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Information System for Agriculture and Food Research

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Novel light-inducible genome editing technology for food crops (getLIGHT)

Project


Project code: 031B0546
Contract period: 01.06.2018 - 31.05.2020
Budget: 499,909 Euro
Purpose of research: Basic research

Genomeediting has accelerated the development of new crop traits, but the future commercial application of available GE methods is limited by concerns related to accuracy, freedom to operate and regulatory uncertainty. Using an innovative, cost-effective, protein/nuclease-free approach based on fluorescent nanopolymers, the getLight project aims to develop an accurate, light-inducible genome editing technology with strong disruptive potential. In the getLight project, we will explore the unique ability of nanopolymers to transduce incident light at specific excitation wavelengths into quantum resonance effects while bound to a specific DNA target, causing the introduction of single or double strand DNA breaks. Optimal conditions for the activation of nanopolymers with light will be identified. The feasibility of nanopolymer-based light-induced genome editing tool for the improvement of genetic traits in crops will be demonstrated by knocking out the phytoene desaturase gene in Nicotiana benthamiana as a model dicot system and corn (Zea mays) as a monocot crop relevant to German and European agriculture. The GE technology proposed in the getLight project is a highly innovative and efficient protein-free approach with a low risk of off-target effects and a high degree of freedom to operate. This new technology has significant potential not only in plant breeding, but also for editing the genomes of microbes and mammalian cells for gene therapy.

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