Biotech Updates

A Genetic Device to Degrade Targeted DNA in GMO Developed

May 27, 2015

Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers, Brian J. Caliando and Christopher A. Voigt developed a genetically encoded device based on the CRISPR system, the DNAi, that has the ability to respond to transcriptional input and degrades specific DNA. This enables engineered regions to be concealed when the cell enters a new environment.

In the CRISPR system, rapid degradation of engineered DNA or rapid cell death will occur once it recognizes a targeted DNA plasmid or targeted genome. This idea of recognition and degradation has been applied to DNAi to enable the GMOs to hide or degrade its engineered DNA.

This will help in preventing the release of GM DNA segments into the environment.

Read the full details of their study at Nature Communications.