by Teddi Barron
Iowa State University

Phytodyne, an Iowa State University spin-off company, announced today a major breakthrough in plant biotechnology that could revolutionize agriculture.

Phytodyne's proprietary technology, Genome Editor, is a gene targeting system based on a naturally occurring process (homologous recombination) that can be harnessed to precisely substitute one DNA segment for another within a cell. Genome Editor can delete, add or modify any gene with surgical precision in many commercial crops. It can be used to modify multiple genes that work together to confer complex traits such as improved nutrition and better oil profiles. It can eliminate unwanted characteristics such as allergens. It can improve grain composition to enhance processing qualities.

Although the technology has been used in human studies and fruit fly studies, Phytodyne scientists are the first to use it successfully in plants, said Dan Voytas (photo), professor of genetics, development and cell biology. Voytas is CEO and co-founder of Phytodyne, with Iowa State alumnus David Wright.

Voytas said Genome Editor is more precise and efficient in improving the genetics of plants than the decades-old, hit-and-miss technology currently in use. Phytodyne scientists have seen results that are up to one million times more efficient at gene targeting than current methods.

The Genome Editor had its start at Iowa State. In 2001, the Plant Sciences Institute gave start-up funds to a research project conducted by Voytas and Thomas Peterson, also a professor of genetics, development and cell biology. The National Science Foundation provided funding to continue the research.

The Iowa Values Fund announced today a $5 million award to Phytodyne to expand laboratory space and build greenhouses to support the development of Genome Editor. Voytas anticipates the technology will be implemented in two crops in two years. Phytodyne is located at the ISU Research Park.