Precision BioSciences, Inc., and DuPont Pioneer today announced that The
Plant Journal has published an article detailing collaborative
cutting-edge research to generate male-sterile corn plants. Researchers
at Pioneer used Precision’s advanced genome engineering technology,
called DNE, to “knockout” or disable the function of the ms26
gene in corn. Knocking out this gene has enabled Pioneer to produce corn
plants that are male-sterile, a powerful tool for hybrid seed production.
The article further details how the Precision and Pioneer research teams
were able to optimize a DNE gene-editing tool to maximize its efficiency
in corn. This optimization process, which involves modulating the
DNA-cutting activity of a gene-editing enzyme, can only be performed
with Precision’s proprietary DNE technology. The optimization step was
found to be critical for high-efficiency gene-editing activity in corn.
“We are thrilled with the results published by The Plant Journal,”
said Jeff Smith, Precision BioSciences’ Chief Science Officer and one of
the study’s authors. “This is a clear demonstration of why DNE’s unique
combination of high-targeting flexibility, site-specificity, and
activity modulation is so critical for the production of high-value
products.”
The collaboration to develop DNE technology for agricultural
applications began in 2008 and has already delivered actionable results.
The work described in this publication enables the creation of genetic
male sterile plants similar to those used in the Pioneer proprietary
Seed Production Technology (SPT) process. This work paves the way to
extend SPT process to additional crops and genes. The SPT process is an
innovative technology developed to increase the quality, productivity
and efficiency of hybrid seed production. Pioneer has implemented the
process in its hybrid seed corn production fields, and is working toward
its deployment in other crops, such as rice.
“Our collaboration with Precision Biosciences is a great example of two
leading technology experts coming together to deliver new value to the
agricultural industry,” said Michael Lassner, DuPont Pioneer Vice
President of Trait Discovery and Technology. “This is the first of many
applications we are exploring for the optimized DNE technology.”
About Precision BioSciences
Precision BioSciences’ mission is to continually provide, improve, and
enable the world’s most powerful genome engineering technology.
Precision’s proprietary Directed Nuclease EditorTM
(DNE) technology enables the production of genome editing enzymes that
can insert, remove, modify, and regulate essentially any gene in
mammalian or plant cells.
Precision BioSciences’ vision is to be the conduit through which the
world’s greatest genome engineering challenges are solved. Precision has
successfully utilized its DNE technology to create innovative products
in partnerships with many of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical and
agbiotech firms. Internally, Precision is developing DNE-based products
for biologics manufacturing and human therapeutics. For additional
information, please visit www.precisionbiosciences.com.
About DuPont Pioneer
DuPont
Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced
plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90
countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help
increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop
sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with
Service Delivering Success®.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE:DD)
has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global
marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials and services
since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers,
governments, NGOs and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to
such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people
everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life
and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its
commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2013