCCCT
    TACAACCTGAACATGAAAATGAAGAGTTGGCT
    ACTGCTCCCGCTCCTGTTCCTAGTTCAGAGTCT
    CTTCCTTTGTGTCACCTCATTTCTGAGGTCTCC
    AAAGAGAAAACCTTGATCACTGCTGGGAGATG
    A
    Gossypium GhACHT4- NM_001326831.1; ATGGCTGAAGTTTTGGGGAAGGGAAATCTGTT 68
    histrum 1 LOC107894997 TACGACTTGTAACTATAGTCAGACGAAGAATC
    (Cotton) TAGAAGGTGGAACTTGTTTGGTTCCTAAGAAA
    ATTTCTGGGTTTTCTTTAGAAAGGAACGGTTTT
    TCTTCTTTAAAGGTTAAATCTCAGGCTTTAAGA
    AGTGATTTTAATGGGCAAAGAATGGTTTTTTTG
    GAGAAGAAAAGTATGAACAGGCGAAGGTTTT
    GTCAAGTTCCCATCAAAGCACAGATGCAAAGT
    GGTCTTATTGGTCGAATTCAGAAATGGTGGGA
    GAAAGGGCTTCAACCAAATATGAAAGAAGTTG
    CATCTGCACAAGACCTAGTAGACTCTCTTCTGA
    ATGCTGGTGATAAGCTTGTTGTGGTAGATTTCT
    TCTCCCCTGGTTGTGGTGGTTGCAAGGCTCTTC
    ATCCCAAGATTTGCCAATTTGCAGAGATGAAT
    CCAGATGTGCAGTTTCTTCAGGTTAATTACGAG
    GAGCACAAGTCAATGTGCTATAGCCTTAATGT
    CCATGTGCTGCCTTTCTTCCGGTTCTATCGAGG
    TGCGCAGGGGCGTGTATGCAGCTTTAGTTGTA
    CCAATGCCACGATCAAAAAATTCAGAGATGCA
    TTAGCCAAACACACACCTGATCGGTGTAGCCT
    CAGCACGACAAAAGGGCTCGAGGAGAAGGAG
    CTTTTGGCATTATCTGCGAACAAAGACCTTTCC
    TTCAACTACACACCAATTCCCACACATGGAGA
    GATTCTTATATGGAAACAAGTTCCATCTGATTC
    AACGAGAAAGCTCCCGCTTTCAGTCCCGACAA
    CATCCGCAAAACAAAGGGACAGTGAGGAGAA
    AACCTTGGTTGGTGTCGGAAGATGA
    Gossypium GhACHT4- XM_016898050.1; ATGGCTGAAGTTTTGGGGAAGTCAAATCTGTT 69
    histrum 2 LOC107961887 TACAGCTTGTAACTATAGTCAGAAGAAGCATC
    (Cotton) AAGAAGGTGGCGTTCCTTTGTTTTCCAGGAGA
    ATCTCTGTGTTTTGTTTGAGAAAGAATAGTTTT
    CCTTCTTTGAGGTTGGAACCTCAAGCTTTGAGG
    AGTGGTTTTAATGGTCAAAGAGTGGTTTTTTTA
    GAGAAAAGAAGTCTAAATGAGAGAAGGTTCT
    GTCGAGTTCCCATTAAAGCACAGATGCAAACT
    GGGCTTATTGGTAAAACTCAAAAGTGGTGGGA
    GAAGGGGAATCAACCAAATATGAAAGAAGTG
    ACATCTGCACAAGACCTGGTGGACTCACTTTT
    GAATGCTGGGGATAAACTTGTTATAGTGGATT
    TCTTCTCTCCTGGTTGTGGTGGCTGCAAGGCTC
    TTCATCCCAAGATTTGCCAATTGGCAGAGATG
    AATCCGGATGTGCAGTTCCTTAAGGTGAACTA
    TGAGGAGCATAAATCCATGTGTTATAGCCTTA
    ATGTACATGTGTTGCCTTTCTTTAGGTTCTATA
    GAGGAGCTCAGGGTCGTCTATGCAGCTTTAGC
    TGCACCAATGCCACGATCAAAAAATTCAAAGA
    TGCATTGGCCAAGCACTCACCAGACCGATGCA
    GCCTTGGGCCGACAAAAGGTCTCGAGGAGAAG
    GAGCTTTTGGCATTAGCTGCCAACAAAGACCT
    TTCCTTCAACTACACACCGAAACCAGTTCATCC
    TGCACCGGAAGAAATTCCGGTGCTGAAAGAAG
    TTCCATCCGGTTCATCCTTCAAGCTAAAAGAA
    AGCGAGGAGAAGACCTTGATTGGTGTGGGGAG
    ATGA
    Gossypium GhACHT4- XM_016817346.1; ATGGCTGAAGTTTTGGGGAAGTCAAATCTGTT 70
    histrum 3 LOC107892305 TACAGCTTGTAACTGTAGTCAGAAGAAGAATC
    (Cotton) AAGAAGGTGGCGTTCCTTTGTTTTCTAGGAGA
    ATCTCTGCGTTTTGTTTGAGAAAGAATAGTTTT
    CCTTCTTTGAAGTTGGAACCTCAAGCTTTGAGG
    AGTGGTTTTAATGGTCAAAGAGTGGTTGTTTTA
    GAGAAAAGAAGTCTAAATGAGAGAAGGTTCT
    GTCGAGTTCCCATTAAAGCACAGATGCAAACA
    GGGCTTATTGGTAAAACCCAAAAGTGGTGGGA
    GAAGGGGAATCAACCAAATATGAAAGAAGTG
    ACATCTGCACAAGACCTGGTGGACTCACTTTT
    GAATGCTGGGGATAAACTTGTTATAGTGGATT
    TTTTCTCTCCTGGTTGTGGTGGCTGCAAGGCTC
    TTCATCCCAAGATTTGCCAATTGGCAGAGATG
    AATCCGGATGTGCAGTTCCTTAAGCTGAACTA
    TGAGGAGCATAAATCCATGTGTTATAGCCTTA
    ATGTACATGTGTTGCCTTTCTTTAGGTTCTATA
    GAGGAGCTCAGGGTCGTTTATGCAGCTTTAGC
    TGCACCAATGCCACGATCAAAAAATTCAAAGA
    TGCATTGGCCAAGCACTCACCAGACCGATGCA
    GCCTTGGGCCGACAAAAGGTCTCGAGGAGAAG
    GAGCTTTTGGCATTAGCTGCCAACAAAGACCT
    TTCCTTCAACTACACACCGAAACCAGTTCATCC
    TGCACCAGAAGAAATGCCGGTGCTGGAAGAA
    GTTCCATCCGGTTCATCCTTCAGGCCAAAAGA
    AAGCGAGGAGAAGACCTTGGTTGGTGTGGGGA
    GATGA
    Glycine GmACHT4- XM_003548715.3; ATGGCGGAGGTTTTAACCAAGGCGAGTTTGGT 71
    max 1 LOC100816892 TTCATCTTCTTGGCATGGGGTTAGTCAACGGCA
    (Soybean) TCATCATCGAAGGGTTTCAACGGTTCTTTCAAA
    TAATACATGTAGCTTCCGTTCCGGCGTGGGAA
    AGTTCTCTTCTTTGAAGATGAATTCTCAGGTTC
    TCAGATCTTGGTCCTCTTCTTCTGAGTTTCAGG
    GTAAAAAGCTTGTCTTTCATGTAAATAGAGGA
    TTACCCAATAGGGTCAATTCGCGGTTGAGAGC
    TTCTACTGGGACTCAGATGAACCTTAGACTAG
    GGAAAGTTCAGAAATGGTGGGAAAAGGGGCT
    TCAACCCAACATGAAAGAGGTGACTTCAGCAC
    AAGACTTTGTGGATTCACTGTTAAACGCAGGG
    GACAAGTTGGTGGTGGTTGATTTCTTCTCTCCT
    GGTTGTGGTGGCTGCAAAGCCCTTCATCCTAA
    GATATGCCAATTTGCAGAGATGAATCCTGATG
    TTCAGTTCCTTCAGGTGAACTATGAGGAGCAT
    AAGTCCATGTGTTATAGCCTTAATGTCCATGTT
    CTTCCCTTCTTCCGATTCTATAGAGGCGCTCAC
    GGTCGATTATGTAGCTTTAGCTGCACCAATGCC
    ACGATCAAGAAGTTCAAAGATGCATTAGCCAA
    ACACACCCCAGACAGATGCAGCTTAGGCCCAA
    CCATAGGGTTAGAGGAGAAAGAACTCGAAGCT
    CTTGCTGCCAACAAAGATCTTTCCTTCACCTAC
    TCACCAAAACCATTACAACCTTCACATGAAAA
    CGAAGAGTTGGCAACCGAAACTGCTTCTGCTC
    CGGCTCTTGGTTCAGGATCTCTTCCTTCACCTT
    CAATGACCCTCAATGCTGTGGCCTCTAATGAG
    AGAACCTTGACCACTTCTGGGAGATGA
    Glycine GmACHT4- NM_001289199.1; ATGAAGTCTCAGGTTCTCAGATCTTGGTCCTCT 72
    max 2 LOC100784901 TCTTCTGAGTTTCAGGGTATAAAGCTTGTCTTT
    (Soybean) CATGTAAATAGAGGATTACCCAATAGGGTCAA
    TTCGCGCTTGAGAGCTTCAACTGGGGCTCAGA
    TGAGCTTTAGACTAGGGAAAGTTCAGAAATGG
    TGGGAAAAGGGGCTTCAACCCAACATGAAGG
    AGGTGACTTCGGCACAAGACTTTGTGGATTCA
    CTGTTAAGCGCAGGGGACAAGTTGGTGGTGGT
    TGATTTCTTCTCTCCCGGTTGTGGTGGCTGCAA
    AGCCCTTCATCCTAAGATATGTCAATTTGCAGA
    GATGAATCCTGATGTTCAGTTCCTTCAGGTGAA
    CTATGAGGAGCATAAGTCCATGTGTTATAGCC
    TTAATGTCCATGTTCTTCCCTTCTTCCGATTCTA
    TAGAGGTGCTCATGGTCGATTATGTAGCTTTAG
    CTGCACCAATGCCACGATCAAGAAGTTTAAAG
    ATGCATTGGCCAAACACACCCCAGATAGATGC
    AGCTTGGGCCCAACCAAAGGGTTAGAAGAGA
    AAGAGCTTCTAGCTCTTGCTGCCAACAAAGAT
    CTTTCCTTCACCAACTCACCAGAACCTTTACAA
    CCTGCACATGCAGATGAAGAGTTGGGAACCGA
    ACCTGCTCCTGCTCCTGGTTCAAAATCTCTTCC
    TTCACCTTCAATGATTCTCAATTCTGAGGTCTC
    TAAAAAGAGAACCTTAACCACTTCAGGGAGAT
    GA
    Beta BvACHT4 XM_010674105.1; ATGGCGGATGTTCTTACCAAATCCAGTGTTTTT 73
    vulgaris LOC104888985 TCTCCAACAATTTCTCATCATCATAGTGGAAGT
    (Beet) AAAAATTTTCCAATTAAATGTTCAGTTGCAGTG
    AGTAATCGAGGGAGATTAGTTGGAATTTCTTC
    GTTGAGGAGTAGTTTTGGTGGTGTAAGAATTG
    CGATCGATAAAAATACCAGTTTTGGGTCAAAA
    AGGAGGAATTACCAATCAATTGATGCTAAGAT
    GGGTCTGAGCATCGGCAAAGCACAGAAATGGT
    GGGAGAAAGGACTCCAGCCAAATATGAGAGA
    GATAACTTCTGCGGAAGACCTAGTCGATTCTTT
    ACTAACAGCAGGAGATACATTAGTTGTCGTTG
    ATTTTTTCTCTCCTGGATGTGGAGGCTGCAGAG
    CTCTTCATCCTAAGTTGTGTCAATTGGCAGAGA
    TGAACCCTGATGTCCAGTTTCTTCAGATTAACT
    ACGAAGAACATAAATCAATGTGTTACAGTCTT
    AATGTTCATGTTCTTCCCTTCTTTCGGTTTTACA
    GAGGGGCTGAAGGCCGGGTTTCCAGCTTCAGC
    TGTACAAATGCAACGATTAAGAAATTCAAGGA
    TGCTTTGGCGAAGCATAACCCAGCAAGGTGTA
    GCCTTGGGCCAACAAAGGGCCTAGAAGAGAA
    GGAGCTTCTTGCTCTTGCTGCCAACAAAGACCT
    TTCATTTACCTATACACCAAAGCCTGTGGAAG
    CGGAACCCGTACCCGCACCTGCACTTGAAGAA
    GTCTCTGTTAAGGCTGACGAACAAGTCTTAGC
    ACAAGAATCTCTCCCTTCTTTCAACAGGAAGC
    CTCTTAGCTCACAACCATCAACCGTGAGTGAA
    GAGAAAACTCTAGCTACTGCTGCGAGATGA
    Musa MaACHT4- XM_009418063.1; ATGGCGGAAACTTTGGCTCAGAGGACCCTCCT 74
    acuminate 1 LOC103996979 TTTGCCTGGCGGGCATCTTTCTTTGCCGCCGTT
    (Banana) TTGCGGGATGCGGAGCCGCCCTTCTCTTGCGG
    CGTTCACTCTCTTTTCACGTACCAAGGTTGAGC
    CCTTGAGGTCTTCTTCTTGTGATAGCAAGTTCC
    ATGGGAGGAGACTGGTCGTTGGGGCGCGGAG
    AGGGAGGCCCTCGAGGGCACGCCTCGGTTCTG
    GCTCTGAACAGATGGTTCTGTCGTTCAAGAAG
    GCTATAAAATGGTGGCAGAAGGGGCTTCAACC
    CAATATGGTGGAGATCGAGTCGGCTGAGCATC
    TCGTCGACTCCTTATTGAACGCCGGCGACAAG
    CTTGTTATTGTGGATTTCTTCTCCCCAGGGTGT
    GGAGGCTGCAGAGCGCTTCATCCAAAGATTTG
    CCAGTTCGCCGAATCGAATCAAAATGTTTTGTT
    TCTCCAAATAAATTATGAGCAACATAAGTCGA
    TGTGCTACAGCTTGGGTGTCCATGTTCTCCCCT
    TCTTTAGGTTCTATCGCGGAGCACACGGGCGC
    CTGTGCAGCTTCAGCTGCACCAATGCAACTATT
    AAGAAATTTAAAGATGCTTTGGCCAAGCACAT
    CACTGACAGATGCAGCCTTGGGCCAGCTAGGG
    GGCTGGAGGAGTCAGAGCTCTTGGCTTTGGCC
    GCAAACAAAGATCTCTCATTTAACTACACAAG
    CAAGCCAGTTCCTGTGCCTGAAGAGATTCCAG
    AGAGAATTCCAACAAGCCCGAAACTCCCTCTT
    CATGCTGTCCGTAGACCTGCCCAGGAATCCGA
    GGACAAGGCCCTCGCCGCAGCTGGGAGATGA
    Musa MaACHT4- XM_009408568.1; ATGGCGGATGCTTTGGCTCAAATGACGCTCCTT 75
    acuminate 2 LOC103989652 TCGCCCCATGGCCACCGTTCTTTGTCGCGCTCT
    (Banana) TCCGACCGGAGAAACCGCCTTGTTTGTGCGTC
    AAAGGATGATCTCTTGAGGTCTTCGTCTTCTTG
    TAATAGCCAGTTCCATGGGAGAAGGCTGGTTA
    TTGGCGCACAGAGAGAGAGGCCGTTGAGAGG
    CAACCGAGGTTCTAGCTCTGTGCAGATGACTC
    TGTCCTTTAAGAAGGCTTCGAAATGGTGGGAG
    AAGGGGCTTCATCCCAATATGAAGGACATCAA
    GTCGGCTGAGGATCTCGTCGACTCCTTGTCGA
    ACGCGGGCGACAAGCTCGTCATCGTGGATTTC
    TTCTCCCCAGGATGTGCAGGCTGCAGAGCCCT
    CCACCCAAAGATCTGCCAATTCGCAGAGTTGA
    ATCCAGACGTTCAATTTCTCCAACTAAACCAC
    GAGGAACACAAGTCCATGTGCTACAGCTTGAA
    TGTCCATGTTCTCCCCTTCTTTAGGTTCTATCGC
    GGAGCGCACGGTCGCCTGTGCAGCTTCAGCTG
    CACCAATGCAACCATCAAGAAATTTAAGGATG
    CTTTGGCGAAGCACATCACCGAAAGATGCAGT
    CTTGGGCCAGCCAAGGGGCTGGAGGAGACGG
    AGCTCCTTGCCTTGGCTGCAAACAAGGATCTCT
    CCTTCACCTACACAAGAACGCCTGTTCCCGTAC
    CTGATGAGCTTGCAGAGAAAGCTCCATTTAAC
    CCAAACCTACCTGTGCATGCTGCTGCTAGACTC
    ACCCTGGAATCTGAGGACAAGGCTTTTGCCGC
    AGCCGGTAGATGA
    Capsicum CaACHT4 XM_016697343.1; ATGGCAAAATTGATGAACAAAGGTTTTGTGTT 76
    annum LOC107852277 TCCTTCATCTTCTGATTGTGGTCATCATCGCCC
    (Sweet TCATGGGATTTCTTCTTTCCCCAATAAATCGGT
    and Chili CAATCTTTCTTGTCTTCCATCTACTTGTCTGCTA
    Peppers) AGAAGCTATTTTTATGGTCGTAGATTGGTCATA
    AATGAAGCCCTACCCAAAAGAAATGCCCACGT
    TGCAATCACTGTCCAGATGAGTATGGGAATCA
    GGAAAGTACAGAAATGGTGGGAGAAAGGGGT
    TCAACCTAACATGAAAGAAGTGAACAGTGCTC
    AAGGCCTTGTTGACTCTCTTTTGAGTGCAGGAG
    ATAAATTAGTAGTTGTTGATTTCTTTTCCCCTG
    GCTGCGGTGGCTGCAAAGCCCTTCACCCTAAG
    TTGTGTCAGCTGGCAGAGATGAATCCAGATGT
    GCAGTTTTTACAGGTGAACTATGAGGAACACA
    AGTCCATGTGTTACTCTCTTAACGTGCACCTTC
    TCCCATTTTTCCGTTTCTATAGAGGAGCTGAAG
    GTCGTGTTTGCAGCTTTAGCTGTACCAATGCCA
    CGATAAAAAAATTTAAAGATGCATTGGCAAAG
    TATGGTACAGATCGTTGCACCTTTGGACCACC
    GAAAGGGCTTGAGGAGAAAGAGCTACTTGCAT
    TGGCAGCTAACAAGGAACTCTCGTTTAATTAC
    ATTCCAAAAACAGAAGAAGAACCTGTCCTTGT
    TGCCTCACAAGAGGAAGTTGAGGACAGAACTC
    CAAATAAAGAGTCCCCTCTACCACTTCCTCTTC
    CTCTACCCATTAGCTCAACTAGCTCACTGAAGC
    CCAAACAGGATACAGAGAAAGAAGCGTATGC
    TACTTCTGGTAGATAG
    Cicer CaACHT4 XM_004493084.2; ATGGCTGAAATTTTGACCAAGACAAGTTTGGT 77
    arietinum LOC101501672 TTCATCTTGGCATGGGAACAGAAAACAGCAAC
    (Chick ATCGAAGGTTGTCCATGGTTCCCAATAAGACT
    pea) TGTAGCTTCAACACTTGCGTGGGAAGTTTCCCA
    TCTTTGAAGCTAAAATCTCAGTTTCTTAGATCT
    TCCTCTTTTTCATCTGAGTTTTATGGGAAAAAT
    ACTATCTTTCGTGTAAATAGATCAATACCCAAC
    AGGATTAATTCACAATTTTCAGTTTCAGCTGCG
    CCTAAGATGACACTTAGAATAGGAAAAATTCA
    GAAATGGTGGGAAAAGGGGCTTCAACCTAACA
    TGAGAGAAGTGACTTCAGCTCAAGATCTTGTA
    GATTCACTTTTAAACGCAGGGGACAAACTTGT
    CATTGTTGACTTTTTCTCTCCTGGTTGTGGTGG
    CTGCAGAGCCCTTCACCCTAAGATATGTCAAA
    TGGCAGAGATGAATCCTGATGTTGAGTTCCTTC
    AAGTGAACTATGAAGAGCATAAATCCATGTGT
    TATAGCCTTAATGTTCATGTCCTTCCTTTCTTCC
    GCTTCTATAGAGGCGCTCATGGTCGCTTATGCA
    GCTTTAGCTGCACCAATGCCACGATCAAGAAG
    TTTAAAGATGCATTGGCCAAACACACTCCAGA
    TAGATGCAGCTTGGAACCAACCAAAGGGTTAG
    AGGAGAAAGAGCTCATAGCTTTATCTGAAAAC
    AAAGATCTTAACTTCACATACACACCAAAACC
    TCTTCAACCTGTGCATACACCTGCAAATGAAG
    AGTTGGCGACAACCAAAGCCTCTCCTGTTTGTT
    CGGAGCCTCTTCCTTTACCTTCATTGACCTCGA
    ATTCTGATGAAGTCTTGAAGGAGAGAACCCTG
    ACAAGGGCTGGAAGATGA
    Solanum SlACHT4- XM_004251955.2; ATGACGAAATTGATGAGCAAAGGTTTTATCTT 78
    lycopersicum 1 LOC101244843 TCCTTCTTCTTCTTCTGATTGTGGTGAAATTTAT
    (Tomato) GATCGTCTTCGTCTTAATCTACATGGGATCTGT
    TCTTTTCCCAATAAATCGGTCAATCTTTCTTGT
    CTTCCTTCGTTGAAGCTTTCTTCTTCTTGTTTGC
    CAAGAACCGATTTTTATGGTCGTAGATTGGTTA
    TAAATGAAGGCTTATCCAATTTCAACCGAAGA
    GTTGCTGATATCACTGCTCAGATGAGTGTTGG
    AATCAAGAAAGCACAGAAATGGTGGGAGAAA
    GGGGTTCAACCTAACATGAAAGAAGTGAACAG
    TGCACAAGAACTTGTTGACTCTCTATTGAGTGC
    AGGGGATAAATTAGTTGTTGTTGATTTCTTTTC
    TCCTGGCTGTGGAGGTTGTAAAGCTCTTCACCC
    CAAGTTGTGTCAGCTGGCAGAGATGAATCCAG
    ATGTGCAGTTTTTACAGGTGAACTATGAGGAA
    CACAAGTCGATGTGTTACTCTCTTAATGTACAT
    GTTCTCCCGTTTTTCCGTTTCTATAGAGGAGCT
    GAAGGCCGTGTTTGCAGCTTTAGCTGTACCAA
    TGCCACGATCAAAAAATTCAGAGATGCATTGG
    CGAAGTATGGTACAGATCGTTGCACCATTGGG
    TCACCCAAAGGGCTTGAGGAGAAAGAGCTACT
    TGCATTGGCAGCTAACAAGGATCTTTCCTTTAA
    TTACACTCCAAAAACAGAAGAAGAACCCATCC
    TCGTTACCTCACAAAAGGAAGTTCGGGATAGA
    ACTACTCCAAATATAGAGTCCCCTCTACCACTT
    CCTCTTCCTCTCCCCATTACGTCAACTAGCTCA
    CAGACGGCCAAACGGGATACAGAGAAAGAAG
    CATATGCTACTTCTGGTAGATGA
    Solanum SlACHT4- XM_004249259.2; ATGGAGAAATTGTTGAATAAGGCAGTATTTCT 79
    lycopersicum 2 LOC101244047 TCCATCAATTTTGAATTCTAGTGGTATTTATCA
    (Tomato) TTCTAATCAACATGCGATTTGTGTTTTTCCAGT
    GAAATTCAATAGAAGATATCACAAATCAGCAG
    TTGCTACTGCTCAGATGAGCATAGGTATCAAG
    AGAGCTCCTAAATGGTGGGAGAAAGGACTTCA
    ACCGAATATGAAAGAGGTGACGGGTGCTCAAG
    ACCTCGTTGACACCCTTCTAAACGGTGGGGAT
    AAACTAGTCGTTGTTGATTTCCTTTCCCCTGGC
    TGTGGAGGCTGCAAAGCCCTTCATCCAAAGAT
    ATGTCAGTTAGCAGAGATGAATCCGGATGTGC
    AGTTTTTGCATGTGAACTATGAGGAACACAAG
    TCAATGTGTTACTCGCTGAACGTACATGTTCTC
    CCATTTTTCCGTTTCTATAGAGGTGCTGAAGGT
    CGTCTTTGTAGCTTTAGTTGCACCAATGCCACG
    ATAAAAAAATTCAAAGATGCATTGACAAAGTA
    TGGTGCAGATTGTTGCAGCCTCGGACCAGTTA
    AAGGGCTCGAGGAGAAAGAGCTACTTGCCCTA
    GCGGCTAATAAGGACCTATCTTTTGCTTACACA
    CCAAAAACAGAAGAACCAGTGCCTCTTGCCTT
    AGAAGAAGTTAAGGTGATAAAAACAAGTAGA
    CAATCTTCATCTCATCCCAATACATTCTCCCCA
    TTACCACTTCCTCTTCCTCTAGCATCAACTTTG
    CATACGGCCAAACAGGACTCAAAGAGTTAA
    Elaeis EgACHT4- XM_010939817.1; ATGATGGAGGTTTTGAGTCAGAGCGGTGTTAT 80
    guineensis 1 LOC105057263 GTCGCCGTGCGGGCATCGTTGGGTGGTCCGTT
    (African CTTGCAAGGAGAGGAGCCCTTCTTTTGTTGGGT
    oilpalm) TTCCTCGCTCTTCCTCTCGGACGATCGAGTCTC
    TGATGTCTTCTTCTCGGAATAGCGGTTTCCATG
    GGAGGAGATTGAGCATTGGGGCTTGGAGAGTG
    AATGCCGTGAAGGGGAATTTTAGTTCTACCCC
    CGTACAGATGAGCCTCTGCGTTGGAAAGGCTT
    TGAAATGGTGGGAGAAGGAGCTCCAGCCCAAC
    ATGAAGGAGATCGAGTCGGCCCAGGATCTCGT
    CGACTCTTTATTGAACGCAGGAGACAAGCTTG
    TCATAGTAGATTTCTTCTCCCCTGGTTGTGGAG
    GCTGCAAAGCCCTCCATCCAAAGATTTGCCAG
    TTTGCAAAGCTGAACCCAGATGTTCTCTTCCTC
    CAAGTAAACTATGAAAAGCACAAATCCATGTG
    TTATAGCTTAAATGTCCATGTTCTTCCCTTTTTT
    AGGTTTTACAGGGGAGCACACGGTCGTCTTTG
    TAGCTTCAGCTGCACCAATGCAACTATTAAGA
    AATTTAAAGATGCTTTGGCCAAGCACACCACA
    GACAGATGCAGCCTGGGCCCAACAAAGGGGCT
    GGAGGAATCAGAGCTCATGGCTCTGGCTGCAA
    ACAAGGATCTCTCTTTCAGTTACACAAGAAAG
    CCAGTCCCTGTTCCCTCGCCAGATGAGGCTGC
    AGAGGAAGTTGTGCTCAGCCCAAAACTTCCGG
    TTTCTTCAACTCCAAGAGTCATCCAAGATTCGG
    AGGAGAAGGCTCTGGTGGCAGCTGGGAGATG
    A
    Elaeis EgACHT4- XM_010922992.1; ATGGCGGAGGTTTTGGGCAGGAGCGGCGTGTT 81
    guineensis 2 LOC105044909 CTCGCTGCGCGGGCACCGTTCCGTGGCCCCTTC
    (African TTGCCAGAAGAGGAGCCCTTCTTTTCTTGGGTT
    oilpalm) TCCTCTCTCATCCTCTCGGCCGATCGGGCCTCC
    TAGGTCGTCTTCTCGGAGATTTGTTATCGGGAC
    TCGGAGAGGGAGGTCCATCAAGGGAAATTCTA
    GCTCTTCCCGTGTACAGATGAGCCTCGGCGTTG
    GAAAGTCATTGAAGTGGTGGGAGAAGGGTGTG
    CAGCCCAACATGAAGGAGATTGGATCGGCCCA
    GGATCTTGTTGACTCCTTATTGAATGAAGGAG
    ACAAGCTTGTTATCGTAGATTTCTTCTCCCCTG
    GTTGTGGAGGCTGCAAAGCCCTCCATCCAAAG
    ATTTGCCGGATTGCGGAGATGAACCCACATGT
    TCTCTTCCTCCAAATAAACTATGAGAAGCACA
    AGTCCATGTGTTATAGCTTGCATGTTCACGTTC
    TCCCCTTTTTTAGGTTTTACCGGGGAGCTCACG
    GTCGCCTTTGTAGCTTCAGCTGCACCAATGCAA
    CTATTAAGAAATTTAAAGATGCATTGGCCAAA
    CACACCACAGACAGATGCAGCCTTGGGCCAAC
    AAAGGGGCTGGAAGAATCAGAGCTTGTGGCTC
    TGGCTGCAAACAAGGATCTCTCCTTCAATTAC
    ACAAGAAAACCGGTTCCTGTTCTCACACCAGA
    CGAGGCTGCAGAGAAAGTTCCTCTTAGCCCAA
    AACTTCCAGTGTCTTCAGCCCCAAGAGTCATC
    AAAGATTCTGAGGACAAGGCCCTCGTTGCAGC
    TGGGACATGA
    Setaria SiACHT4- XM_004984459.3; ATGGCGGCGGCGCAGGCGGTCGCGAAGGGCA 82
    italic 1 LOC101779469 GCGTGGTGTCGCCGTGCGGCAGCAGGGCCGCG
    (Foxtail CCGGGGCTCCTGAGTCGGCGGAGGGGCGCCGT
    millet) GGCGACGCGGATGGCGCCGTCGGCGGTGCGGA
    TCGGGGGCTCCTGGAGGAAGACCGCGTTCCTC
    GGCGGTAGGCTGGCGGTCGGGCCGAGGAGATC
    CAGGTCCGCGTCCCGGACCCTCGTCGCGTCGC
    CGGTGCAGATGAACATGAACCTTGCGATTGGG
    AAATCCATGAGGTGGTGGGAGAAGGGGCTGC
    AGCCCAACATGCGGGAGATCGAGTCCGCCCAG
    GATCTCGTCGATTCCTTGACCAACGCCGGCGA
    CAGACTCGTCATCGTGGACTTCTTCTCCCCCGG
    CTGCGGCGGTTGCCGTGCTCTTCACCCCAAGAT
    TTGCCAGTTTGCGGAGCAGAACCCGGATGTGC
    TGTTCTTGCAAGTGAACCATGAGGAGCACAAG
    TCTATGTGCTACAGCCTCCATGTCCACGTCCTC
    CCATTCTTCAGGTTCTACAGGGGAGCTCAGGG
    ACGGCTCTGCAGCTTCAGTTGTACCAACGCAA
    CTATCAAGAAGTTCAAGGATGCACTTGCAAAG
    CACAAACCGGATAGATGTAGCATTGGCCCAAC
    TAGAGGGCTGGAGGAATCAGAGTTATTAGCAT
    TGGCTGCAAACAAGGACTTGCAGTTCACCTAC
    ACCAAGAAGCCAGAACTGATCCCCAGCGGAG
    ATGCTGCTGCTGAGGTCATTGCTCCCGAGCCTA
    CAAAGCTTCCTGCGGCAACAAAGCCGTCGGTC
    AAGATAGGGTCCGAGGAGAGGTCCNNTTGGTC
    TCATCAGGAAGATGAGATGAATGACCTCTAG
    Setaria SiACHT4- XM_004985594.1; ATGGCGGCAGCGCAGGCGATGGCGAAGATGA 83
    italic 2 LOC101775678 GCGTGGGGTCGCCGGCCTGCAATCGGGCTGCG
    (Foxtail GGATCCCTCTGCCGGTGGAGGGGAGCCGTGGC
    millet) GGTGCGGCTCGGAGGATCCTGGTCCTGGAGGA
    AGAGCCCGTTCCTCGGCGGGAGGATGGCGGTT
    GGGCCCAGGAGATCGAGGCCCGTGTCCCGGAA
    TCCTGTTGCGTCGCCGGTGCAGATGAACCTTTC
    ATTTGGGAAAACCATGAAGTGGTGGGAGAAG
    GGATTGCAGCCCAACATGCGGGCGATCCACAC
    CGCCCAAGAACTCGTCGATTCCTTGATCAACG
    CCGGCGACGGGCTCGTCATAGTCGACTTCTTCT
    CACCTGGCTGCGCCGGCTGCCATGCCCTCCATC
    CCAAGATTTGCCAGTTTGCGGAGCGGAACCCA
    GATGTGCAGTTCCTGCAAGTGAACTTTGAGGA
    GCACAAGTCTATGTGCCACAGCCTTCATGTTCA
    TGTGTTCCCTTTCTTCAGATTCTACAGGGGAGC
    TCAGGGCCGGCTCTGCAGCTTCAGCTGTACCA
    ATGCAACTATCAAGAAGTTCAAGGATGCGCTT
    GCAAAGCACAAACCAGATAGATGTAGCCTTGG
    CCCAATTAAGGGGCTAGAGGAATCAGAGCTAC
    TGGCTTTGGCTGCAAACAGGGACCTGCAGTTC
    ACCTACACCAAGGAGCAAGATCTGGCTCCGAG
    CATGGAAGATGGCGCAGAGGTCATCACTCATG
    ACCATCCAAGGCTTCCTGCAGCAGCAAAGCCG
    CTGGTCAGGCAGGGGTCTGAGGACAGGGCTGT
    GGTCTCATCGGGAAGATAA
    Setaria SiACHT4- XM_004958667.1; ATGGCTGAGGCTTTGTGCAACGGCGTCGTGCC 84
    italic 3 LOC101759010 GTCGCCGTGCGGCGGGGACGTGGGCGTGGCCG
    (Foxtail GCCGGGTCAGTGGCGCCGCGGCGGCGCTAGCG
    millet) GAGTCCGTGCCGATCGGCGGCTACCGCACCAA
    GAGCTCCTTCTCCGCAGGGAGGATGGCCATGA
    CCGACAGGAAGATGAGGCCCCTGCCTCGGAGC
    ATCGAGGCCGCGCCTGGACAGATGAACCTGTC
    GTTTCCTAAGGCCATGCGGTGGTGGGAGAAGG
    GGCTGCAGCCCAACATGCGGGAGATCGAGTCC
    GCGCAAGACCTCGCCGACTCCCTGCTCAACGC
    CGGCGACAAGCTCGTCGTCGTCGACTTCTTCTC
    CCCTGGCTGCGGCGGCTGCCGCGCCCTGCATG
    CCAAGATTGCCCAGTTTGCCGAGAAGAACCCA
    GATGTGATGTTCCTGCAAGTGAACTATGAGAC
    GCACAAGTCCATGTGCTACAGCCTCCATGTCC
    ATGTCCTCCCTTTCTTCAGGTTCTACAGGGGAG
    CCGAGGGACGGGTCAGCAGCTTCAGCTGCACA
    AATGCAACTATCAAGAAGTTCAAGGACGCGCT
    CGCAAAGCACGGACCTGACAGGTGCAGCCTCG
    GCCCTGCACGGGGGCTGGAGGAGTCGGAGCTC
    ATGGCCTTGGCTGCAAACAAGGACCTGCAATT
    CACCTACGAGAAGCCGGGCCTTGTCCCACTTG
    CAGAAGCCATTGCCAAGGAGGCTGCTGCACCA
    GGAGGCCCGTGGTTCCCTTTGCCTGCGTCCGCG
    ACGCAGTTCCTCACTCAGGGATCAGAGAATTC
    ATTGCTGTCATCCGGAAGATAG
    Chlamydonionas CrACHT4 XM_001697391.1 ATGGCCAGCATACTAAATCGTGCCGGTTCAAG 85
    reinhardtii GTCGTTAGTTTTTGAGACTAAGCAGTCATTGCG
    (Single- TTCTATTCCTGGCAGCCTTTTATCGCTGCGGTC
    cell AGTGGCGCTGAAGCCATTCCGGACAACCATCT
    green GCGCGGCGGGAGCGCTGCTGACTGCACGGCGC
    alga) TCGACATCAGGCCTCGGGCGCGCCAACGGGGT
    CGTTTGCCAAGCAGGGCGTAGCACTGGGGAAT
    GGTGGAAGAAGGACAACCCCCCAAACATGCG
    GGACATCAACTCAATTCAGGAGCTGGTTGACG
    CTCTGTCGGATGCCGGAGACCGCCTCGTCATT
    GTGGAGTTCTACGCCCAGTGGTGCAACGCCTG
    CCGCGCGCTATTCCCCAAGATCTGCAAAATCA
    TGGCTGAGAACCCGGACGTGCTCTTCCTCAAA
    GTGAACTTTGACGACAACCGTGACGCGTGCCG
    CACCCTGAGCGTCAAGGTGCTGCCGTACTTCC
    ACTTCTACCGCGGTGCGGAGGGCCGTGTGGCG
    GCCTTCAGCGCCACCATCAGCAAGTTGCAGCT
    GTTCAAGGATGCCGTGGAGACCTACAGCGCCG
    CCTTCTGCAGCCTGGAGCCCGCGCCGGGGCTG
    GCGGAGTTCCCCGACCTCATCGCGCACCCGGA
    GCTGCACCCGGAGGAGGCCGCAGAGGCGGCG
    CGGCGCGCGCGGCTGGCGTCCACCGAGTCGGA
    GGAGGAGTTGCATCCGCTGGCCGACACGCCGA
    CTGTGGTGGGATAG
    Chlorella CvACHT4 XM_005851860.1 TGGTGGACCAAGTCTGCGCCGCCCAATGTAGT 86
    (Single- partial cds GCACATCAAGTCTGTGCAGCACTTGGTGGACG
    cell AAATGGTGAGGGCTGAGAGGCTGGCGGGCGCT
    green GGCGAGCGGCTGGTGATCATGGATGTGTTTGC
    alga) GCCCTGGTGCGCCGCCTGCAAGGCGCTGTACC
    CCAAGCTGATGAAGCTGATGGAGGAGCGCCCC
    GATGTGCTGCTGCTGACGGTAAACTTTGATGA
    GAACAAGACGGTGGTGAAGGCCATGGGGGTC
    AAGGTCCTGCCGTACTTCATGTTCTATCGCGGC
    AAGGAGGGCAAGCTGCAGGAGTTCTCGGCCAG
    CAACAAGCGATTCCACCTCATCCAGGAAGCCA
    TTGAGCGGCACAGCACCGATCGCTGCTTCCTG
    GATAGCACCGACGAGGAGCCTGTGCTTGCAGA
    GTTCCCCACTGTCGTCCCCGCCAAGGGCATCA
    GCGGCAGCTTGGATGAGCCGGCCGGCCGTGCG
    GCCGGCAAGGCGGTGGGCCAGCCGCAGCCCGT
    GGCCTGA
  • In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of the sequences listed in Table 2.
  • In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a homolog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a paralog of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a fragment of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 is a variant of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists essentially of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 consists of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44-86.
  • ACHT4ΔC
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • The inventors have demonstrated herein that over-expression (OE) of a C-terminal truncated form of AtACHT4 (AtACHT4ΔC, in which there is a 47 amino acid deletion of the C-terminus) has a dominant negative effect in Arabidopsis plants. AtACHT4ΔC overexpression relieves the oxidation of AGPase and boosts starch synthesis. In contrast, the OE of the full length ACHT4 does not, confirming that the C-terminus of AtACHT4 is indeed required for the attenuation of starch synthesis and the authenticity of the stimulating effect of AtACHT4-C-Del.
  • In addition, as demonstrated in Example 2, the stimulation of starch synthesis by AtACHT4-C-Del results in a significant increase in transitory starch content in Arabidopsis leaves and stimulates growth, indicating that AtACHT4ΔC stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward plant metabolism and growth.
  • There are homologs of the ACHT4 found in Arabidopsis (AtACHT4), and in other species including potato, cassava, maize, rice, barley, wheat, sorghum, rapeseed, castor, bean, cotton, soybean, beet, banana, peppers, chickpea, tomato, oil palm, millet, several species of algae, and other plants and algae (Tables 1-2). As described in Example 3, ACHT4 in potato (paralogs StACHT4-2 and StACHT4-1) is similarly involved in attenuating starch synthesis and growth, and overexpression of the C-terminally deleted forms of StACHT4-1 and StACHT4-2, respectively, disinhibits (i.e. promotes) starch synthesis and nearly doubles tuber yield and plant shoot growth, respectively.
  • Since ACHT4 is expressed in all major crop and biofuel species, including rice and corn, attenuation of ACHT4 through dominant negative C-terminal deletions or other means, represents a promising new target for increasing plant growth and yield in all major crop and biofuel species.
  • In one embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the ACHT4 gene as described in the methods and compositions of the present invention is a deletion mutation. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation is an insertion mutation. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation is a substitution mutation. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation is a null mutation. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation is another type of mutation known in the art. In one embodiment, the insertion, deletion or substitution mutation comprises an insertion, deletion or substitution of a single nucleic acid, while in another embodiment, it comprises an insertion, deletion or substitution of 1-5 nucleic acids, 1-10 nucleic acids, 5-20 nucleic acids, 10-50 nucleic acids, 25-100 nucleic acids, 100-500 nucleic acids, 300-400 nucleic acids, 200-500 nucleic acids, or 500 or more nucleic acids.
  • In one embodiment, the mutation is a dominant negative mutation. In one embodiment, a dominant negative mutation (also called an antimorphic mutation) comprises an altered gene product that acts antagonistically to, attenuates, or inhibits the function(s) of the wild-type allele.
  • In one embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion of ACHT4 is a deletion of the entire C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of a portion of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • In one embodiment, a “corresponding sequence” is a nucleic acid (or amino acid) sequence from a first species for which there is a similar or equivalent sequence in a second species, which may be inferred by sequence alignment, as is well known in the art.
  • In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 141-207 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 150-225 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 150-300 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 75-150 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 3-75 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 3-30 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 75-225 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 3-60 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 60-120 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 120-180 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 150-225 nucleic acids of the ACHT4 gene.
  • In one embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 687-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 651-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 600-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 801-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 750-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 774-825 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 687-750 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 600-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 651-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 750-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 801-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 849-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 876-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 825-903 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-801 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 699-849 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 501-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 549-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 600-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 651-690 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-651 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-600 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-549 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of nucleic acids 486-501 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 2 or a corresponding nucleic acid sequence from another species.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises insertion of a non-native sequence into a portion of the C-terminal of ACHT4 encoding the C-terminal of ACHT4, wherein said the C-terminal of ACHT4 is inactivated as a result.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises substitution of nucleic acid residues, as is known to one of skill in the art. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists essentially of any of the mutations listed hereinabove. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists of any of the mutations listed hereinabove.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In one embodiment, “expression” as used herein refers to transcription of DNA to produce RNA. The resulting RNA may be without limitation mRNA encoding a protein, antisense RNA that is complementary to an mRNA encoding a protein, or an RNA transcript comprising a combination of sense and antisense gene regions, such as for use in RNAi technology. Expression as used herein may also refer to production of encoded protein from mRNA.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • Recombinant Polynucleotides
  • In one embodiment, “recombinant polynucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide having a genetically engineered modification introduced through manipulation via mutagenesis, restriction enzymes, and the like. Recombinant polynucleotides may comprise DNA segments obtained from different sources, or DNA segments obtained from the same source, but which have been manipulated to join DNA segments which do not naturally exist in the joined form. A recombinant polynucleotide may exist outside of the cell, for example as a PCR fragment, or integrated into a genome, such as a plant genome.
  • The present invention contemplates the use of polynucleotides effective for imparting an enhanced phenotype to genetically modified plants or algae expressing said polynucleotides. Exemplary polynucleotides for use in the present invention are provided herein in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO: 44 through SEQ ID NO: 86). A subset of the nucleic molecules of this invention includes fragments of the disclosed polynucleotides consisting of oligonucleotides of at least 15, preferably at least 16 or 17, more preferably at least 18 or 19, and even more preferably at least 20 or more, consecutive nucleotides. Such oligonucleotides are fragments of the larger molecules having a sequence provided herein in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO: 44 through SEQ ID NO: 86), and find use, for example as probes and primers for detection of the polynucleotides of the present invention.
  • Also of interest in the present invention are variants of the polynucleotides provided herein. Such variants may be naturally occurring, including homologous polynucleotides from the same or a different species, or may be non-natural variants, for example polynucleotides synthesized using chemical synthesis methods, or generated using recombinant DNA techniques. Degeneracy of the genetic code provides the possibility to substitute at least one base of the protein encoding sequence of a gene with a different base without causing the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide produced from the gene to be changed. Hence, a polynucleotide useful in the present invention may have any base sequence that has been changed from the sequences in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO: 44 to SEQ ID NO: 86) by substitution in accordance with degeneracy of the genetic code.
  • Homologs of the polynucleotides provided herein will generally demonstrate significant identity with the polynucleotides provided herein. A polynucleotide of the present invention is substantially identical to a reference polynucleotide if, when the sequences of the polynucleotides are optimally aligned there is about 60% nucleotide equivalence; more preferably 70%; more preferably 80% equivalence; more preferably 85% equivalence; more preferably 90%; more preferably 95%; and/or more preferably 98% or 99% equivalence over a comparison window. A comparison window is preferably at least 50-100 nucleotides, and more preferably is the entire length of the polynucleotide provided herein. Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by algorithms; preferably by computerized implementations of these algorithms (such as the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package). The reference polynucleotide may be a full-length molecule or a portion of a longer molecule. Preferentially, the window of comparison for determining polynucleotide identity of protein encoding sequences is the entire coding region.
  • Promoters
  • In one embodiment, a polynucleotide of the present invention is operatively linked in a recombinant polynucleotide to a promoter functional in a plant or alga to provide for expression of the polynucleotide in the sense orientation such that a desired polypeptide is produced. Also considered are embodiments wherein a polynucleotide is operatively linked to a promoter functional in a plant to provide for expression of the polynucleotide in the antisense orientation such that a complementary copy of at least a portion of an mRNA native to the target plant host is produced. Such a transcript may contain both sense and antisense regions of a polynucleotide, for example where RNAi methods are used for gene suppression.
  • In one embodiment, the promoter of the expression vector of the present invention is operably linked to the polynucleotide. In one embodiment, the promoter is a constitutive promoter. In another embodiment, the promoter is an inducible promoter. In another embodiment, the promoter is a tissue-specific promoter.
  • In one embodiment, a promoter used in the compositions and methods of the present invention is cisgenic, i.e. is a promoter that is native to the plant.
  • Recombinant polynucleotides of the present invention are assembled in recombinant DNA constructs using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, DNA constructs used for transforming plant cells will comprise a polynucleotide one desires to introduce into a target plant. Such constructs will also typically comprise a promoter operatively linked to said polynucleotide to provide for expression in the target plant. Other construct components may include additional regulatory elements, such as 5′ or 3′ untranslated regions (such as polyadenylation sites), intron regions, and transit or signal peptides.
  • Numerous promoters that are active in plant cells have been described in the literature. These include promoters present in plant genomes as well as promoters from other sources, including nopaline synthase (NOS) promoter and octopine synthase (OCS) promoters carried on tumor-inducing plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, caulimovirus promoters such as the cauliflower mosaic virus or figwort mosaic virus promoters.
  • These and numerous other promoters that function in plant cells are known to those skilled in the art and available for use in recombinant polynucleotides of the present invention to provide for expression of desired genes in genetically modified plant cells.
  • Furthermore, the promoters may be altered to contain multiple “enhancer sequences” to assist in elevating gene expression. Such enhancers are known in the art. By including an enhancer sequence with such constructs, the expression of the selected protein may be enhanced. These enhancers often are found 5′ to the start of transcription in a promoter that functions in eukaryotic cells, but can often be inserted in the forward or reverse orientation 5′ or 3′ to the coding sequence. In some instances, these 5′ enhancing elements are introns. Deemed to be particularly useful as enhancers are the 5′ introns of the rice actin 1 and rice actin 2 genes. Examples of other enhancers that can be used in accordance with the invention include elements from the CaMV 35S promoter, octopine synthase genes, the maize alcohol dehydrogenase gene, the maize shrunken 1 gene and promoters from non-plant eukaryotes.
  • Organ-Specific Promoters
  • In other aspects of the invention, expression in plant seed tissues is desired to effect improvements in seed composition. In one embodiment, promoters for use for seed composition modification include promoters from seed genes such as napin, globulin 1, glutelin 1, and peroxiredoxin antioxidant.
  • In still other aspects of the invention, preferential expression in plant green tissues is desired. In one embodiment, promoters for expression in plant green tissues include those from genes such as SSU, aldolase and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK).
  • Recombinant constructs prepared in accordance with the invention will also in one embodiment, include a 3′ untranslated DNA region that typically contains a polyadenylation sequence following the polynucleotide coding region. Examples of useful 3′ UTRs include those from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium tumefaciens (nos), a gene encoding the small subunit of a ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (rbcS), and the T7 transcript of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
  • Constructs and vectors may also include a transit peptide for targeting of a gene target to a plant organelle, particularly to a chloroplast, leucoplast or other plastid organelle.
  • Host Cells
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • In one embodiment, the cell is from an Arabidopsis. In one embodiment, the cell is from Arabidopsis thaliana. In one embodiment, the cell is from a crop plant. In one embodiment, the crop plant is Solanum tuberosum (Potato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Zea mays (Maize). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Oryza sativa (Rice). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Manihot esculenta (Cassava). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Hordeum vulgare (Barley). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Triticum aestivum (Wheat). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Sorghum bicolor. In another embodiment, the crop plant is Brassica napus (Rapeseed). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Ricinus communis (Castor). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Gossypium histrum (Cotton). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Glycine max (Soybean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Beta vulgaris (Beet). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Musa acuminate (Banana). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Capsicum annuum (Sweet and Chili Peppers). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Cicer arietinum (Chick pea). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Elaeis guineensis (African oilpalm). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Setaria italic (Foxtail millet).
  • In another embodiment, the crop plant is a food crop. In another embodiment, the crop plant is a nutritionally enhanced food crop.
  • In another embodiment, the cell is a moss cell. In one embodiment, the moss is Physcomitrella patens. In another embodiment, the cell is an algae cell. In one embodiment, the algae cell is Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In another embodiment, the algae cell is Ostreococcus tauri. In another embodiment, the algae cell is a Chlorella.
  • Provided herein are host cells that contain a vector, e.g., a DNA plasmid and support the replication and/or expression of the vector. Host cells may be prokaryotic cells such as E. coli, or eukaryotic cells such as yeast, plant, insect, amphibian, or mammalian cells. In some embodiments, host cells are monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plant cells. In other embodiments monocotyledonous host cell is a maize host cell. In certain embodiments, the host cell utilized in the methods of the present invention is transiently transfected with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention.
  • In some embodiments, the host cell utilized in the methods of the present invention is a plant protoplast. Plant protoplasts are plant cells that had their entire plant cell wall enzymatically removed prior to the introduction of the molecule of interest. The complete removal of the cell wall disrupts the connection between cells producing a homogenous suspension of individualized cells which allows more uniform and large scale transfection experiments. This comprises, but is not restricted to protoplast fusion, electroporation, liposome-mediated transfection, and polyethylene glycol-mediated transfection. Protoplast preparation is therefore a very reliable and inexpensive method to produce millions of cells.
  • In particular embodiments, the plant protoplast is derived from one of the following genuses: Acorus, Aegilops, Allium, Amborella, Antirrhinum, Apium, Arabidopsis, Arachis, Beta, Betula, Brassica, Capsicum, Ceratopteris, Citrus, Cryptomeria, Cycas, Descurainia, Eschscholzia, Eucalyptus, Glycine, Gossypium, Hedyotis, Helianthus, Hordeum, Ipomoea, Lactuca, Linum, Liriodendron, Lotus, Lupinus, Lycopersicon, Medicago, Mesembryanthemum, Nicotiana, Nuphar, Pennisetum, Persea, Phaseolus, Physcomitrella, Picea, Pinus, Poncirus, Populus, Prunus, Robinia, Rosa, Saccharum, Schedonorus, Secale, Sesamum, Solanum, Sorghum, Stevia, Thellungiella, Theobroma, Triphysaria, Triticum, Vitis, Zea, or Zinnia. In some embodiments, the host cell is derived from a genus that is different from the genus from which the ACTH4 gene is derived.
  • Also provided herein are plant cells having the nucleotide sequence constructs of the invention. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of making such a plant cell involving introduction of a vector including the construct into a plant cell. For integration of the construct into the plant genome, such introduction will be followed by recombination between the vector and the plant cell genome to introduce the sequence of nucleotides into the genome. RNA encoded by the introduced nucleic acid construct may then be transcribed in the cell and descendants thereof, including cells in plants regenerated from transformed material. A gene stably incorporated into the genome of a plant is passed from generation to generation to descendants of the plant, so such descendants should show the desired phenotype.
  • Optionally, germ line cells may be used in the methods described herein rather than, or in addition to, somatic cells. The term “germ line cells” refers to cells in the plant organism which can trace their eventual cell lineage to either the male or female reproductive cell of the plant. Other cells, referred to as “somatic cells” are cells which give rise to leaves, roots and vascular elements which, although important to the plant, do not directly give rise to gamete cells. Somatic cells, however, also may be used. With regard to callus and suspension cells which have somatic embryogenesis, many or most of the cells in the culture have the potential capacity to give rise to an adult plant. If the plant originates from single cells or a small number of cells from the embryogenic callus or suspension culture, the cells in the callus and suspension can therefore be referred to as germ cells. In the case of immature embryos which are prepared for treatment by the methods described herein, certain cells in the apical meristem region of the plant have been shown to produce a cell lineage which eventually gives rise to the female and male reproductive organs. With many or most species, the apical meristem is generally regarded as giving rise to the lineage that eventually will give rise to the gamete cells. An example of a non-gamete cell in an embryo would be the first leaf primordia in corn which is destined to give rise only to the first leaf and none of the reproductive structures.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a cell comprising an expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
  • Seeds
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a seed comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • The present invention is directed to seed from a genetically modified plant, wherein the genome of said seed comprises an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a functional portion of an encoding region for a polypeptide provided herein, and wherein plants grown from said seed exhibit an enhanced phenotype as compared to the phenotype of a control plant. In one embodiment, the enhanced phenotype is increased yield. Exogenous polynucleotides of the present invention include recombinant polynucleotides providing for expression of mRNA encoding a polypeptide.
  • Plants and Plant Parts
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant, or plant part, comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • The present invention provides a plant comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an ACHT4 gene. Transformed seeds and plant parts are also encompassed. In one embodiment, the plant part is a seed. In another embodiment, the plant part is a leaf. In another embodiment, the plant part is a stem. In another embodiment, the plant part is a root. In another embodiment, the plant part is a flower. In another embodiment, the plant part is a tuber. In another embodiment, the plant part is a fruit.
  • In one embodiment, a plant of the present invention is any plant that comprises an ACHT4 gene or homolog.
  • In one embodiment, a plant of the present invention is a crop plant. In one embodiment, the crop plant is Solanum tuberosum (Potato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Zea mays (Maize). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Oryza sativa (Rice). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Manihot esculenta (Cassava). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Hordeum vulgare (Barley). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Triticum aestivum (Wheat). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Sorghum bicolor. In another embodiment, the crop plant is Brassica napus (Rapeseed). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Ricinus communis (Castor). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Gossypium histrum (Cotton). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Glycine max (Soybean). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Beta vulgaris (Beet). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Musa acuminate (Banana). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Capsicum annuum (Sweet and Chili Peppers). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Cicer arietinum (Chick pea). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Elaeis guineensis (African oilpalm). In another embodiment, the crop plant is Setaria italic (Foxtail millet).
  • In another embodiment, the crop plant is a food crop. In another embodiment, the crop plant is a nutritionally enhanced food crop.
  • In another embodiment, a plant of the present invention is an Arabidopsis. In one embodiment, the Arabidopsis plant is Arabidopsis thaliana. In another embodiment, the Arabidopsis plant is Arabidopsis arenicola, Arabidopsis arenosa, Arabidopsis cebennensis, Arabidopsis croatica, Arabidopsis halleri, Arabidopsis lyrata, Arabidopsis neglecta, Arabidopsis pedemontana, or Arabidopsis suecica.
  • In another embodiment, a plant of the present invention is a moss. In one embodiment, the moss is a Sphagnum. In one embodiment, the Sphagnum species is cristatum or subnitens. In one embodiment, the moss is used for peat. In one embodiment, peat is used for fuel, as a horticultural soil additive, and in smoking malt in the production of Scotch whisky. In another embodiment, the moss is used for decorative purposes, such as in gardens and in the florist trade. In another embodiment, the moss is used as insulation. In another embodiment, the moss is used as an absorber of liquids. In another embodiment, moss is used for first-aid dressings, for diapers or napkins. In another embodiment, the moss is a Physcomitrella patens. In another embodiment, the moss is a Fontinalis antipyretica which, in one embodiment, is used to subdue fires.
  • In one embodiment, the plant is an ornamental plant.
  • Plants included in the invention are any plants amenable to transformation techniques, including gymnosperms and angiosperms, both monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
  • In addition to a plant, the present invention provides any clone of such a plant, seed, selfed or hybrid progeny and descendants, and any part of any of these, such as cuttings, seed. The invention provides any plant propagule, that is any part which may be used in reproduction or propagation, sexual or asexual, including cuttings, seed and so on. Also encompassed by the invention is a plant which is a sexually or asexually propagated off-spring, clone or descendant of such a plant, or any part or propagule of said plant, off-spring, clone or descendant. Plant extracts and derivatives are also provided.
  • Algae
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides an alga comprising a C-terminal deleted form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
  • In one embodiment, the alga is a microalga. In one embodiment, the species of the alga is selected from the following species: Ankistrodesmus, Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella, Chlorella protothecoides (autotrophic/heterothrophic), Crypthecodinium cohnii, Cyclotella, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Gracilaria, Hantzschia, Nannochloris, Nannochloropsis, Neochloris oleoabundans, Nitzschia, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Pleurochrysis carterae (also called CCMP647), Sargassum, Scenedesmus, Schizochytrium, Stichococcus, Tetraselmis suecica, and Thalassiosira pseudonana. In another embodiment, the alga is a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In another embodiment, the alga is a Ostreococcus tauri.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • Proteins and Polypeptides
  • Polypeptides considered in the present invention are entire proteins or at least a sufficient portion of the entire protein to impart the relevant biological activity of the protein, e.g. enhanced plant phenotype. The term “protein” also includes molecules consisting of one or more polypeptide chains. Thus, a polypeptide useful in the present invention may constitute an entire protein having the desired biological activity, or may constitute a portion of an oligomeric protein having multiple polypeptide chains. Polypeptides useful for generation of genetically modified plants having enhanced properties include the polypeptide provided herein as SEQ ID NOs: 1-43, as well as homologs of such polypeptides.
  • In one embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion of ACHT4 is a deletion of the entire C-terminal domain of ACHT4. In one embodiment, the C-terminal domain of ACHT4 is the sequence that is downstream of the conserved thioredoxin (Trx) domain (as depicted in FIG. 4A). In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of a portion of the C-terminal domain of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the 47 amino acid C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 87)
      KELNFTYTPKPVPVEKEAATPDSNPSLPVPLPSMSSNDEKTLVSAGR.
  • In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a homolog of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a paralog of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a variant of SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises SEQ ID NO: 87. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 corresponds to SEQ ID NO: 87.
  • In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the 68-69 amino acid C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 88)
    AANKDLSFNYTPKTEEAPVLVTSQKEVQDTTPPNIESPLPLPLPLPIAST
    SSQTAKRDTEKEAYATSGR.
  • In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 89)
    AANKDLSFAYTPKTEEPMPVALQDAKVIKTSRTSSSCPNTFSLLPLPLPL
    PLASTSHKAKQDSKSEVF.
  • In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a homolog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a paralog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a fragment any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a variant any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 88-89.
  • In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 47-69 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 50-75 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 50-100 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 25-50 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 1-25 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 1-10 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 25-75 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 1-20 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 20-40 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 40-60 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4. In another embodiment, the inactivating mutation in the C-terminal is a deletion of the final 50-70 amino acids of the C-terminal portion of ACHT4.
  • In one embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 250-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 260-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 240-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-240 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-250 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-260 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 229-270 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 240-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 250-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 260-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 275-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 290-301 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-250 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-275 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 233-290 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 175-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 200-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 220-230 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-175 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-200 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises a deletion of amino acids 162-220 of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1 or a corresponding amino acid sequence from another species.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises insertion of a non-native sequence into a portion of the C-terminal of ACHT4 encoding the C-terminal of ACHT4, wherein said the C-terminal of ACHT4 is inactivated as a result.
  • In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises substitution of amino acid residues, such as a substitution of polar for non-polar residues, non-polar for polar residues, charged for uncharged residues, positively charged for negatively charged residues, or vice versa, or a combination thereof, as is known to one of skill in the art. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists essentially of any of the mutations listed hereinabove. In another embodiment, an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal of ACHT4 consists of any of the mutations listed hereinabove.
  • In one embodiment, an ACHT4 protein having an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion is a truncated ACHT4. In another embodiment, an ACHT4 protein having an inactivating mutation in the C-terminal portion is represented as ACHT4ΔC. In one embodiment, the truncated form of ACHT4 comprises:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 90)
    MTEVISKTSLFLGACGNHHRVDDFSFSPVSFGGFGLKKSFSCLKLKSQKP
    LRSVFYGKQIVFGDSQDESFRRSSAITAQTTLRIGTAQKWWEKGLKDNMR
    EISSAQELVDSLTNAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKICQFAEMNPDVQ
    FLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLGVHVLPFFRFYRGSQGRVCSFSCTNATIKKFRDA
    LAKHGPDRCSLGPTKGLEEKELVALAAN.
  • In another embodiment, the truncated form of ACHT4 comprises:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 91)
    MMKLMSKGFMFPSSSDCGEIYHHRPLNLPGICSFPNKSVNLSCLPSLNLS
    SSCLPRTDFYGRRLVINEGVSKFNRRNSQVVDITAQMSIGIRKAQKWWEK
    GVQPNMKEVNSAQELVDSLLSAGDKLVVVDFFSPGCGGCKALHPKLCQLA
    EMNPDVHFLQVNYEEHKSMCYSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRVCSFSCTNAT
    IKKFKDALAKYGTDRCTLGPPKGLEEKELLAL.
  • In another embodiment, the truncated form of ACHT4 comprises:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 92)
    MKFNRRNHKSAAATAQMSIGIRKAPKWWEKGLQPNMKEVMGAQDLADTLL
    NAGDKLVVVDFLSPGCGGCKALHPKICQLAEMNPDVQFLHVNYEEHKSMC
    YSLNVHVLPFFRFYRGAEGRLCSFSCTNATIKKFKDALTKYGADCCSLEP
    VKGLEEKELLAL.
  • In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a homolog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a paralog any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a fragment any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 is a variant any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal of ACHT4 corresponds to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 90-92.
  • Homologs of the polypeptides of the present invention may be identified by comparison of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide to amino acid sequences of polypeptides from the same or different plant sources, e.g. manually or by using known homology-based search algorithms such as those commonly known and referred to as BLAST, FASTA, and Smith-Waterman. As used herein, a homolog is a peptide from the same or a different organism that performs the same biological function as the polypeptide to which it is compared. An orthologous relation between two organisms is not necessarily manifest as a one-to-one correspondence between two genes, because a gene can be duplicated or deleted after organism phylogenetic separation, such as speciation. For a given polypeptide, there may be no ortholog or more than one ortholog. Other complicating factors include alternatively spliced transcripts from the same gene, limited gene identification, redundant copies of the same gene with different sequence lengths or corrected sequence. A local sequence alignment program, e.g. BLAST, can be used to search a database of sequences to find similar sequences, and the summary Expectation value (E-value) used to measure the sequence base similarity.
  • A further aspect of the invention comprises functional homolog proteins which differ in one or more amino acids from those of a polypeptide provided herein as the result of one or more of the well-known conservative amino acid substitutions, e.g. valine is a conservative substitute for alanine and threonine is a conservative substitute for serine. Conservative substitutions for an amino acid within the native polypeptide sequence can be selected from other members of a class to which the naturally occurring amino acid belongs. Representative amino acids within these various classes include, but are not limited to: (1) acidic (negatively charged) amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid; (2) basic (positively charged) amino acids such as arginine, histidine, and lysine; (3) neutral polar amino acids such as glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine; and (4) neutral nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids such as alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine. Conserved substitutes for an amino acid within a native amino acid sequence can be selected from other members of the group to which the naturally occurring amino acid belongs. For example, a group of amino acids having aliphatic side chains is glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine; a group of amino acids having aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains is serine and threonine; a group of amino acids having amide-containing side chains is asparagine and glutamine; a group of amino acids having aromatic side chains is phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; a group of amino acids having basic side chains is lysine, arginine, and histidine; and a group of amino acids having sulfur-containing side chains is cysteine and methionine. Naturally conservative amino acids substitution groups are: valine-leucine, valine-isoleucine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, lysine-arginine, alanine-valine, aspartic acid-glutamic acid, and asparagine-glutamine. A further aspect of the invention comprises polypeptides that differ in one or more amino acids from those of a described protein sequence as the result of deletion or insertion of one or more amino acids in a native sequence.
  • Homologs of the polypeptides provided herein will generally demonstrate significant identity with the polypeptides provided herein. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with at least about 50% sequence identity. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with at least about 70% sequence identity. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with at least about 80% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence of any of the amino acid sequences listed in Table 1. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polypeptides with higher identity to such a polypeptide sequence, e.g. 90% to 99% identity. Identity of protein homologs is determined by optimally aligning the amino acid sequence of a putative protein homolog with a defined amino acid sequence and by calculating the percentage of identical and conservatively substituted amino acids over the window of comparison. Preferentially, the window of comparison for determining identity is the entire polypeptide sequence disclosed herein, e.g. the full sequence of any one of the sequences listed in Table 1.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • Methods of Use for Plants Expressing ACHT4ΔC
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the yield of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the yield of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the productivity of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the productivity of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the size of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the size of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the biomass of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby increasing the biomass of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of stimulating the growth of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby stimulating the growth of said plant or algae.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of enhancing the starch content of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with a polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4), thereby enhancing the starch content of said plant or algae.
  • In one embodiment, the plant or algae has enhanced starch in transitory starch stores. In another embodiment, the plant or algae has enhanced starch in non-transitory starch stores. In one embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in one or more leaves. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in the roots. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in the stem. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in one or more seeds. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in its tubers. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in its fruit. In another embodiment, the plant has enhanced starch content in one or more of its flowers.
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods comprising the step of “contacting” a cell with a polynucleotide or expression vector as described herein. In one embodiment, plants are genetically modified using a microbial vector comprising ACHT4ΔC. In one embodiment, the microbial vector is Agrobacterium tumefaciens. In another embodiment, plants are genetically modified using microprojectile bombardment. In one embodiment, corn, rice, and other cereal grains are genetically modified using microprojectile bombardment. In another embodiment, plants are genetically modified using electroporation. In another embodiment, plants are genetically modified using microinjection, which in one embodiment, is direct microinjection of genetically modified DNA into anchored cells. In another embodiment, plants are genetically modified using transposons or transposable elements.
  • In one embodiment, the step of contacting is performed in vitro. In another embodiment, the step of contacting is performed in vivo.
  • In one embodiment, the ACHT4ΔC is integrated into the plant or algae chromosome. In another embodiment, the ACHT4ΔC is expressed from a vector.
  • Methods of Producing Genetically Modified Plants
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing a plant having an enhanced phenotype, wherein said method comprises transforming plant cells with a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation, regenerating plants from said cells, and screening said plants to identify a plant having an enhanced phenotype.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing an algae having an enhanced phenotype, wherein said method comprises delivering a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein to algae cells, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation, growing algae from said cells, and screening said algae to identify a plant having an enhanced phenotype.
  • Genetically modified plant seed provided by this invention may be grown to generate genetically modified plants having an enhanced phenotype as compared to an appropriate control line. Such seed is obtained by screening transformed plants for enhanced phenotypes resulting from the introduction of a recombinant polynucleotide into the genomic DNA of tissue from a parental line. The recombinant polynucleotide is introduced into the genome to produce genetically modified cells that can be cultured into genetically modified plants having an enhanced phenotype as compared to the parental line or other appropriate control. Such genetically modified cells are cultured into genetically modified plants that produce progeny genetically modified seed. Preferably, multiple genetically modified plants (events) comprising the recombinant polynucleotides are evaluated, e.g. from 2 to 20 or more genetically modified events, to identify a desired enhanced phenotype. Although the design of a recombinant polynucleotide is based on a rational expectation of a phenotypic modification, the present invention also contemplates that unexpected, yet desired enhanced phenotypes may be obtained.
  • Genetically modified plants grown from genetically modified seed as described herein will have improved phenotypes that contribute to increased yield or other increased plant value, including, for example, improved seed quality. Of particular interest are plants having altered cell division, enhanced plant growth and development, stress tolerance, including tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress, altered seed or flower development, improved light response, and enhanced carbon and/or nitrogen metabolism, transport or utilization properties.
  • Genetic Modification
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cisgenic plant. In one embodiment, a cisgenic plant of the present invention is genetically modified, in one embodiment, comprises a second copy of a gene in which a portion of said gene is deleted, but contains no foreign or heterologous genes. In one embodiment, the promoters used in the expression of ACHT4ΔC are cisgenic. In one embodiment, food crops of the present invention are cisgenic.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides a transgenic plant. In one embodiment, a transgenic plant of the present invention is genetically modified with foreign or heterologous genes. In one embodiment, transgenic plants of the present invention are used for biofuel. In another embodiment, transgenic plants of the present invention are food crop plants.
  • Any method or delivery system may be used for the delivery and/or transformation (plant cells)/transfection (algae cells) of the nucleic acid vectors encoding ACHT4 and homologs, paralogs, etc. in the host cell, e.g., plant protoplast. The vectors may be delivered to the host cell either alone, or in combination with other agents. Transient expression systems may also be used. Homologous recombination may also be used.
  • Transformation may be accomplished by a wide variety of means, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (e.g., Komari et al., 1998, Curr. Opin. Plant Biol., 1:161), including floral dip transformation, particle bombardment mediated transformation (e.g., Finer et al., 1999, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 240:59), protoplast electroporation (e.g., Bates, 1999, Methods Mol. Biol., 111:359), viral infection (e.g., Porta and Lomonossoff, 1996, Mol. Biotechnol. 5:209), microinjection, and liposome injection. Other exemplary delivery systems that can be used to facilitate uptake by a cell of the nucleic acid include calcium phosphate and other chemical mediators of intracellular transport, microinjection compositions, and homologous recombination compositions (e.g., for integrating a gene into a preselected location within the chromosome of the cell). Alternative methods may involve, for example, the use of liposomes, electroporation, or chemicals that increase free (or “naked”) DNA uptake, transformation using viruses or pollen and the use of microprojection. Standard molecular biology techniques are common in the art (e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York).
  • For the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-based plant transformation system, additional elements present on transformation constructs will, in one embodiment, include T-DNA left and right border sequences to facilitate incorporation of the recombinant polynucleotide into the plant genome.
  • In one embodiment, DNA is inserted randomly, i.e. at a non-specific location, in the genome of a target plant line. In another embodiment, DNA insertion is targeted in order to achieve site-specific integration, e.g. to replace an existing gene in the genome, to use an existing promoter in the plant genome, or to insert a recombinant polynucleotide at a predetermined site known to be active for gene expression. Several site specific recombination systems exist which are known to function in plants including cre-lox and FLP-FRT.
  • Transformation methods of this invention are preferably practiced in tissue culture on media and in a controlled environment. “Media” refers to the numerous nutrient mixtures that are used to grow cells in vitro, that is, outside of the intact living organism. Recipient cell targets include, but are not limited to, meristem cells, callus, immature embryos and gametic cells such as microspores, pollen, sperm and egg cells. It is contemplated that any cell from which a fertile plant may be regenerated is useful as a recipient cell. Callus may be initiated from tissue sources including, but not limited to, immature embryos, seedling apical meristems, microspores and the like. Cells capable of proliferating as callus are also recipient cells for genetic transformation. Practical transformation methods and materials for making genetically modified plants of this invention, e.g. various media and recipient target cells, transformation of immature embryos and subsequent regeneration of fertile genetically modified plants are known in the art.
  • In one embodiment, the method of transformation of algae comprises any of the methods as described hereinabove. In one embodiment, transformation of algae is accomplished using glass bead-assisted transformation, particle gun-mediated (biolistic) transformation, treatment with cellulolytic enzymes to weaken their cell walls, or homologous recombination.
  • Markers of Genetic Transformation
  • In one embodiment, DNA is introduced into only a small percentage of target cells in any one experiment. Marker genes are used to provide an efficient system for identification of those cells that are stably transformed by receiving and integrating a genetically modified DNA construct into their genomes. Preferred marker genes provide selective markers that confer resistance to a selective agent, such as an antibiotic or herbicide. Potentially transformed cells are exposed to the selective agent. In the population of surviving cells will be those cells where, generally, the resistance-conferring gene has been integrated and expressed at sufficient levels to permit cell survival. Cells may be tested further to confirm stable integration of the exogenous DNA. Useful selective marker genes include those conferring resistance to antibiotics such as kanamycin (nptII), hygromycin B (aph IV) and gentamycin (aac3 and aacC4) or resistance to herbicides such as glufosinate (bar or pat) and glyphosate (EPSPS).
  • Screenable markers which provide an ability to visually identify transformants can also be employed, e.g., a gene expressing a colored or fluorescent protein such as a luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a gene expressing a beta-glucuronidase or uidA gene (GUS) for which various chromogenic substrates are known. It is also contemplated that combinations of screenable and selectable markers will be useful for identification of transformed cells.
  • Cells that survive exposure to the selective agent, or cells that have been scored positive in a screening assay, may be cultured in regeneration media and allowed to mature into plants. Developing plantlets can be transferred to soil less plant growth mix, and hardened off, e.g., in an environmentally controlled chamber at about 85% relative humidity, 600 ppm CO2, and 25-250 microeinsteins m−2s−1 of light, prior to transfer to a greenhouse or growth chamber for maturation. Plants are preferably matured either in a growth chamber or greenhouse. Plants are regenerated from about 6 weeks to 10 months after a transformant is identified, depending on the initial tissue. During regeneration, cells are grown to plants on solid media at about 19 to 28° C. After regenerating plants have reached the stage of shoot and root development, they may be transferred to a greenhouse for further growth and testing. Plants may be pollinated using conventional plant breeding methods known to those of skill in the art and seed produced.
  • Progeny may be recovered from transformed plants and tested for expression of the exogenous recombinant polynucleotide. Useful assays include, for example, “molecular biological” assays, such as Southern and Northern blotting and PCR; “biochemical” assays, such as detecting the presence of RNA, e.g. double stranded RNA, or a protein product, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAs and Western blots) or by enzymatic function; plant part assays, such as leaf or root assays; and also, by analyzing the phenotype of the whole regenerated plant.
  • One of skill in the art will be able to select an appropriate vector for introducing the encoding nucleic acid sequence in a relatively intact state. Thus, any vector which will produce a host cell, e.g., plant protoplast, carrying the introduced encoding nucleic acid should be sufficient. The selection of the vector, or whether to use a vector, is typically guided by the method of transformation selected.
  • Plant Regeneration
  • Following transformation, plant cells transformed with a plant expression vector may be regenerated, e.g., from single cells, callus tissue or leaf discs according to standard plant tissue culture techniques. Almost any plant can be entirely regenerated from cells, tissues, and organs of the plant using methods that are known in the art.
  • The transformed plants may then be grown, and either pollinated with the same transformed strain or different strains, and the resulting hybrid having expression of the desired phenotypic characteristic identified. Two or more generations may be grown to ensure that expression of the desired phenotypic characteristic is stably maintained and inherited and then seeds harvested to ensure expression of the desired phenotypic characteristic has been achieved.
  • Normally, a plant cell is regenerated to obtain a whole plant from the transformation process. The term “growing” or “regeneration” as used herein means growing a whole plant from a plant cell, a group of plant cells, a plant part (including seeds), or a plant piece (e.g., from a protoplast, callus, or tissue part).
  • Regeneration from protoplasts varies from species to species of plants, but generally a suspension of protoplasts is first made. In certain species, embryo formation can then be induced from the protoplast suspension. The culture media will generally contain various amino acids and hormones, necessary for growth and regeneration. Examples of hormones utilized include auxins and cytokinins. Efficient regeneration will depend on the medium, on the genotype, and on the history of the culture. If these variables are controlled, regeneration is reproducible. Regeneration also occurs from plant callus, explants, organs or parts.
  • In vegetatively propagated crops, the mature genetically modified plants are propagated by utilizing cuttings or tissue culture techniques to produce multiple identical plants. Selection of desirable genetically modified plants is made and new varieties are obtained and propagated vegetatively for commercial use.
  • In seed propagated crops, mature genetically modified plants can be self-crossed to produce a homozygous inbred plant. The resulting inbred plant produces seed containing the genetic mutation. These seeds can be grown to produce plants that would produce the selected phenotype, e.g., increased lateral root growth, uptake of nutrients, overall plant growth and/or vegetative or reproductive yields.
  • Parts obtained from the regenerated plant, such as flowers, seeds, leaves, branches, fruit, and the like are included in the invention, provided that these parts comprise cells comprising the isolated nucleic acid of the present invention. Progeny and variants, and mutants of the regenerated plants are also included within the scope of the invention, provided that these parts comprise the introduced nucleic acid sequences. Genetically modified plants expressing a selectable marker can be screened for transmission of the nucleic acid of the present invention by, for example, standard immunoblot and DNA detection techniques. Genetically modified plant cells are also typically evaluated on levels of expression of the genetically modified nucleic acid. Expression at the RNA level can be determined initially to identify and quantitate expression-positive plants. Standard techniques for RNA analysis can be employed and include PCR amplification assays using oligonucleotide primers designed to amplify only the genetically modified RNA templates and solution hybridization assays using genetically modified nucleic acid-specific probes. The RNA-positive plants can then analyzed for protein expression by Western immunoblot analysis using the specifically reactive antibodies of the present invention. In addition, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry according to standard protocols can be done using genetically modified nucleic acid specific polynucleotide probes and antibodies, respectively, to localize sites of expression within genetically modified tissue. Generally, a number of genetically modified lines are usually screened for the incorporated nucleic acid to identify and select plants with the most appropriate expression profiles.
  • In one embodiment, the present invention provides a genetically modified plant that is homozygous for the introduced genetically modified nucleic acid; i.e., a genetically modified plant that contains two added nucleic acid sequences, one gene at the same locus on each chromosome of a chromosome pair. A homozygous genetically modified plant can be obtained by sexually mating (selfing) a heterozygous genetically modified plant that contains a single added genetically modified nucleic acid, germinating some of the seed produced and analyzing the resulting plants produced for altered expression of a polynucleotide of the present invention relative to a control plant (i.e., native, non-genetically modified). Back-crossing to a parental plant and out-crossing with a non-genetically modified plant are also contemplated.
  • Transformed plant cells which are derived by any of the above transformation techniques can be cultured to regenerate a whole plant which possesses the transformed genotype. Such regeneration techniques often rely on manipulation of certain phytohormones in a tissue culture growth medium.
  • Products of Genetically Modified Plants and Algae
  • Engineered plants exhibiting the desired physiological and/or agronomic changes can be used directly in agricultural production.
  • Thus, provided herein are products derived from the genetically modified plants or methods of producing genetically modified plants provided herein. In certain embodiments, the products are commercial products. Some non-limiting example include genetically engineered trees for e.g., the production of pulp, paper, paper products or lumber; tobacco, e.g., for the production of cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco; crops, e.g., for the production of fruits, vegetables and other food, including grains, e.g., for the production of wheat, bread, flour, rice, corn; and canola, sunflower, e.g., for the production of oils or biofuels.
  • Biofuels
  • In one embodiment, biofuels are derived from a genetically engineered plant or algae of the present invention.
  • In one embodiment, a biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture and anaerobic digestion, as opposed to a fuel produced by geological processes such as those involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, from prehistoric biological matter. Biofuels can be derived directly from plants, or indirectly from agricultural wastes.
  • In one embodiment, plants or plant parts as described herein are used as biofuel.
  • In one embodiment, algae are used as a biofuel. In one embodiment, the biofuel is selected from the group consisting of: biodiesel, ethanol, biojet fuel, and green gasoline.
  • In one embodiment, the biofuel is an alcohol fuel, such as bioethanol. In one embodiment, the bioethanol is produced by fermentation of sugars derived from wheat, corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, molasses, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the bioethanol is produced by fermentation of any sugar or starch from which alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, can be made (such as barley, potato and fruit waste, etc).
  • Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a biofuel comprising genetically modified plants or plant parts of the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process of producing a biofuel comprising: delivering a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a C-terminal-inactivated ACHT4 to plant or algae cells, regenerating plants or algae from said cells, screening said plants or algae to identify a plant having enhanced yield, extracting sugar or starch from some or all portions of said plant or algae or progeny thereof, fermenting said sugars to produce an alcoholic mixture, and distilling said alcohol from said mixture. Methods for producing biofuels from plants and plant parts are known in the art.
  • In one embodiment, algae are a sustainable source for essential omega-3 fatty acids.
  • In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as commodity animal feeds. In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as a source for foods. In one embodiment, essential omega-3 fatty acids from algae are used in infant formula and other food products and vitamins. In another embodiment, carbohydrates and emulsifiers produced from seaweeds are used in food products. In another embodiment, Spirulina is used in food products.
  • In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as a source for specialty feeds.
  • In one embodiment, algae contain carbohydrates, proteins, vegetable oils, micronutrients, vitamins, as well as valuable pigments used in animal feeds, such as beta carotene, lutein and astaxanthin. In another embodiment, algae is used as a source of feed in aquaculture operations, including as feed for fish and shellfish like clams, oysters, mussels and scallops.
  • In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as a source for chemicals. In one embodiment, the chemical is a plastic. In one embodiment, the chemical is a fertilizer. In one embodiment, the alga is seaweed. In one embodiment, some microalgae fix atmospheric nitrogen and could be a source of organic fertilizers (“green manure”).
  • In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as a source for cosmetics. In one embodiment, the cosmetic is a skin-care product. In one embodiment, the cosmetic provide UV protection. In another embodiment, algae of the present invention are used as a source for pharmaceuticals.
  • In one embodiment, multiple products from the same algal biomass are possible.
  • In certain embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered species of woody, ornamental or decorative, crop or cereal, fruit or vegetable plant, and algae (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), which may be used in the compositions and methods provided herein. Non-limiting examples of plants include plants from the genus Arabidopsis or the genus Oryza. Other examples include plants from the genuses Acorus, Aegilops, Allium, Amborella, Antirrhinum, Apium, Arachis, Beta, Betula, Brassica, Capsicum, Ceratopteris, Citrus, Cryptomeria, Cycas, Descurainia, Eschscholzia, Eucalyptus, Glycine, Gossypium, Hedyotis, Helianthus, Hordeum, Ipomoea, Lactuca, Linum, Liriodendron, Lotus, Lupinus, Lycopersicon, Medicago, Mesembryanthemum, Nicotiana, Nuphar, Pennisetum, Persea, Phaseolus, Physcomitrella, Picea, Pinus, Poncirus, Populus, Prunus, Robinia, Rosa, Saccharum, Schedonorus, Secale, Sesamum, Solanum, Sorghum, Stevia, Thellungiella, Theobroma, Triphysaria, Triticum, Vitis, Zea, or Zinnia.
  • In some embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered gymnosperms and angiosperms, both monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
  • Examples of monocotyledonous angiosperms include, but are not limited to, asparagus, field and sweet corn, barley, wheat, rice, sorghum, onion, pearl millet, rye and oats and other cereal grains. Examples of dicotyledonous angiosperms include, but are not limited to tomato, tobacco, cotton, rapeseed, field beans, soybeans, peppers, lettuce, peas, alfalfa, clover, cole crops or Brassica oleracea (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts), radish, carrot, beets, eggplant, spinach, cucumber, squash, melons, cantaloupe, sunflowers and various ornamentals.
  • In certain embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered woody species, such as poplar, pine, sequoia, cedar, oak, etc.
  • In other embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered plant including, but are not limited to, wheat, cauliflower, tomato, tobacco, corn, petunia, trees, etc.
  • In certain embodiments, commercial products are derived from genetically engineered crop plants, for example, cereals and pulses, maize, wheat, potatoes, tapioca, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, barley, pea, and other root, tuber, or seed crops. In one embodiment, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered cereal crops, including, but are not limited to, any species of grass, or grain plant (e.g., barley, corn, oats, rice, wild rice, rye, wheat, millet, sorghum, triticale, etc.), non-grass plants (e.g., buckwheat flax, legumes or soybeans, etc.). In another embodiment, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered grain plants that provide seeds of interest, oil-seed plants and leguminous plants. In other embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered grain seed, such as corn, wheat, barley, rice, sorghum, rye, etc. In yet other embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered oil seed plants, such as cotton, soybean, safflower, sunflower, Brassica, maize, alfalfa, palm, coconut, etc. In certain embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered oil-seed rape, sugar beet, maize, sunflower, soybean, or sorghum. In some embodiments, commercial products are derived from genetically engineered leguminous plants, such as beans and peas (e.g., guar, locust bean, fenugreek, soybean, garden beans, cowpea, mungbean, lima bean, fava bean, lentils, chickpea, etc.)
  • In certain embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered horticultural plant of the present invention, such as lettuce, endive, and vegetable brassicas including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, and carnations and geraniums; tomato, tobacco, cucurbits, carrot, strawberry, sunflower, tomato, pepper, chrysanthemum, poplar, eucalyptus, and pine.
  • In still other embodiments, commercial products are derived from a genetically engineered corn (Zea mays), canola (Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), rice (Oryza sativa), rye (Secale cereale), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum vulgare), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana benthamiana), potato (Solanum tuberosum), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihot esculenta), coffee (Coffea spp.), coconut (Cocos nucifera), pineapple (Ananas comosus), citrus trees (Citrus spp.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia sinensis), banana (Musa spp.), avocado (Peryea americana), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), almond (Prunus amygdalus), sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), oats, barley, Arabidopsis spp., vegetables, ornamentals, and conifers.
  • Enhanced Phenotype
  • In one embodiment, “enhanced phenotype” as used herein refers to a measurable improvement in a crop trait including, but not limited to, yield increase, including increased yield under non-stress conditions and increased yield under environmental stress conditions. Stress conditions may include, for example, drought, shade, fungal disease, viral disease, bacterial disease, insect infestation, nematode infestation, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, reduced nitrogen nutrient availability, reduced phosphorus nutrient availability and high plant density. Many agronomic traits can affect “yield”, including without limitation, plant height, pod number, pod position on the plant, number of internodes, incidence of pod shatter, grain size, efficiency of nodulation and nitrogen fixation, efficiency of nutrient assimilation, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, carbon assimilation, plant architecture, resistance to lodging, percent seed germination, seedling vigor, and juvenile traits. Other traits that can affect yield include, efficiency of germination (including germination in stressed conditions), growth rate (including growth rate in stressed conditions), seed size, composition of seed (starch, oil, protein) and characteristics of seed fill.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention also provides genetically modified plants that demonstrate enhanced phenotypic properties that may or may not confer an increase in overall plant yield. Such properties include enhanced plant morphology, plant physiology or enhanced components of the mature seed harvested from the genetically modified plant. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides genetically modified plants with enhancements in seed oil, tocopherol, protein and starch components, including increases in the quantity of any of these components, alterations in the ratios of any of these components, or production of new types of these components that do not exist in the seed from control plants. By way of example, increases in total tocopherol content are desirable, as are increases in the relative percentage of alpha-tocopherol produced by plants.
  • In one embodiment, “increased yield” of a genetically modified plant of the present invention may be evidenced and measured in a number of ways, including test weight, seed number per plant, seed weight, seed number per unit area (i.e. seeds, or weight of seeds, per acre), bushels per acre, tonnes per acre, tons per acre, kilo per hectare. Increased yield may result from improved utilization of key biochemical compounds, such as nitrogen, phosphorous and carbohydrate, or from improved responses to environmental stresses, such as cold, heat, drought, salt, and attack by pests or pathogens. Polynucleotides of the present invention may also be used to provide plants having improved growth and development, and ultimately increased yield, as the result of modified expression of plant growth regulators or modification of cell cycle or photosynthesis pathways.
  • Use for Gene Suppression
  • In one embodiment, polynucleotides of the present invention include recombinant polynucleotides providing for expression of mRNA encoding a polypeptide. In another embodiment, polynucleotides of the present invention include recombinant polynucleotides providing for expression of mRNA complementary to at least a portion of an mRNA native to the target plant for use in suppression of the ACTH4 gene.
  • In one embodiment, “gene suppression” is used herein to refer to reduction or suppression of expression of a target protein in a host cell as the result of transcription of a recombinant polynucleotide provided herein, wherein the polynucleotide is oriented with respect to a promoter to provide for production of RNA having a gene silencing effect, such as antisense RNA or interfering RNA (RNAi).
  • Other Methods of Down-Regulating ACHT4 Protein Expression in Plants and Algae
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antibody against a polypeptide comprising a C-terminal deleted form of atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4).
  • In one embodiment, down-regulation of ACHT4 protein is partial. In another embodiment, the down-regulation completely eliminates protein activity by decreasing overall steady state levels of the protein associated therewith.
  • In one embodiment, down-regulation of ACHT4 protein comprises decreasing the levels of ACHT4 protein. In another embodiment, down-regulation of ACHT4 protein comprises decreasing the activity of ACHT4 protein.
  • In one embodiment, the down-regulation is achieved by antisense RNA. In another embodiment, the down-regulation is achieved by ribozyme technology, which, in one embodiment, works at the RNA translational level and involves making catalytic RNA molecules which bind to and cleave the mRNA of interest. Both of these were found effective in regulating protein levels in plants. In another embodiment, the down-regulation is achieved by co-suppression.
  • In another embodiment, the down-regulation is achieved using antibodies. In one embodiment, the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In another embodiment, the down-regulation is achieved using functional fragments of antibodies, which in one embodiment, is a single chain antibody (SCAb).
  • In one embodiment, the antibody binds to ACHT4ΔC. In another embodiment, the antibody binds to ACHT4.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods for using antibodies to ACHT4 and/or ACHT4ΔC as described herein and functional fragments thereof (e.g., Fv or Fab fragments), for increasing plant or algae yield and/or growth comprising administering said antibody to a plant or alga. Methods for producing antibodies and functional fragments of antibodies are known in the art.
  • In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods for using anti-sense RNA, ribozymes, etc for increasing plant or algae yield and/or growth comprising transforming said plant or alga with said RNA or ribozyme.
  • Combinations of Modified Genetic Traits
  • The present invention also encompasses genetically modified plants with stacked engineered traits, e.g. a crop having an enhanced phenotype resulting from expression of a recombinant polynucleotide provided herein, in combination with herbicide and/or pest resistance traits. For example, genes of the current invention can be stacked with other traits of agronomic interest, such as a trait providing herbicide resistance, for example a RoundUp Ready trait, or insect resistance, such as using a gene from Bacillus thuringensis to provide resistance against lepidopteran, coliopteran, homopteran, hemiopteran, and other insects. Herbicides for which resistance is useful in a plantinclude glyphosate herbicides, phosphinothricin herbicides, oxynil herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, dinitroaniline herbicides, pyridine herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, bialaphos herbicides, sulfonamide herbicides and gluphosinate herbicides.
  • All patents, patent applications, and scientific publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention. They should in no way be construed, however, as limiting the broad scope of the invention.
    • EXAMPLES Example 1
  • ACHT4-Driven Oxidation of APS1 Attenuates Starch Synthesis Under Low Light Intensity in Arabidopsis Plants
  • Materials and Methods
  • Plant Material and Growth Conditions
  • Arabidopsis thaliana var Columbia were grown under a 8/16 h light/dark cycle at 20° C./18° C., respectively, at 80 μE*m−2*s−1 (unless otherwise stated) for 3-4 weeks. Thylakoid membranes were isolated as previously described.
  • Generation of Genetically Modified Plants
  • ACHT4, ACHT4MT (in which the non-nucleophilic cysteine of the active site was replaced with a serine), ACHT4ΔC and ACHT1 open reading frames were ligated upstream and in frame of the HA3 affinity tag and under the control of the 35S promotor into pART7 vector. All four constructs were used to transform Arabidopsis leaves using a standard floral dip transformation protocol (Clough and Bent Plant J. 1998 December; 16(6):735-43, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In short, the floral dip transformation method involves simple dipping of developing floral tissues into a solution containing Agrobacterium tumefaciens, 5% sucrose and 500 microliters per litre of surfactant Silwet L-77.
  • Protein Redox Assays, Immunoblot and Affinity Purification Analyses
  • The disulfide state of plant-extracted proteins, the identification of intermolecular disulfide complexes, and their isolation by immunoprecipitation were assayed in planta as previously described. The mass-spectrometry (MS) analysis is detailed in Table 3.
  • TABLE 3
    Identification of 2-Cys Prx and APS1 as ACHT4
    targets by mass spectrometry
    Protein
    sequence Protein
    Protein coverage length
    name Queries matched Score (%) (aa)
    2-CYS- APDFEAEAVFDQEFIK (3) 478 44 266
    PRX LNTEVLGVSVDSVFSHLAWVQ
    TDR (2)
    SGGLGDLNYPLISDVTK (2)
    SFGVLIHDQGIALR (2)
    GLFIIDK (1)
    EGVIQHSTINNLGIGR (1)
    TLQALQYIQENPDEVCPAGWK
    PGEK (2)
    APS1 LIDIPVSNCLNSNISK (1) 572 37 520
    IYVLTQFNSASLNR (2)
    NEGFVEVLAAQQSPENPNWFQ
    GTADAVR (4)
    ETDADITVAALPMDEQR (1)
    VDTTILGLDDQR (1)
    EMPFIASMGIYVVSR (1)
    NQFPGANDFGSEVIPGATSLG
    LR (3)
    VQAYLYDGYWEDIGTIEAFYN
    ANLGITK (1)
    KPVPDFSFYDR (1)
    MLDADVTDSVIGEGCVIK
    (1)
    IINSDNVQEAAR (1)
  • The Mass-spectrometry analysis was performed by the Biological Mass Spectrometry Unit at Weizmann Institute of Science by online reversed-phase nano-liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analyses. Survey scans were recorded in the FT-mode followed by data-dependent collision-induced dissociation of the 7 most intense ions in the linear ion trap. Raw spectra were processed using open-source software DTA SuperCharge. The data were searched with MASCOT (Matrix Science, London, UK) against a Swissprot or NCBI database. Control samples treated with DTT or derived from wild-type plants, allowed for the subtraction of nonspecific background proteins.
  • Trapped intermolecular disulfide protein complexes were incubated overnight at 4° C. in RIPA buffer (1% sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 1% Triton X-100, 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, and 140 mM NaCl) with either anti-HA (Sigma A2095) resin or anti-2-Cys Prx- or anti-APS1-coated protein G beads (Amersham). The proteins were eluted with either reducing or nonreducing 2×sample buffer and separated on SDS-PAGE gels for immunoblots or for MS analysis. Anti-APS1 polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits at GenScript HK Ltd., using a purified peptide (CILGLDDQRAKEMPF). 2-Cys Prx-specific polyclonal antibodies were as in Dangoor, 2009 Plant Physiol. 149:1240-1250, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Mouse monoclonal anti-HA antibodies (SIGMA H9658) were used in protein blot assays.
  • Starch Analysis
  • Starch content of 0.8 g samples of two month-old rosettes was analyzed using the SIGMA starch assay kit (SA20-1KT). Every replicate included ten rosettes.
  • Accession Numbers
  • Sequence data can be found in the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative or GenBank/EMBL databases under the following accession numbers: ACHT4 (AT1G08570), 2-Cys PrxA (At3g11630), and APS1 (AT5G48300).
  • Results
  • Reoxidation of ACHT4 by 2-Cys Prx Shortly after Illumination
  • In order to examine whether other thylakoid-associated members of the ACHT family have similar or unique roles to that of ACHT1, we analyzed the redox state changes of the ACHT4 catalytic site following the onset of growth light (80 to 100 μE*m−2*s−1) after a typical 16 h night period in plants expressing ACHT4 (Dangoor, 2009). The catalytic site of ACHT4 was found to be mostly disulfide-bonded at the end of the night and to undergo rapid reduction within 1 min of exposure to the light (FIG. 1A). As reported for ACHT1, significant oxidation of the ACHT4 catalytic site was observed within 30 min of illumination and counteracted its reductive state. Thereafter, ACHT4 redox state appeared to be in a dynamic quasi-oxidized state. A control experiment demonstrated that the total amount of ACHT4 did not change significantly (FIG. 1A, reduced panel) under the experimental conditions.
  • To investigate the identity of the proteins that ACHT4 exchanges disulfides with in planta, we captured as in (Dangoor, 2012, The Plant Cell 24(5):1894-1906, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) its intermolecular disulfide reaction intermediates. Protein blot analysis of denatured, but not reduced, plant extracts identified three intermolecular disulfide-linked ACHT4-containing protein complexes, verified by their susceptibility to chemical reduction by dithiothreitol (DTT) (FIG. 1B, ACHT4 panel). A comparison to the ACHT1 intermolecular disulfide-linked protein complexes (FIG. 1B, ACHT1 panel) showed that two of the main ACHT4 complexes, with estimated sizes of ˜55 kDa and ˜70 kDa, corresponded to the combined molecular weight of the previously characterized heterodimeric and the heterotrimeric ACHT1 and 2-Cys Prx complexes, respectively (Dangoor, 2012). Interestingly, an additional third intermolecular disulfide ACHT4 complex (marked with asterisk), with a higher molecular weight than that of the ACHT4 2-Cys Prx heterotrimer, and which did not form in ACHT1 extracts, was identified as well.
  • To verify the authenticity of ACHT4-2-Cys Prx intermolecular disulfide complexes, they were pulled down in a reciprocal analysis performed under non-reducing denaturing conditions, with either anti-HA (for ACHT4) or anti-2-Cys Prx sera. Protein blot analysis of denatured and reduced samples identified the 2-Cys Prx in the anti-HA pulled down complexes and ACHT4 in the anti-2-Cys Prx pulled down complexes (FIG. 1C). As expected, mass-spectrometry analysis identified both ACHT4 and 2-Cys Prx in the gel slice containing the heterotrimer complex but not in a corresponding gel slice containing extracts that were separated under reducing conditions (Table 3). We concluded that ACHT4 exchanged disulfides with the 2-Cys Prx in plants, in a similar manner as that reported for ACHT1.
  • APS1 is a Unique Target of ACHT4
  • The comparison of the intermolecular disulfide complexes formed in planta by ACHT4 and ACHT1 uncovered a major disulfide linked complex unique to ACHT4 (FIG. 1B). A mass spectrometry analysis identified APS1 in the gel slice containing the unique complex of ACHT4 but not in a corresponding reduced gel slice (Table 3). To verify these findings, the protein intermolecular disulfide complexes were reciprocally pulled-down under non-reducing denaturing conditions with either anti-HA, for ACHT4, or anti-APS1. Protein blot analyses identified the APS1 in the anti-HA pulled down complexes and ACHT4 in the anti-APS1 pulled down complexes (FIG. 1D), suggesting that APS1 is a target protein of ACHT4. These findings also implied that although ACHT1 and ACHT4 share a similar mode of oxidation by 2-Cys Prx, they differ in at least one major target, suggesting that they may serve to regulate distinctive processes.
  • ACHT4 Participates in the Diurnal Redox Regulation of AGPase
  • The trapping in vivo of APS1-ACHT4 and 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 disulfide exchange reaction intermediates (RIs) opened the possibility of studying the environmental stimuli that influence ACHT4-driven AGPase redox control. First, we analyzed the changes in the 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 and APS1-ACHT4 RIs, and the corresponding changes in the APS1 redox state upon light onset of plants grown under a 8/16 h light/dark regime. Intriguingly, the low APS1-ACHT4 RI level and the high 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 level in the dark contrasted each other (FIG. 2A). Since the 2-Cys Prx RIs were high in the dark also with ACHT1 (Dangoor, 2012), it suggested that the ACHT4 disulfide transfer reaction with APS1 differs from the reducing reaction of either ACHT1 or ACHT4 with 2-Cys Prx (Dangoor, 2009). As the dark is a relatively stable condition, i.e. changes in redox state of reacting proteins are not expected, these finding could conceivably reflect an opposite directionality of the disulfide transfer reaction, ACHT4 to APS1 versus 2-Cys Prx to ACHT4, which could possibly be derived from dissimilar redox midpoint potentials of the proteins. Consequently, the contrasting levels of ACHT4 RIs in the dark would be a result of the levels of its two substrates, high level of oxidized 2-Cys Prx and low level of reduced APS1. Notably, the increase in the level of APS1-ACHT4 RIs upon illumination (FIG. 2A) matched the increase in reduction of APS1 at this time period, further supporting this notion. The APS1-ACHT4 RI level approached steady state level after a 30 min transition period in the light. The 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 RI levels (FIG. 2A) showed a similar pattern to those of 2-Cys Prx-ACHT1 (Dangoor, 2012) also during illumination, a transient decrease, then an increased level, which reached a steady state after the 30 min transition period in the light.
  • The analysis of the concomitant changes in the redox state of APS1 showed that APS1 was resting in the inactive intermolecular disulfide form in the dark (FIG. 2B). In addition, in dark conditions, a monomeric form of APS1 with slightly lower molecular weight (MW) that was converted to the monomeric form with the expected MW during the first 5 min of illumination was observed. The conversion of the faster migrating form to the slower form upon illumination, suggested that the lower MW monomer could be a compacted APS1 form bearing an intramolecular disulfide, the reduction of which creates a stretched molecule in the light. To verify that, we compared the migration of the APS1 monomer purified from dark protein extracts and chemically reduced, with DTT, in vitro, to the monomer purified from light extracts (FIG. 2C). The DTT-reduced monomer derived from dark extracts migrated parallel to the monomer from light extract, whereas the DTT-reduced monomer isolated from light extracts did not alter its migration, indicating that an APS1 intramolecular disulfide indeed participated in the redox control of APS1. Thus, we analyzed the monomeric APS1 via a methodology that exclusively measures the levels of reduced monomer. In this method, the reduced cysteines are first blocked with N-ethyl maleimide (NEM), and the disulfides are then chemically reduced and reacted with methoxypolyethylene glycol-maleimide (mPEG). We found that the level of reduced monomer was barely detectable in the dark, gradually increased during the 30 min transition period and reached a steady state level thereafter (FIG. 2D). In parallel, 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 RI levels, indicative of ACHT4 oxidative signal, were low during the transition period and also reached relatively stable values only thereafter (FIG. 2A), suggesting that the oxidative signal of ACHT4 dynamically counteracted APS1 reduction by Trx-f1, and approached a dynamic equilibrium after 30 min in the light.
  • Both 2-Cys Prx ACHT4 and APS1 RI levels and APS1 redox state after the light was switched off, i.e. the period in which oxidation is expected to turn off AGPase, were inverse to those observed after the onset of light. The 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 RI remained stable during the first 5 min and then increased, suggesting increased oxidation by 2-Cys Prx during that time period (FIG. 2E). Levels of the reduced monomeric APS1 form gradually decreased alongside a concomitant increase in the oxidized, intramolecular disulfide-bearing monomer and intermolecular disulfide-linked dimer (FIG. 2F). At the same time, the level of the APS1 reaction intermediate, which was high at the end of the day, gradually decreased and reached levels similar to those observed before the beginning of the day (FIG. 2E). These results are consistent with an increased oxidation rate of APS1 by ACHT4 during the transition from day to night, resulting in diminishing APS1 activity.
  • ACHT4 Participates in the Regulation of APS1 During Fluctuations in Light Intensity
  • We found that ACHT4 participated in the diurnal regulation of APS1, that has been proposed to influence the day and night cycles of starch synthesis and degradation. The reactions of ACHT4 with APS1 and 2-Cys Prx, as judged by the levels of their disulfide exchange reaction intermediates, seemed to reach balanced levels after a transition period in the light (FIG. 2A), as manifested by APS1 activation levels (FIG. 2B), suggesting that ACHT4 oxidation of APS1 is active and dynamically counteracting its reduction by Trx-f1 during the day. Such activity might be important for the rationing of photosynthates to starch and sugars exported from the chloroplast during the day. Alternatively, as shown in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, such activity may regulate the levels of starch to be used as a transient pool for reduced carbon in a fluctuating light environment. We tested this hypothesis by subjecting the plants to small fluctuations of light intensity during the day. Interestingly, when light intensity was reduced to 10 μE*m−2*s−1 after a 2-hour 50 μE*m−2*s−1 light regime, APS1-ACHT4 RI levels declined within 5 min, and rose again when the light intensity was switched back to 50 μE*m−2*s−1 (FIG. 3A). While 2-Cys Prx-ACHT4 RI levels remained steady upon decreased light intensity, they rapidly declined following the transfer back to the higher light intensity (FIG. 3A). In parallel, a lower ratio of reduced to oxidized APS1 was obtained following the transfer to the lower light and a higher ratio was observed upon increased light intensity (FIG. 3B). These results suggest that, in addition to its diurnal role of ACHT4-driven oxidation of APS1 in the beginning of the night, it may also participate in the dynamic regulation of AGPase activity in response to natural fluctuations in light intensity. Furthermore, the reduction of APS1 upon increased light intensity occurred rapidly in comparison to its oxidation upon decreased light intensity (FIG. 3B), suggesting that AGPase redox regulation might also play a role in stimulating a transient burst of starch synthesis to accommodate an abruptly increased light intensity. The concomitant gradual decrease of both APS1-ACHT4 RIs levels and reduced APS1 upon lowering the light intensity and the abrupt increase in both upon increased intensity further supported the notion that ACHT4 reacted with the reduced APS1.
    • Example 2 Expression of C-Terminal Truncated Form of AtACHT4 Increases Transitory Starch Content in Arabidopsis Leaves and Increases Plant Biomass
  • The C-terminus of ACHT4 is important for its reaction with APS1
  • We then assessed whether the distinct 47-amino acid-long ACHT4 C-terminus (FIG. 4A) is responsible for its in planta differences from ACHT1, by analyzing the 2-Cys Prx and APS1 RIs in plants expressing ACHT4 lacking the C-terminus (ACHT4ΔC). Notably, the ACHT4ΔC form reacted with 2-Cys Prx, and formed the two intermolecular disulfide-linked 2-Cys Prx ACHT4 RIs, but failed altogether to interact with APS1 (FIG. 2B). The preferential reaction of ACHT4ΔC with the 2-Cys Prx and not with APS1 was maintained throughout the transition from night to day (FIG. 4C). Moreover, the profile of the reaction of ACHT4ΔC with 2-Cys Prx during the first 2 hr of illumination was similar to that of ACHT4, indicating that the oxidation of ACHT4ΔC by 2-Cys Prx does not involve the protein's C-terminus and that the C-terminus deletion only affected ACHT4-driven redox control of APS1.
  • Both ACHT4 and ACHT1 are thylakoid-associated proteins. The distinct reaction of ACHT4, and not of ACHT1, with APS1, prompted us to investigate whether the disparity might be due to different thylakoid localization, either the grana, the grana margins, or the stroma lamella. Protein blot analysis showed that ACHT1 was primarily found in both the grana and the stroma lamella domains, whereas ACHT4 was mainly present in the stroma lamella domain and was undetectable in the grana (FIG. 4D), further promoting distinct roles of ACHT4 and ACHT1. The membrane association of ACHT4ΔC was then analyzed to determine whether ACHT4 localization is influenced by its unique C-terminus. Only a small increase in the partitioning of ACHT4ΔC to the grana margins was observed, suggesting that the ACHT4 C-terminus deletion effect on its disulfide exchange reaction with APS1 was direct and not mediated via its thylakoid domain localization.
  • The finding that the deletion of the ACHT4 C-terminus diminished its disulfide exchange reaction with APS1 (FIG. 2B) facilitated studying the effect of ACHT4 on APS1 redox state and on transitory starch content. We first compared the APS1 redox state after two hours in the light, representing steady state conditions in which transitory starch is synthesized, and when light intensity was reduced, conditions in which APS1 is being oxidized (FIG. 3). Consistently with the expected oxidative role of ACHT4 and the dominant negative effect of the C-terminus deletion, plants expressing increased levels of ACHT4 exhibited lower levels of reduced APS1 monomer, and plants expressing ACHT4ΔC contained higher levels of the reduced APS1 monomer, than WT plants (FIG. 5A). Next, in order to determine whether the influence of ACHT4 on the redox state of APS1 impacts starch accumulation, we assayed the starch content of WT ACHT4 and ACHT4ΔC plants at the end of the day (FIG. 5B). In agreement with the changes in the APS1 redox state, plants expressing ACHT4 showed reduced starch levels, whereas plants expressing ACHT4ΔC contained increased starch levels. These results corroborate the notion that disulfides transferred by ACHT4 to APS1 are used in planta to fine-tune APS1 activity by counterbalancing the reduction of APS1 by the reductive type Trxs.
  • Expression of AtACHT4ΔC Also Increases Arabidopsis Biomass by 10%
  • Stimulation of starch synthesis results not only in increased accumulation of transitory starch in Arabidopsis leaves, it also stimulates growth, indicating that OE of AtACHT4ΔC stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth and biomass accumulation.
  • AtACHT4ΔC-OE, AtACHT4-OE and WT lines were grown under long day (18 h/6 h of light/dark cycle at 21° C./18° C.) for 4 weeks. The plants shoot was excised and fresh weight (FW) were recorded. The tissues were dried at 60° C. for 4 days and dry weight (DW) were recorded. The FW of AtACHT4ΔC-OE plants was increased by 10.6% (FIG. 6A) and the DW was increased by 9.1% over those of WT (FIG. 6B), indicating that AtACHT4ΔC stimulates the export of photosynthates from the chloroplast which are then directed toward growth. The FW of AtACHT4 OE plants was decreased by 10.9% (FIG. 6A) and the DW was increased by 11.5% over those of WT (FIG. 6B), confirming that the C-terminus of ACHT4 attenuates growth.
    • Example 3 Expression of C-Terminal Truncated Form of Potato StACHT4-2 and StACHT4-1 Paralogs Increases Correspondingly Potato Tuber Yield and Transitory Starch Content in Leaves
  • Potato Plants
  • Arabidopsis has one paralog of ACHT4 where other crop plants, including potato, maize, rice, barley, wheat, sorghum, castor, bean, rapeseed, cotton, soybean, beat, banana, chili, chickpea, tomato, African oilpalm, Foxtail millet, cassava and the algae Chlamydomonas and Chlorella have one to five paralogs (FIG. 7).
  • Materials and Methods
  • Identification and Over Expression of AtACHT Homologs in Potato
  • We analyzed the potato genome for AtACHT4 homologs. Protein blast (blastP) analysis of AtACHT against the genome database of potato (solgenomics.net) identified two paralogs, StACHT4-1 (XP_006348023.1) and StACHT4-2 (XP_006351368.1). A 69 and 68 amino acid long tail region at the C-terminus of StACHT4-1 and StACHT4-2, correspondingly, were identified. Four constructs of StACHT4-1ΔC and StACHT4-2ΔC, StACHT4-1, and StACHT4-2 were custom synthesized by Hy-Laboratories Ltd., Israel, were subcloned into pART7 vector under control of CaMV35S promoter and OCS terminator. HA (Human influenza hemagglutinin) tag was fused in frame at the C-terminus of each of the protein coding sequences. All four StACHT4::pART7 and StACHT4-2ΔC:: pART7 constructs were digested with NotI and subcloned into pART27 plant expression vector (FIG. 11) and used to transform potato leaf discs (Solanum tuberosum cv. Desiree) using a standard agrobacterium-based transformation protocol. Positive transformants were identified by PCR analysis and protein expression was verified by immunoblot analysis using anti-HA antibody.
  • Results
  • The Over Expression of StACHT4-2ΔC in Potato Plants Nearly Doubles the Tubers Yield in Comparison to WT Plants
  • The StACHT4-2ΔC-OE and WT plants (Solanum tuberosum cv. Desiree) were planted on May 22, 2016 and were grown for 60 days in the green-house. Plants were harvested, tubers were collected, counted and their fresh weight was recorded (FIG. 8). The yield analysis of the StACHT4-2ΔC-OE lines showed 91% increase in the total tuber yield per plant as compared to WT plants. Photographs of representative plants show the increase in biomass accumulation of both shoots and tubers (FIG. 9).
  • StACHT4-1ΔC OE Lines Accumulated Increased Level of Transitory Starch in Leaves
  • To test whether StACHT4-1ΔC OE proteins regulate transitory starch content, young green leaves from 6-weeks old green-house grown plant were collected and analyzed for the starch content by Sigma starch assay kit (Catalog Number SA20) with some modifications. Approximately, 0.25-0.5 g fresh leaves were ground to fine powder using liquid nitrogen and then suspended into 20 ml DMSO and 5 ml of 8M HCl solution. The suspensions were incubated for 30 min at 60° C. and then 50 ml water was added to it. The pH was adjusted between 4 and 5, allowed to cool and volume adjusted till 100 ml. From these samples 400 μl were mixed with same volume of starch assay reagent, incubated for 15 min at 60° C. and then allowed to cool at room temperature. Then 200 μl of starch assay mixture were mixed with same volume of glucose assay reagent, incubated at room temperature for 15 min and then absorbance was recorded at 340 nm. Simultaneously, standard starch powder (provided in kit) at concentration of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg were also used for starch assay and a standard curve was plotted using the absorbance data. The absorbance recorded from the leaves sample of potato transgenic lines were then used to calculate the starch level in leaves using formula obtained from the standard curve. Notably, the StACHT4-1ΔC OE lines accumulated 19% higher starch content relative to WT plants (FIG. 10).
  • OE of the potato paralogs StACHT4-2ΔC and StACHT4-1ΔC relieves growth and starch synthesis attenuation, as was found for OE of Arabidopsis AtACHT4ΔC. However, in potato, each of the two potato paralogs has a unique function. OE expression of StACHT4-2ΔC stimulated the allocation of photosynthates towards growth and near doubles tuber yield and plants shoot growth (FIGS. 8-9), whereas OE expression of StACHT4-1ΔC stimulated transitory starch (FIG. 10). Importantly, OE of the full length protein of either StACHT4-2 (FIG. 8) or StACHT4-1 (FIG. 10) did not result in the stimulating effect, again demonstrating that the expressed C-terminus truncated form of ACHT4 has a negative dominant effect, in StACHT4-2ΔC or StACHT4-1-ΔC, as well as in AtACHT4ΔC.
  • It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
  • It is the intent of the Applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. A recombinant polynucleotide encoding an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) protein, wherein the C-terminal portion of said ACHT4 protein comprises an inactivating mutation.
2. A composition comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1.
3. An expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1.
4. The expression vector of claim 3 further comprising a constitutive, inducible, or tissue-specific promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide.
5. A composition comprising the expression vector of claim 4.
6. A cell comprising the expression vector of claim 4.
7. A composition comprising the cell of claim 6.
8. A seed comprising the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1.
9. A plant, or plant part, comprising the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1.
10. The plant or plant part of claim 9, wherein said plant is an Arabidopsis plant.
11. The plant or plant part of claim 9, wherein said plant is a moss.
12. A biofuel comprising the plant or plant part of claim 9.
13. An alga comprising a C-terminal inactivated form of an atypical CYS HIS rich thioredoxin 4 (ACHT4) gene.
14. A biofuel comprising the algae of claim 13.
15. A polypeptide encoded by the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1.
16. A method of increasing the yield of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1, thereby increasing the yield of said plant or algae.
17. A method of increasing the productivity of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1, thereby increasing the productivity of said plant or algae.
18. A method of increasing the biomass of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1, thereby increasing the biomass of said plant or algae.
19. A method of stimulating the growth of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1, thereby stimulating the growth of said plant or algae.
20. A method of enhancing the starch content of a plant or algae comprising contacting a cell from said plant or algae with the recombinant polynucleotide of claim 1, thereby enhancing the starch content of said plant or algae.
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