Researchers from Seoul National University used CRISPR-Cas9 to produce tomatoes with higher levels of Provitamin D3. This study has the potential to alleviate vitamin D deficiencies worldwide.

Provitamin D3 (ProVitD3) protects human skin against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and is a precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D3, which is an essential human steroid hormone. According to studies, circulatory vitamin D3 in humans is at lower than desirable levels.

The SNU team aimed to address Vitamin D deficiency by using CRISPR-Cas9 to instigate loss-of-function mutations in the SIDWF5A gene, one of the two DWARF5 genes. The results showed that the accumulated provitamin D3 levels in the gene-edited tomatoes have a maximum dry weight (DW) of 6 μg/g. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is about 20 μg (800 IU). Thus, ingesting a single ripe fresh tomato that weighs 150 g (about 15 g DW) will provide the required amount of vitamin D daily.

For more information, read the research article on GEN Biotechnology.