A plant geneticist and computational biologist teamed up to decipher the unpredictability of natural and engineered mutations in tomatoes. They discovered some combinations of mutations behave as expected while others are more erratic. Their work may help scientists find some order in the chaos of evolution and genome editing.
For tens of thousands of years, evolution shaped tomatoes through natural mutations. Then, humans came along. For centuries, we've bred and cherry-picked tomatoes with our preferred traits. Today, CRISPR genome editing allows us to make new crop mutations that improve traits even further. However, individual mutations, whether natural or engineered, don't work alone. Each operates in a sea of thousands of so-called"background" mutations.
CSHL Professor & HHMI Investigator Zachary Lippman and Associate Professor David McCandlish wondered if different natural and engineered mutations could have similar effects on tomato size depending on the presence of two other gene mutations. Using CRISPR, they created a series of mutations in thegene. They then combined those mutations with others in genes that work withmutations produced more predictable effects when certain other mutations were also present.
"Is genome editing a way to quickly bring in consumer benefits -- better flavor, nutrition? The answer is probably yes. The question is how predictable is it going to be." The book of evolution has been written in all different languages, many of which we're still learning. Plant genetics and computational biology offer two means of deciphering the text. Lippman and McCandlish hope their collaborative interpretation will help science meet the challenge. Looking ahead, it may also help humanity adapt crops to meet the ever-evolving needs of society.
日本 最新ニュース, 日本 見出し
Similar News:他のニュース ソースから収集した、これに似たニュース記事を読むこともできます。
Matthew Vaughn Reveals James Gunn's DC Has Reached Out to HimVaughn says 'never say never' about working in the new DC Universe.
続きを読む »
A Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home, police sayPolice say a Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home
続きを読む »
A Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home, police sayPolice say a Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home
続きを読む »
Intuitive Surgical stock drops on mixed Q3 results; analysts say investors concerned about GLP1 and ChinaIntuitive Surgical stock drops on mixed Q3 results; analysts say investors concerned about GLP1 and China
続きを読む »
A Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home, police sayPolice say a Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home.
続きを読む »
A Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home, police sayPolice say a Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home.
続きを読む »