Caltech researchers have identified a gene tool sourced from the zebra finch that inserts DNA into plants with 30 times greater efficiency than CRISPR. The discovery, led by Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Gözde Demirer, aims to address challenges such as rising temperatures, drought, and disease in crops used for food and textiles. The finding emerged from work focused on making plants more resilient to climate stressors.
This new approach tackles a long-standing limitation in plant genetic engineering: the difficulty of delivering large DNA sequences efficiently. Unlike CRISPR, which is adept at editing but less effective at insertion, the bird-derived tool offers a more powerful mechanism for adding new traits. The breakthrough could accelerate efforts to engineer crops that withstand environmental pressures.
The researchers reported a 30-fold improvement in DNA insertion rates compared to standard CRISPR techniques. Specific data on the tool's performance across different plant species or under varying conditions were not disclosed. The work builds on previous efforts by Demirer's team to develop genetic engineering solutions for plant health.
If validated in broader agricultural contexts, the technology could reduce the time and cost needed to create resilient crop varieties. Applications may extend to staple foods and industrial plants threatened by climate change. However, field trials and regulatory approvals will be required before commercial use.
The team plans to explore the tool's mechanism and test it in diverse plant species. External experts caution that efficiency gains in lab settings may not translate directly to field conditions.