Speaker
Description
In previous decades advanced biotechnological techniques, including transgenesis, enables the precise and efficient targeted modification of an organism’s genome. However, when it comes to the food production, very few topics in science raised so much controversy as that of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. As GMOs are generated through the transgenic introduction of foreign DNA sequences, there are a hazard that may arise from GMPs is uncontrolled integration of recombinant DNA into the genome. Recent discovery of gene-editing tool CRISPR/Cas9, gives a promise for a completely new approach to the production of crop with desirable genetic traits. CRISPR/Cas9 tool, with the ability to cut out genes and splice in new ones, generates 'genome-edited crops' (GECs) through precise editing of an organism's native genome. Thus, genomic alterations through the use of genome-editing technology are quite similar to those found throughout naturally occurring populations. Even more, gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 is doable in an in vivo system, opening completely new door in the crops and food production.
First CRISPR’d food reached the consumer market in September 2021, by Japanese startup Sanatech Seed. It was a variety of tomatoes containing high amounts of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) that may replace GABA supplements conventionally used to treat high blood pressure, insomnia, and other health problems. This paper will give an overview of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its potential to shape the future of the food production.
