Gene Editing Increases Beneficial Compounds in Petunia and Lettuce

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have enhanced the production of valuable plant compounds in petunia and lettuce by modifying a key metabolic gene using CRISPR. The study focused on HMGR, an enzyme that controls the production of terpenoids, important for plant growth, aroma, nutrition, and medicine.

The researchers aimed to improve the limited terpenoid production by editing the gene's regulatory region in petunia and lettuce. The edited petunias showed stronger growth, larger flowers, and higher levels of sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoid volatiles. In lettuce, the edited plants also demonstrated higher levels of sesquiterpenes, apocarotenoids, and the phenylpropanoid benzaldehyde.

Overall, the findings demonstrate that targeted modification of HMGR can enhance the biosynthesis of aroma-related and potentially beneficial compounds without introducing foreign DNA. The study provides a promising framework for developing transgene-free, nutrient-enriched crops through gene editing.

For more information, read the study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.