GORK

Tech ID: 20.665 & 23.700

Key Features

• Super-synchronised stomatal control approachable by gene editing
• Enhanced photosynthesis and growth while preserving water status (2xWUE)

Description

Stomata allow CO₂ uptake for photosynthetic carbon assimilation but often at the expense of water loss via transpiration. Stomatal opening occurs in response to changes in atmospheric CO₂ concentration, ambient light, atmospheric relative humidity and ABA. Approaches to enhance water-use efficiency in plants generally come up against this inherent trade-off between carbon assimilation and water use. Prof Mike Blatt and colleagues at the University of Glasgow have devised a gene-editable approach that accelerates the kinetics of stomatal opening and closure, thus promoting a rapid transition to carbon assimilation under high-light light intensities, while maintaining plant water status when carbon demand is low.

For further detailed information please download the non-confidential summary pdf.

Patents

20.665
Published: WO/2023/152164

References

Horaruang W et al (2022).  Engineering a K⁺ channel ‘sensory antenna’ enhances stomatal kinetics, water use efficiency and photosynthesis.  Nat. Plants.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01255-2