Chemogenomics approach to enhance ABA biosynthesis for improved plant drought resistance
A chemogenomics platform leveraging small molecules and targeted mutagenesis to increase abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis in plants. Validated in rice under mild drought stress with improved stomatal conductance, spikelet fertility, and yield, the approach is adaptable to multiple plant species for enhanced environmental stress resilience.
Overview
This solution offers a chemogenomics-based approach to increase abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis in plants, improving their resilience to environmental stress such as drought. ABA is a key sesquiterpenoid hormone that coordinates plant growth and development with environmental responses. By manipulating ABA levels through small-molecule control of key biosynthetic proteins and targeted mutagenesis of ABA receptors, the technology enables plants to better tolerate drought conditions. The approach has been validated in rice, demonstrating improved stomatal conductance, spikelet fertility, and yield under mild drought stress, and is designed to be replicable across other plant species.
Technical specifications
Key capabilities and features:
- Small-molecule chemogenomics tools to regulate the expression of ABA biosynthetic proteins and modulate plant growth and yield
- Use of indolyl-ethyl amine and serotonin small molecules shown to improve yield under mild drought conditions in rice
- Induced mutagenesis in ABA receptors, including PYL11, to enhance downstream interaction with PP2C and improve stress response signaling
- Bioinformatics and computational biology support for chemogenomics analysis and protein interaction studies
- Adaptability across plant species, extending validated rice findings to other crops
- Computational infrastructure and research expertise to support collaborative teams working on plant resilience projects
Technology readiness level
The chemogenomics approach has been experimentally validated in rice (Oryza sativa), with treated plants showing measurable improvements in stomatal conductance, spikelet fertility, and yield under mild drought stress compared to untreated controls. Mutagenesis studies on ABA receptor interactions have also been completed. Future validation efforts aim to extend the approach to achieve resiliency under extreme drought conditions across additional plant species. The technology is positioned for collaborative research and pilot-scale application in plant stress resistance programs.
About R.V. College of Engineering
RV College of Engineering (RVCE) is an autonomous, self‑financing engineering institution in Bengaluru, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University and accredited NAAC A+. It connects to industry through an active Industry Institute Interaction Cell, 150+ MoUs, and co‑located, industry‑sponsored labs and Centers of Excellence that enable joint training, prototyping, and upskilling on campus. Proximity to Bengaluru’s technology cluster supports internships, capstone co‑supervision, and consultancy engagements throughout the year. Research here is supported by competitive national programs and industry, including DRDO/NRB, AICTE, and ISRO collaborations. An IP Coordination Cell, together with incubation resources and a student‑run Entrepreneurship Development Cell, assists with patenting, licensing, and venture formation.
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