Nuclease-resistant DNA nanostructures for high precision plant genome engineering

The recent development of targeted modification of plant genomes heralds a new era in biotechnology for the 21st century. This project will develop new approaches for plant genome engineering based on nanotechnology to design DNA structures that promote genome integration at a targeted site. This technology will be combined with CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases, a biotechnology tool that is revolutionizing modern biology and medicine. The application of nanotechnology to CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene targeting has the promise of high throughput precision engineering of the plant genome, key to the development of synthetic biology and the new generation of crop plants. These biotechnological approaches will be essential if we are to meet the demand required by the growing world population for sustainable increased food and energy production against the challenges of climate change, limited land for cultivation and increased pressure on natural resources.

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