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La Jolla, California
January 26, 2001
The Torrey Mesa Research Institute
(TMRI), the genomics research center of Syngenta, announced today that it has completed the Rice Genome Map in collaboration with
Myriad Genetics, Inc. This is the first
project of its kind in a crop plant to be completed. In addition to finding the DNA sequence of virtually every gene, TMRI has undertaken
an analysis of gene expression and of rice proteins. Because rice is a model for other cereals, the knowledge from this genome map will
lead to opportunities for enhanced food crops.
As well as the DNA sequence, the information now discovered includes the regulatory DNA sequences controlling gene activity and the
location of most of the genes. A more detailed analysis of gene activity and function and the resulting proteins is underway. First findings
from this analysis will be presented at the Keystone Symposium in Big Sky, Montana, USA on
January 26-31.
"We are very proud that our Institute has pioneered this research and that our innovative approach has been successful," said Dr. Steve
Briggs, President of TMRI. "Identifying not only the genes, but their functions and how they work, will provide researchers with crucial
new knowledge to improve food crops."
Syngenta plans to use the rice genomics information for new and innovative commercial applications in the agribusiness industry. It will
also be made available to the academic scientific community through collaboration agreements. Researchers and plant breeders will be
able to apply the science for advanced crop breeding methods. This knowledge will also lead to the
production of crops enhanced through modern biotechnology.
In the developing world, where rice is a vital crop, Syngenta will work with local research institutes to explore how this information can
best be used to find crop improvements to benefit subsistence farmers. It is our policy to provide such information and technology for use
in products for subsistence farmers, without royalties or technology fees. Syngenta supported the first large public release of rice
genome sequence information, having released over 100,000 sequences from its program with the Clemson University Genome Institute
(CUGI) onto the CUGI website.
Because of the similarity between different cereal crop plants, the information derived from rice will contribute to the study of other
important cereals such as wheat, corn, and barley, and lead to their future improvement.
Dr. David Evans, Head of Research and Technology at Syngenta, explained, "Understanding cereal genetic structure and associated
proteins will enable plant breeders to produce crops that are more nutritious, more productive and easier to process. We will also
research new ways to protect crops from diseases or pests and discover new uses for crop plants. This offers exciting new opportunities
to improve agricultural yields and quality."
In addition to the work with Myriad Genetics, this breakthrough is the result of a collaboration with the Clemson University Genomics
Institute.
The Torrey Mesa Research Institute was formerly known as the Novartis Agricultural Discovery Institute, Inc. (NADII). It is the genomics
research center of Syngenta, the world's leading agribusiness. Syngenta ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value
commercial seeds market. Pro forma sales in 1999 were approximately US $7 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20 000 people in
over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Formed in
November 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals, Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, in
London, New York, Stockholm. Further information is available at
www.syngenta.com .
Company news release
N3282 |
