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Gene
deletor technology has potential to maximize benefits
and minimize risks
By Cameron Faustman
Associate Dean of Academic Programs
One day many years ago, my college biology professor
asked me to describe how to tell the difference between
a male and female chromosome. I stumbled and fumbled
with the answer and attempted an explanation that involved
X and Y chromosomes. The professor shook his head, cracked
a smile, and noted that in order to determine the gender
of a chromosome, “one must pull down its genes!”
Genes are portions of chromosomal DNA that code for specific traits in plants
and animals. The techniques of molecular biology and modern agriculture science
have permitted researchers to identify a large number of genes associated with
important commercial consequences. Laboratory manipulation of some of these genes
has permitted scientists to produce large quantities of rennet enzyme for cheese-making
and to improve the disease resistance of crops. In some cases, scientists have
transferred genes from one organism and inserted it into the DNA of another organism,
generating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). For example, the insertion
of a gene obtained from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into corn has
permitted the latter crop to be protected against the damaging effects of the
European corn borer. Genes from cold-water fish have been considered for insertion
into tomatoes to achieve greater cold hardiness for this frost-sensitive fruit.
GMOs demonstrate the substantial potential of modern science
to manipulate organisms for a specific purpose. But they are
not without controversy; the European Community has been reluctant
to adopt GMO varieties of agricultural crops. One concern regarding
GMOs is that the critical transgene that made the GMO possible
might “escape” and
become contained within the wild population. For example, if a crop plant was
modified via genetic engineering to be resistant to a particular herbicide and
this modification was somehow transferred to weed plants, then an important tool
for controlling those weeds would be lost.
Associate Professor Yi Li of the Department of Plant Science
recently developed a technology that will permit selective removal
of critical transgenes from the seeds and pollen of GMO plants.
Working with colleagues from Southwest University in Chongqing,
China, and the University of Tennessee, Li’s group has worked
for the past seven years to develop “gene deletor” technology and
recently published their findings in the Plant Biotechnology Journal. In simplest
terms, the technology uses specific enzymes to act in a scissor-like fashion
to physically cut out and remove the transgene.
Li sees the technology permitting the development of GMO
crops that maximize production with the ability to subsequently inactivate the
transgene after its purpose has been served. His gene-deletor tool will also
facilitate the removal of the transgene when the presence of a transgene may
cause concerns (for example, if the transgene protein product demonstrates allergenicity).
Mary Musgrave, professor and head of the Department of Plant
Science, notes that “the
GM-gene-deletor technology is likely to usher in a new era for plant biotechnology.
This is a workable bioconfinement method and is likely to find application for
transgenic crops and perennials. This will have immediate benefits in the ornamental
plant industry and in the production scheme for fast growing transgenic biofuel
crops.”
A Google search of the gene deletor term with Li’s name
yields more than 400 hits from around the world and provides
ample evidence that every sector of the plant science and biotechnology
industries consider this a significant finding. For further
information, visit Li’s gene deletor Web site at
http://gene-deletor.net/default.aspx. |
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