Gene Editing Supplement

A recent study has identified a tiny zinc-finger protein, named SlKNU, that acts as the master regulator of tomato fruit size. This protein functions as a molecular "brake," directly shutting down key stem cell genes to terminate floral meristem growth at the precise moment that determines the fruit's final dimensions.

Prime Editing in Rice Leads to Broad-spectrum Bacterial Blight Resistance

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences reported the successful use of a prime editing system to confer a broad-spectrum resistance to bacterial blight in rice. The findings are published in an open-access report in New Plant Protection.

Rice-specific miRNA Boosts Rice Blast Resistance

The natural defenses of plants rely on tiny molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs), and scientists are still finding new ones that help plants fight off diseases. In a study published in The Plant Journal, Sichuan Agricultural University researchers discovered a crucial player in the defense of rice plants against a devastating fungus called rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae). This new helper is a small molecule we named miR24584. When rice plants were naturally resistant to the fungus, they produced a lot of this molecule. However, susceptible plants produced very little. When we genetically modified rice to produce extra miR24584, the plants became highly resistant to different strains of the fungus, confirming its role as a powerful defender.

Researchers Use CRISPR to Identify Tobacco Gene Regulating Leaf Senescence

Experts from Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and China Tobacco Guangxi Industry Co. Ltd. discovered that a gene called NtBAG5 plays a crucial role in promoting leaf senescence (leaf aging) in tobacco plants. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, the team found that disabling this gene delayed leaf yellowing and improved antioxidant activity.

Research and Tools

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.

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