New Gene Editing Method Reduces Costs and Accelerates Development of Desired Varieties

Developing new varieties of crops like corn, tomatoes, or soybeans traditionally involves a lengthy and expensive process. Breeders must carefully combine genetics to create plants that are resilient, high-yielding, and flavorful. However, a new technology, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, aims to streamline and reduce the cost of this process by leveraging naturally occurring transposable elements, or "jumping genes," in the plant genome.

Jumping genes are DNA sequences capable of moving within a genome, a feature honed by billions of years of evolution. This natural ability to rearrange genetic material is now being harnessed through a tool called transposase-assisted target-site integration (TATSI). Developed by scientists at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the University of South Carolina Aiken, TATSI acts as a "cut-and-paste" system for plant genomes.

This innovative method utilizes the CRISPR/Cas gene editing system to precisely cut the genome and employs the inherent "glue" of transposable elements to insert desired genetic material. This approach allows for more effective integration of custom DNA, potentially enhancing traits such as pathogen resistance, nutritional content, and oil quality in crops.

SOURCE: https://new.nsf.gov/news/jumping-jumping-gene-bandwagon-speed-plant 

CREDITS: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION