Gene-editing technology means faster innovation and precise focus

Date:03-08-2017

The perfect seed doesn’t exist—but can it? Breeders have tried without success for decades to perfectly combine yield, disease tolerance and weather hardiness to hit the Holy Grail. Now scientists say gene editing could mean faster advancements and more precise focus on issues that plague crops.

Speeds Up Progress. “This new technology allows us to discover, develop, deploy and commercialize traits with more precision and predictability,” says Steve Webb,

Dow AgroSciences external technology and intellectual property portfolio development leader. “We see gene editing as rounding out the toolbox.”

Dow’s new gene-editing tool called EXZACT, co-developed by Sangamo Technologies, uses protein-based gene recognition. It promises faster, more accurate gene changes with less “collateral damage” than found in traditional breeding. Monsanto recently entered an agreement with Dow for access to the technology. “EXZACT is specific and recognizes larger gene sequences,” Webb adds.

Another tool, CRISPR-Cas9, uses nucleotide technology to provide highly specific gene alterations.

“CRISPR-Cas9 uses guide RNA to go inside cells and target a specific area in the genome,” says Paul
Dabrowski, Synthego CEO. Synthego provides various gene-editing solutions, with CRISPR-Cas9 among the most popular. CRISPR-Cas9 allows breeders to change the genome down to a single gene they can delete, move, alter or replace.

Straight Line To Success. The advantage these breeding methods provide is precision. When scientists cross two plants in traditional breeding, they end up exchanging both desirable and undesirable traits. Because breeders are relying on nature, it’s not guaranteed the offspring will display the desired trait.

“Before CRISPR, you might expect 1% to 5% of cells you’re modifying to be done correctly,” Dabrowski says. “With CRISPR and our products, we’ve brought it up to 80% to 90%.”

This lack of precision is why traditional breeding will likely become a thing of the past. Breeders need to test products over and over to make sure a specific trait shows up. Then they have to make more crosses to get rid of “collateral damage” caused by the first cross. After that, they perform more tests to make sure every undesired trait is out. In total, the traditional breeding process takes years and is expensive.

Some gene-edited products have been announced for agriculture. For example, DuPont Pioneer partnered with Caribou Biosciences to use CRISPR-Cas9. In spring 2016, the company announced their first product using this technology will involve waxy corn with a goal of lessening the yield gap between waxy and field corn. The new product is expected to be available in the next five years.

In animal health applications, Caribou Biosciences and UK-based Genus plc are working to create a line of pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv), which is currently untreatable. The company plans to use CRISPR-Cas9 in porcine and bovine breeding too.

Gene-edited technology can also be found in the produce aisle. For example, white button mushrooms were altered so they don’t turn brown as quickly. Researchers simply “turned off” an enzyme that causes browning in the fungus. USDA approved this in 2016, and it is not considered a GMO.

Label Matters. While researchers are physically changing the DNA of some organisms, not all products created with this technology will be considered genetically modified.

“USDA has been consistent,” Webb says. “Even in Europe, they agree the ‘delete’ or loss of function should not be regulated as GMO. Adding a new gene, like transgene, would be considered a GMO.”