Woongjin Bio Registers Patent for Method of Producing Insect Growth Hormone Transgenic Plants
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Woojeong Bio announced on the 28th that it has registered a patent for a method of producing transgenic plants with enhanced 20-hydroxyecdysone (hereafter ‘20E’) content using insect-derived genes, jointly developed with Jeju National University, as well as the plants produced by this method.
This patent is a technology that strengthens insect resistance by simultaneously introducing 5 to 6 genes related to the biosynthesis of 20E, an insect growth hormone that regulates molting, into plant cells, thereby inducing the plants to biosynthesize 20E on their own.
Most of the currently cultivated crops cannot biosynthesize 20E by themselves. By recombining the genes involved in the 20E biosynthesis pathway, protein expression is induced by the genes, resulting in plant defense mechanisms such as feeding inhibition, repellence, and insecticidal effects against insects.
This patent is related to the insect growth hormone, and it is impossible for insects to develop resistance to it. Therefore, it is expected to become a foundational technology providing solutions for pest control. Additionally, this production method has been filed for patent overseas as a GMO genetically modified crop.
Professor Ryu Gijung of Jeju National University, co-developer of the patent, stated, “It is possible to develop crops with increased insect resistance using insect-derived 20-hydroxyecdysone biosynthesis-related genes,” adding, “20E exhibits insecticidal activity against a wide range of pests and is already well known as a safe substance for humans, so it can greatly contribute to environmental conservation.”
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Cheon Byeongnyeon, CEO of Woojeong Bio, said, “Through the patent for ‘A method of producing transgenic plants with enhanced 20-hydroxyecdysone content using plant-derived CYP85 genes,’ registered in June 2015, we have secured plant production technology that can provide pest control technology,” and added, “We are currently proceeding with patent entry in the United States in response to market needs for approving new GMO crops related to novel disease and pest resistance.”
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