A New Variant of CRISPR-Cas9 Could Enable Mutation on Nearly Any Plant Genomic Sequence
January 27, 2021 |
Researchers from the University of Maryland (UMD) introduced in Nature Plants a new variant of gene editing tool of CRISPR-Cas9 named SpRY. SpRY removes the barriers of what can be and cannot be targeted for gene editing, making almost any genomic sequence in plants for potential mutation.
CRISPR-Cas9 targets a specific short sequence known as protospacer adjacent motifs (PAM). CRISPR-Cas9 uses PAM to identify where to make cuts in the DNA. Since SpRY breaks these PAM restriction barriers, the researchers can now edit anywhere within the favorable genes. SpRY simplifies genome engineering by enabling DNA editing in a "PAM-less" fashion.
This breakthrough will have a major impact on translational research and crop breeding. The new variant of CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be used on different kinds of crops that will help alleviate food security, nutrition, and safety by speeding up crop evolution and agricultural revolution.
For more details. read the article in Nature Plants.
|
You might also like:
- ARGOS8 Variants Generated via CRISPR-Cas9 Improve Maize Grain Yield
- Japanese Researchers Establish New Cas9 Variant
- University of Ljubljana Discusses New Variants of CRISPR Genome Editing Enzymes
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
- Agri Ministers Outline Strategies to Feed the World in Times of Pandemics and Climate Change
- MIT Researchers Grow Wood-like Cells in Lab to Streamline Bio-materials Production
- USDA APHIS Deregulates Genetically Engineered Orange Petunias
- Factors Affecting Chinese Social Media Users' Emotions on GM Food Safety Documented
- China Approves Import of Two GM Corn Varieties
- EFSA Publishes Scientific Opinion on Six-Event Stack Maize
- European Commission Authorizes Eight GM Crops for Food and Feed
-
Research Highlights
- Triploid, Hexaploid Paintbrush Lilies Developed Simultaneously Using Endosperm Culture
- Salt Tolerant Red Gum Tree Does Not Harm Biodiversity
-
Plant
- A New Variant of CRISPR-Cas9 Could Enable Mutation on Nearly Any Plant Genomic Sequence
- Researchers Report a Simple and Efficient TALE Using Twin Primer Assembly
-
Health
- Testing of COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ongoing
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (November 6, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (October 30, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet