The application of CRISPR gene editing has boomed in recent years, and now the humble tomato is no stranger to the CRISPR toolbox anymore either. In 2021, genome-edited tomatoes enriched in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were commercially launched in Japan by Sanatech Seed.
Researchers from Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea have applied CRISPR gene editing to produce tomato fruits with enhanced levels of provitamin D3 (ProVitD3). The new, gene-edited tomatoes showed accumulated ProVitD3 levels as high as 6 μg/g dry weight (DW) in red fruits while maintaining morphological similarity to wildtype tomatoes.
“With this work, Choi et al. show a second proof that tomato fruits can be biofortified with elevated levels of ProVitD3, which could provide a plant-based source of vitamin D if plants with this trait are brought to market,” comments Aaron Hummel, chief technology officer at Pairwise, a North Carolina-based food tech company applying CRISPR to develop ‘Conscious Greens’ salad mixes that aim to be fresher, tastier, and easier to access.
Source: genengnews.com