Award details

Starch-Targeting Technology: StarTec

Reference	BBS/E/J/000CA335
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Kay Trafford
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	17,483
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	17/03/2008
End date	16/03/2009
Duration	12 months

Abstract

Our BBSRC-funded work has revealed a novel starch-targeting sequence by which proteins are targeted to starch granules. Preliminary work suggests that such sequences can be used to target heterologous proteins to starch and that these proteins retain their activity when embedded in granules. This provides an opportunity to develop a commercially-viable expression system for valuable proteins in plants that has the following potential benefits. Proteins in starch are easily purified, can be stored dry, have exceptional shelflife and increased heat-stability. The method is suitable for any protein that is active without glycosylation. To develop the technology commercially, we need to 1) optimize the starch-targeting sequence and 2) document the levels of expression in different plants/organs and the storage/stability advantages. We believe this project will provide sufficient exemplification for patent allowance. Improvements over previous patents include the use of smaller more manageable vectors, increased quantities of payload protein in starch and less disruption of granule structure.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Engineering & Biological Systems (EBS)
Research Topics	Crop Science, Industrial Biotechnology, Plant Science, Technology and Methods Development
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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