Starch-Targeting Technology: StarTec

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

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.

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