用于基因编辑的 Cas9 蛋白的结构；信用：加州大学伯克利分校
杜邦先锋宣布，糯玉米杂交种是其第一个通过应用 CRISPR-Cas 支持的先进育种技术开发的商业农产品。
这种下一代优质糯玉米杂交种预计将在五年内提供给美国种植者，等待田间试验和监管审查。
“We’re applying our 90 years of knowledge of corn biology to develop the next generation of high-quality waxy corn hybrids for the benefit of the entire value chain from growers to processors and end users,” said Neal Gutterson, vice president, research and development for DuPont Pioneer. “Starting with an identity-preserved product as our initial CRISPR-Cas offering allows us to lay a solid foundation for success of future larger volume products from this plant breeding innovation.”
According to Pioneer, it is the leading supplier of waxy corn hybrids globally. In the United States, about a half-million acres of waxy corn are grown each year; however, they traditionally yield less than non-waxy corn hybrids. Waxy corn produces a high amylopectin starch content, which is milled for a number of everyday consumer food and non-food uses including processed foods, adhesives and high-gloss paper. Waxy corn is typically grown on contract through a closed-loop production system commonly referred to as “identity-preserved.”
“The next generation of waxy hybrids developed with CRISPR-Cas will represent a step-change in how efficiently we bring elite genetic platforms of high-yielding waxy corn to our customers,” Gutterson said.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published its response to Pioneer’s “Regulated Article Letter of Inquiry” stating that it does not consider next-generation waxy corn developed with CRISPR-Cas enabled advanced breeding technology as regulated by USDA Biotechnology Regulatory Services.
“DuPont Pioneer believes that CRISPR-Cas as an advanced plant breeding tool holds great promise for maintaining the world’s ability to produce an abundant and healthy food supply. The USDA’s confirmation is an important first step toward clarifying the U.S. regulatory landscape and the development of seed products with CRISPR-Cas technology,” said Gutterson. “We continue to consult with global regulatory bodies and government agencies in order to understand the potential regulations around the world.”
Pioneer 正在建立一个支持 CRISPR-Cas 的高级育种平台，以开发种子产品，以提高具有抗病性和耐旱性等特性的环境弹性，此外还推动改进杂交系统的开发。该技术适用于所有感兴趣的先锋作物。
“This is just the beginning: We believe the true value of this important innovation in plant breeding will be achieved through active engagement with customers, academia, governments, NGOs and public research institutes to develop new solutions to the toughest agricultural challenges,” added Gutterson. “Pioneer has a long history of collaboration and broadly advancing science and is open to entering further collaborations which would contribute to developing CRISPR-Cas technology across all crops and geographies for the greater good.”
Pioneer 先前宣布了与维尔纽斯大学和 Caribou Biosciences 的研究合作和知识产权 (IP) 许可战略协议。这些与杜邦自己的知识产权、技术能力、基础设施和科学专业知识相结合，以推进 CRISPR-Cas 的应用。
资料来源：杜邦先锋