Blueprint for blueberry: decoding the genetic pathways of plant regrowth

A pivotal study has shed light on the genetic factors that govern the ability of highbush blueberries to regenerate from shoots, a critical process for plant breeding and genetic engineering. By comparing the transcriptomes of two genotypes with contrasting regeneration rates, researchers identified key auxin-related genes and transcription factors crucial to this process.

Oral Probiotic Delivers Colitis Treatment Directly to Gut in Multiple Animal Models

Article title: Oral administration of CXCL12-expressing Limosilactobacillus reuteri improves colitis by local immunomodulatory actions in preclinical models Authors: Emelie Öhnstedt, Cristian Doñas, Kristel Parv, Yanhong Pang, Hava Lofton Tomenius, Macarena Carrasco López, Venkata Ram Gannavarapu, Jacqueline Choi, Maria Ovezik, Peter Frank, Margareth…

From kale to carotenoid powerhouse: a breakthrough in plant nutrition

A recent study has identified a crucial regulatory mechanism in Chinese kale, potentially revolutionizing its nutritional profile. By manipulating the BoaBZR1.1 transcription factor, researchers significantly enhanced carotenoid levels, crucial antioxidants for human health. This advancement opens pathways for improving vegetable nutrition through genetic engineering.

From plant to pharma: decoding the synthesis of BaiJi’s potent polysaccharides

A pioneering study has shed light on the biosynthesis of glucomannan in Bletilla striata, a plant known as BaiJi with profound medicinal properties. The research meticulously maps the conversion process from sucrose to bioactive glucomannan polysaccharides, pinpointing key genes that orchestrate this transformation.

Battling anthracnose: unearthing the plant’s arsenal against pathogenic fungi

A pivotal study has shed light on the intricate mechanisms of nonhost resistance (NHR) in plants, a critical defense against a broad spectrum of pathogens. By identifying and characterizing four novel core effectors from the pathogen Colletotrichum fructicola, researchers have unveiled key players in the plant Nicotiana benthamiana’s immune response.

Unlocking the grape’s secret scent: key gene modulates terpene aroma

A study explores the ethylene-responsive gene VviERF003’s influence on glycosylated monoterpenoid synthesis in grapes, which are pivotal for the fruity and floral notes in wines. Understanding this genetic regulation provides insights into how wine aroma can be influenced, potentially allowing for the development of grapes with enhanced or specific aromatic profiles.

Engineered increase in mesophyll conductance improves photosynthetic efficiency in field trial

Researchers have engineered mesophyll conductance, which plays a key role in photosynthesis and refers to the ease with which CO2 can move through a leaf’s cells before ultimately becoming sugar to feed the plant. Their results are featured in an upcoming paper in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.

Engineered increase in mesophyll conductance improves photosynthetic efficiency in field trial

Researchers have engineered mesophyll conductance, which plays a key role in photosynthesis and refers to the ease with which CO2 can move through a leaf’s cells before ultimately becoming sugar to feed the plant. “This is one of the few…

‘Plug and play’ nanoparticles could make it easier to tackle various biological targets

UC San Diego engineers have developed modular nanoparticles that can be easily customized to target different biological entities such as tumors, viruses or toxins. The surface of the nanoparticles is engineered to host any biological molecules of choice, making it possible to tailor the nanoparticles for a wide array of applications, ranging from targeted drug delivery to neutralizing biological agents.

Thailand Hub of Talent for Cancer Immunotherapy International Conference

The Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, cordially invites all to attend the “Thailand Hub of Talent for Cancer Immunotherapy International Conference: Portal to Global Collaboration for Next Generation Cell and Gene Therapy Development” on November 16-17, 2023 at Bhumisiri Mangklanusorn Building, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Green Genetic Engineering: Making Mendel’s Dream Come True with Molecular Scissors

Molecular biologist Professor Holger Puchta from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is granted funding within a Reinhart Koselleck Project by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for work on specific restructuring of plant genomes. Puchta, a pioneer of green genetic engineering,…

New technique makes gene editing at scale possible in animals, turning years of work into days and making new kinds of genetic experiments possible

A new gene editing technique developed by University of Oregon researchers compresses what previously would have been years of work into just a few days, making new kinds of research possible in animal models.

National Researcher of the Year 2022 Decodes Drug Resistance in Animals – A Step towards Sustainable Solutions

Chula Veterinary Lecturer and “National Outstanding Researcher 2022” has revealed the genetic code that causes drug resistance in animals that affects human health, animals, and the environment, and suggests comprehensive solutions under the concept “One Health”.

GW Wins Contract to Develop Antidote-Bearing Organisms to Protect Against Biological, Chemical Threats

The George Washington University has been awarded a $3.6 million contract to genetically modify commensal organisms to produce antidotes for harmful biological and chemical agents, such as anthrax, Ebola, and even COVID-19.

Research to Prevent Blindness and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Announce 2022 Recipient of RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research

Donald Zack, MD, PhD, is recognized for ground-breaking contributions to the field of vision research, funded by Research to Prevent Blindness, an anonymous donor, and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology.

Genetically Engineered Nanoparticle Delivers Dexamethasone Directly to Inflamed Lungs

Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed immune cell-mimicking nanoparticles that target inflammation in the lungs and deliver drugs directly where they’re needed. As a proof of concept, the researchers filled the nanoparticles with the drug dexamethasone and administered them to mice with inflamed lung tissue. Inflammation was completely treated in mice given the nanoparticles, at a drug concentration where standard delivery methods did not have any efficacy.

Synthetic Biology and Machine Learning Speed the Creation of Lab-Grown Livers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have combined synthetic biology with a machine learning algorithm to create human liver organoids with blood and bile handling systems. When implanted into mice with failing livers, the lab-grown replacement livers extended life.

International Group of Scientists Explain the Advantages of Using Metabolic Engineering to Address Hidden Hunger

In a perspective paper, “Multiplying the efficiency and impact of biofortification through metabolic engineering,” published in Nature Communications, an international team of scientists, led by Ghent University, explain how plant genetic engineering can help to sustainably address micronutrient malnutrition.

New Technique Helps Solve a Long-Standing Obstacle for Microbial Genetic Engineering

Scientists can alter genes and transfer them from one organism to another using genetic engineering. To do this, genetic engineers use DNA recombination techniques to move fragments of DNA between organisms. Scientists can then modify the gene however they want. This process is called. Now scientists have developed a fast method to find new proteins involved in DNA recombination that can improve the efficiency of genetic engineering.

Foxglove plants produce heart medicine. Can science do it better?

Biologist Zhen Wang’s team recently published a pair of papers detailing characteristics of cardiac glycosides in two foxglove species. “This kind of study is important because we first have to know the accurate structure of natural compounds before we can explore their medicinal effects,” she says.

Russian expert is ready to comment on the coronavirus

Pavel Volchkov heads the Genome Engineering Lab at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), that has several key projects, all of them involving genome editing mediated by the CRISPR/Cas technology. Discovered just a few years ago, CRISPR/Cas has…