The CRISPR-Cas12a system differs from the more commonly used CRISPR-Cas9. PhD student William de Martines from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has been conducting research aimed at developing disease-resistant plant varieties through genome editing, with the goal of reducing the use of crop protection products in the future. To accelerate this process, William has utilized the unique characteristics of Cas12a to remove non-functioning parts of resistance genes and replace them with functioning segments, thereby activating previously inactive resistance.
This is achievable because Cas12a cuts DNA and leaves behind sticky ends that can be directly used to insert new DNA. William's work includes developing the system and conducting proof-of-concept experiments that demonstrate the successful repair of resistance genes in potatoes.
William de Martines will defend his PhD thesis on October 25.
Source: WUR