Novel insecticidal protein from tectaria macrodonta for crop protection
A novel plant-derived insecticidal protein isolated from the fern Tectaria macrodonta, offering a potential alternative to Bt-based transgenic crops. The 216-amino-acid protein (NBRI12) targets insect pests and could be engineered into crop plants to reduce yield losses and strengthen food security.
Overview
Global food security is increasingly threatened by insect pests that reduce crop yields. While transgenic crops expressing Bt δ-endotoxins have successfully controlled major Lepidoptera and Coleoptera pests in corn and cotton, the emergence of resistance and limited pest spectra highlight the need for new insecticidal molecules. This research identifies and characterizes a novel insecticidal protein from the fern Tectaria macrodonta, offering a complementary or alternative approach to existing crop protection strategies.
The protein demonstrates insecticidal activity when incorporated into artificial insect diets and loses its function upon heat denaturation or proteinase K digestion, confirming its proteinaceous nature. It has been linked to chitinase-related defense functions, suggesting a mode of action distinct from conventional Bt toxins.
Technical specifications
Discovery and characterization:
- Total soluble protein (TSP) extracted from numerous plant species and screened against multiple insect species using diet-incorporation bioassays
- TSP isolates from several fern species showed variable toxicity against test insects
- Tectaria macrodonta leaf TSP selected based on confirmed protein-mediated activity (heat-labile and protease-sensitive)
- Transcriptome sequencing performed on a 454 GS FLX pyrosequencer to identify the gene, overcoming primer degeneracy issues
- Full-length gene (809 bp including poly-A tail) obtained via RACE; contains 33 bp 5' UTR and 125 bp 3' UTR
- Open reading frame of 651 bp encoding a 216-amino-acid polypeptide designated NBRI12
- Signal peptide of 24 amino acids predicted by SignalP 4.0 server, indicating potential extracellular targeting
Planned validation:
- Peptide mass fingerprinting and MS/MS analysis to confirm protein identity
- N-terminal sequencing of the purified protein to verify signal peptide cleavage
- MALDI-TOF-TOF molecular weight determination
- BlastP analysis at NCBI to assess sequence novelty and potential classification as a chitinase-family protein
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early discovery-to-validation stage (approximately TRL 2–3). The insecticidal activity has been confirmed through bioassays, and the gene has been cloned and sequenced. Further characterization through mass spectrometry, N-terminal sequencing, and functional validation against target pests is planned. Expression in transgenic crop plants and field-level efficacy testing remain to be conducted before commercial readiness. The organization has a dedicated technology transfer office with experience in IP management, licensing, and commercialization to support further development.
About International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is an intergovernmental, non-profit research and training organization operating laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi, and Cape Town. Its campuses provide co-located labs and shared core facilities that enable collaborative R&D, while training and fellowship programs create sustained talent pipelines for partners. Proximity to innovation parks and leading universities at each site, plus biosafety and policy advisory services, helps industry navigate translation and regulatory contexts across regions. Research is supported by member-state contributions and competitive grants from national and international agencies. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and commercialization across sites.
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