
KIT Professor Uses CRISPR to Combine Genes in Crops
August 16, 2023 |
Molecular biologist Professor Holger Puchta from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is using CRISPR-Cas gene editing method to freely combine genes in crops, a dream come true for the founder of genetics, Gregor Mendel. Professor Puchta's work will also help agricultural crops to better adapt to global warming.
Professor Puchta and his team at KIT's Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter Institut of Plant Sciences (JKIP), were the first to demonstrate that not only single genes but entire chromosomes can be modified this way using molecular scissors. To establish technologies for the specific restructuring of plant genomes, Professor Puchta received funding from the Reinhart Koselleck Project by DFG. The project aims to freely combine genes in crops and to make Gregor Mendel's dream come true.
Professor Puchta explains that molecular scissors can modify plants so they can better cope with the heat brought by global warming. He added that the method can also make plants more resistant to diseases and pests, reducing the need for pesticides. By modifying the arrangement of genes on chromosomes, molecular scissors can freely combine plant traits. “In this way, crops can inherit several desired properties in combination, such as heat and salt resistance,” Professor Puchta explains.
For more details, read the press release from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
|
You might also like:
- New Plant Breeding Techniques: CRISPR/Cas9 System
- Pocket K No. 54: Plant Breeding Innovation: CRISPR-Cas9
- How CRISPR Helps Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change
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:
-
Gene Editing Supplement (August 16, 2023)
-
Research and Tools
- Virus-based Vector Delivers Efficient Protein Expression and Gene Editing in Cassava
- Researchers to Collaborate in Developing Smart Breeding Methods for More Resilient Crops
- CRISPR Helps Researchers Identify Peptides for Pollen Tube Growth in Rice
- KIT Professor Uses CRISPR to Combine Genes in Crops
- CRISPR Mustard Produces Oil with Low Pungency
- Heat-shock Inducible Genome Editing System with Natural Promoter Knockouts Gene in Plants
- Better Catfish with More Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Faster Growth
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (February 5, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet