Biotech Updates

Efficient targeted DNA editing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using CRISPR-Cpf1

December 20, 2017
http://www.pnas.org/content/114/51/13567.abstract

A new research claims that the innovative gene editing technique could improve algae and produce large quantities of renewable fuels. Developed by scientists at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, CRISPR-Cpf1 could lead to cheap ways of producing fuels, medicine, and products to be used in several industries.

Using CRISPR, scientists can add new genes to algae or modify existing ones. Previously, CRISPR was not completely applicable to algae. However, the researchers overcame this obstacle by codelivery of CRISPR-Cpf1 ribonucleoproteins with single-stranded DNA repair template, resulting in precise and targeted DNA replacement in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The technique could be used to increase crop yields, improve disease resistance or enable plants to survive in harsher climates.