Gene Editing Supplement

Researchers from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research have discovered that a specific gene in rice, called CKX2, acts like a "brake" on grain production by breaking down growth hormones. To help the popular Indian rice variety Samba Mahsuri produce more yield, researchers found a way to fine-tune the CKX2 gene. The results are published as a preprint in BioRxiv.

Gene Editing Produces Transgene-Free Potato with Reduced Postharvest Browning

Researchers in Chile have successfully used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique to reduce enzymatic browning in potatoes, a common postharvest problem that diminishes quality, shelf life, and consumer appeal. The research team targeted the StPPO genes in elite tetraploid cultivar ‘Yagana-INIA' to improve the potato's appearance and marketability.

Berkeley Lab Researchers Develop "Speed Scanner" to Map Thousands of Plant Gene Switches

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a breakthrough "high-speed scanner" designed to test thousands of plant gene switches simultaneously. This innovative platform, known as a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA), allows scientists to quickly identify the specific DNA sequences that control how and when genes are turned on or off, significantly accelerating our understanding of plant biology.

CRISPR Rice Exhibits Improved Photosynthesis Under Drought Stress

Plants have natural survival mechanisms that sometimes work against them during extreme weather conditions. Within a plant's cells, there are membrane lipids that act as messengers. When a plant experiences stress such as drought, an enzyme called Phospholipase D (PLD) breaks the membrane lipids down to send signals. However, in rice plants, one specific version of this enzyme, known as OsPLDβ1, can actually make the plant more vulnerable to damage.

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.

DONATE