Scientists Use CRISPR to Modify Promoters and Boost Crop Yields
December 20, 2017| |
Daniel Rodríguez-Leal, a 2016 Pew Latin American fellow, and Zachary Lippman of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory used CRISPR genome-editing technology to modify the sequences within the promoter of genes that are important to tomato yield. The study could provide a catalog of beneficial plant variants that growers could use to easily choose the best growth traits and adjust them during future growing seasons.
Through minimal modifications in the promoters, the researchers rapidly generated several versions that are vital in the overall production of tomatoes, including plant architecture and shape as well as fruit size. Through the use of CRISPR to modify the promoters instead of the genes, they were able to fine-tune the output of yield genes. For instance, the researchers observed how overall yield changed as a result of changing the number of floral organs and locules (the gelatinous seed cavities within the tomato), which can determine just how big the fruit will grow.
Read the media release from The Pew Charitable Trusts for more information.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- JGI and UNC Develop Functional Genomics Database for Plant Microbiome Studies
- USDA FAS-GAIN Reports Agri-biotech Updates in Mozambique
- Researchers Trace Potato's Origins, Its Untapped Potential
- Large Scale Trials Reveal Secrets to Adaptation of Modern Corn Hybrids
- Society of Toxicology: No Verifiable Evidence of Potential for Adverse Health Effects of GE Crops
- Temple University Study Did Not Conclude Link Between Canola Oil Consumption and Alzheimer's
- CSIRO Scientists Develop New Type of Wheat with Ten Times More Fiber
- Study Reveals New Insight into "Immortal" Plant Cells
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Report New Signaling Pathway for Chilling Tolerance in Rice
- Aquaporin Gene Increases Fruit Size and Enhances Drought Tolerance in Tomato
- Overexpression of AtEDT1 Gene Confers Drought Tolerance in Alfalfa
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Engineers Create Plants that Glow
-
Resources
- Biotech Country Facts and Trends (Industrial Countries)
-
Plant
- Knock-out of OsAnn3 Decreases Cold Tolerance in Rice
- Scientists Use CRISPR to Modify Promoters and Boost Crop Yields
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (October 2, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (September 26, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet