Gene Editing Used to Increase Protein in Staple Crops to Alleviate Global Protein Shortage

Research conducted by Mississippi State University associate professor Ling Li offers a potential solution to combat global protein deficiency, a condition affecting millions, particularly children, contributing to cognitive impairments, stunted growth, and susceptibility to diseases like Kwashiorkor, a severe form of malnutrition caused primarily by a deficiency in dietary protein.

Li's research—which includes more than 10 years of fieldwork and field data to support her findings—focuses on optimizing the genetic expression of rice and soybean plants, resulting in increased protein levels and reduced carbohydrate content. Her research approach uses gene editing to remove repressor elements from noncoding DNA sequences, unlocking the potential for higher protein production in crops. This strategy not only offers improved nutritional value but also promotes more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the reliance on animal-derived proteins.

Li's findings provide a promising blueprint for enhancing crop productivity and nutritional quality through precise genome editing, with far-reaching implications for global food security and environmental sustainability.

For more details, read the article on the Mississippi State University website.