NEW FINDINGS — AGRICULTURE
The Pearfect Genome Assembling and annotating the genomes of key crop species provides invaluable insights into the genes responsible for various traits. This process
Boosting Plant Growth Scientists researching plants for bioenergy have made a genetic discovery that could have wide-reaching effects. They identified a gene called Booster in the blackwood cotton tree, a fast-growing species in the poplar family. Trees with the naturally occurring Booster gene produced more rubisco (RBCU), the protein responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose during photosynthesis. This gene significantly enhanced the rate of photosynthesis, leading to faster growth and increased height. When the Booster gene was inserted into Arabidopsis plants, they had up to 62% more rubisco and grew dramatically taller. This discovery has far-reaching implications. The Booster gene could enhance photosynthesis and increase output across a variety of food crops, offering multiple benefits with a single genetic modification. Unlike previous changes that were species-specific, this gene could work across different plants. What makes the Booster gene discovery even more fascinating is its origin. It’s a chimeric gene formed by the fusion of genes from three different sources. One source is the RBCU gene, which codes for rubisco and is present in all green plants. Another source for the Booster gene is a bacte- rium that inhabits the roots of poplars, and the final source is an ant that interacts with a poplar bark fungus. The chimeric Booster gene, the result of lateral gene transfer, has been preserved in poplars for millennia. Experts previously considered such chimeric genes to be evolutionary remnants with no function, making the discovery of a func- tional gene from this fusion even more surprising. n REFERENCE: Biruk, A., et al. An orphan gene BOOSTER enhances photosynthet- ic efficiency and plant productivity. Developmental Cell (2024). 1534-5807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2024.11.002
enables genome-assisted breeding, allowing breeders to leverage molecular data to make informed decisions and speeding up the incor- poration of desirable traits into new cultivars. Accelerated crop breeding is increasingly important in an ever- changing world with a growing population. Pears are a highly valued fruit in today’s economy. In 2021, pear production in the United States was valued at $353 million. Over the past decade, several pear genomes have been sequenced and assembled, but these efforts lacked the ability to separate sequences by their parent of origin, as they could not be phased. Recent advancements by scientists at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in collaboration with students from Auburn Univer- sity, have resulted in a chromosome-scale, phased assembly of the d’Anjou pear genome. This work was part of the American Campus Tree Genome (ACTG) initiative, where students actively participated in assembling, annotating, and publishing a reference genome for this economically significant species. The completed d’Anjou genome sequence spans 540 million base pairs and consists of all 17 chromosomes. This new, detailed genome data has uncovered thousands of structural genomic variations that may be linked to important traits. Notably, the sequence revealed a whole genome duplication event, a characteristic shared by both pears and apples. These new genomic discoveries hold great poten- tial for informing future breeding strategies, helping to improve the quality, yield, and resilience of pear cultivars, and accelerating the development of varieties with enhanced traits to meet the needs of both producers and consumers. n REFERENCE: Yocca, A., et al. A chromosome-scale assembly for ‘d’Anjou’ pear, G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics, Volume 14, Issue 3, March 2024. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkae003 The laboratory of HudsonAlpha faculty researcher Alex Harkess, PhD, contributed to this work.
Molecular Farming for Swine-Flavored Soy
It leverages existing agricultural practices and infrastructure, allowing animal proteins to be harvested using traditional farming methods, with plants
Molecular farming is an innovative approach that uses plants or microbes to produce protein products traditionally derived from animals. Unlike other meat substitutes, such as the Impossible Burger ™ — which uses genetically engineered yeast to produce beef heme proteins for a meat-like flavor — molecular farming involves integrating animal protein production directly into plants. Scientists at the company Moolec Science™ have used molecular farming to develop a modified soy plant that they have named “Piggy Sooy.” The plant has pig genes integrated into its DNA that redirect the plant’s protein synthesis machin- ery to create and accumulate pig myoglobin rather than the soy leghemoglobin protein. Pig myoglobin is similar in structure to leghemoglobin but gives meat its pink color and distinct flavor. The genetic modifications result in soybeans with a pink hue and mild, meaty taste. According to Moolec, molecular farming offers several advantages beyond enhancing the taste of plant-based meats.
acting as biological factories powered by photosynthesis. This approach also has potential applications in producing protein-based drugs and other valuable products, presenting exciting opportunities for sustainable biotechnology. In 2024, the “Piggy Sooy” plant reached a major milestone by receiving USDA approval for production in the United States. This approval allows for the cultivation and transportation of these genetically engineered soybeans without additional permits, as they pose no greater pest risk than non-engineered soybeans. n REFERENCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. ([2024]). Response Letter Regarding Regulatory Status Review of soybean developed using genetic engineering for accumulation of a meat protein (Document ID: [23-234-01rsr]). [Riverdale, MD]: APHIS. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/23-234-01rsr-response.pdf
8
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker