Gene-editing technology harnessed to protect plants from viruses

Scientists are using an exciting gene editing tool called CRISPR/Cas9 to protect plants from harmful DNA viruses. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has previously been adapted for use in many organisms, and this latest iteration develops gene-editing for use in plants. The November Genome Advance of the Month describes how these scientists inserted the code for an ancient bacterial immune system into a plant's genome to successfully strengthen the plant's protection against viruses.

Source: NHGRI Homepage Highlights - December 4, 2015 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: news