Biotech Updates

Rosetta Genomics Launches Plant Biotech Initiative

October 31, 2008

Israel-based Rosetta Genomics Ltd. announced that it will enter the field of plant biotechnology with the launch of its Rosetta Green initiative. In a press release, the company said that Rosetta Green will leverage the extensive knowledge gained at Rosetta Genomics in microRNAs to develop a wide range of plant-based applications. MicroRNAs are short, naturally occurring molecules established as key regulators of protein expression. The company has secured US $1.5 million in funding from undisclosed private investors for the project.

"MicroRNAs hold significant potential for the plant biotechnology industry," noted Dr. Rudy Maor, Head of Research and Development at Rosetta Green. "Stemming from their role as master regulators of gene expression, microRNAs are believed to play a critical role in each major step in plant and algal development and may therefore affect biotech-related traits such as oil and starch content, stress-tolerance, growth rate, yield, and more."

The press release is available at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=203066&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1217529&highlight