Indianapolis, Indiana
April 29, 2009
Scientists at
Dow AgroSciences LLC, a
wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW),
have demonstrated insertion of a gene for a herbicide-tolerant
trait to a specific, pre-determined location in the maize genome
confirming that precise modification is practical and feasible,
according to new research published in the advanced online
edition of the journal Nature.
The new development, EXZACT™ Precision Technology, is based on
utilizing proprietary Zinc-Finger Nucleases™ (ZFNs) for trait
engineering and establishes a new industry standard to enhance
global crop production through precise genetic modification in
plant species. It is the only technology capable of specifically
targeting any DNA sequence, thereby providing flexibility and
versatility in genetic research and enabling developers to add,
delete or edit genes in plants. EXZACT™ Precision Technology
enhances the efficient discovery and development of novel traits
and solutions for crop production.
“EXZACT Precision Technology has the potential to re-define the
future of agriculture, driving productivity gains globally and
greatly enhancing sustainability in a major food crop such as
maize. We have proven this technology and modified the crop to
enhance nutritional benefits and herbicide tolerance which will
produce real benefits to farmers and consumers over time,” said
Jerome Peribere, President and CEO of Dow AgroSciences. “This
breakthrough illustrates Dow AgroSciences commitment to lead
innovation in agriculture.”
The addition of a herbicide tolerance gene was targeted to
disrupt ZmIPK1 in corn, an especially attractive choice because
ZmIPK1 encodes an enzyme that is involved in biosynthesis of
phytate, a component of feed corn that is particularly difficult
to digest for certain animals like pigs and chickens causing
excess phosphate presence in the environment. Research results
confirmed the herbicide tolerance gene was inserted into the
specified domain without random integration of DNA from the
donor or the ZFN. Dow AgroSciences research also proved that the
herbicide tolerance gene was transmitted to the next generation
via normal reproduction. Finally, the research illustrated the
dual benefits of herbicide tolerance and reduced phytate levels.
“Conventional agricultural biotechnology has been a laborious,
time-consuming and unpredictable undertaking,” said Vipula
Shukla, project leader for EXACT at Dow AgroSciences. “However,
results of the EXZACT Precision Technology show that ZFNs can be
utilized in any plant species amenable to DNA delivery,
including commodity crops, vegetables, ornamentals, trees and
biomass crops. This establishes a new, rapid and efficient
strategy for precise plant genetic modification in basic science
and agricultural applications. Additionally, it provides a new
and efficient path to market, reducing the cost and complexity
of product development.”
Dow AgroSciences is making EXZACT Precision Technology available
and accessible to all segments of the industry through
collaboration.
A Research and Commercial License Agreement between Dow
AgroSciences and Richmond, California based
Sangamo BioSciences Inc.
was initiated in October 2005. The agreement provided Dow
AgroSciences with access to Sangamo’s proprietary zinc finger
DNA-binding protein (ZFP) technology for the development of
products in plants and plant cell cultures. Sangamo BioSciences
and Dow AgroSciences worked together on the successful research
program targeted on plants, and Dow AgroSciences exercised the
commercial license in June 2008.
For more information, please visit
www.exzactprecisiontechnology.com.
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is
a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of
science and technology with the "Human Element” to constantly
improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences
provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and
vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural
biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global
sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow
Chemical Company, are $4.5 billion. Learn more at
www.dowagro.com.
EXZACT™ Precision Technology is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences
LLC
ZFN™ is a trademark of Sangamo Biosciences Inc.
Other news
from Sangamo
BioSciences Inc. |
|
