GENEINNOVATE: Gene Editing to Innovate Norwegian Breeding Industries

About the project

Norwegian livestock, fish and plant breeding organizations sell genetic material (eggs, semen and seeds/plants) in a competitive global market and are under constant pressure from producers, food manufacturers, and consumers to develop innovative products.

Traditional breeding methods, optimized to give small changes in many genes rather than fast changes in few, deliver steady but slow progress, and are limited by genetic variation present in the breeding population. Gene-editing (GE) technology can be used to precisely modify genes, introduce new genetic variation, or boost/repress existing variation in a population that would otherwise be difficult to select for (e.g. low frequency variants). This project will use GE (CRISPR/Cas9) to validate potential functional genetic variants associated with important industry concerns, and explore the societal, ethical and legal aspects of GE usage in production biology. This will be done with a view towards establishing responsible, effective frameworks for the future production of GE’ed genetic material with high commercial potential. Specific R&D challenges from the industry partners include (i) reducing boar taint in pigs, (ii) generating salmon with superior fillet color and resistance to sea lice, (iii) promoting the polled (hornless) mutation and improved fertility in cattle, and (iv) enhanced resistance to late blight in Norwegian potatoes. Expected scientific outcomes are, at the least, building technical expertise with GE across a range of species and challenges, and evaluating the role of specific genetic variants in these problem traits. Additionally, results we produce can improve current marker-assisted selection approaches to breeding. The project includes activity to engage with stakeholders, gauge public opinion, and monitor legal progress relating to GE usage in the bioindustry, and to communicate project aims and results in a transparent way to build understanding and trust in this powerful new technology.

Contributors

Mangler navn (I/T)

Mangler epost
Tlf. 123 45 678