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Max Planck Institute receives funding for visionary research on optimized genomes
Potsdam – The visionary SyncSol research project to optimize plant genomes is receiving 9.1 million pounds (approximately 11 million euros) in funding from the British funding agency Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). The collaborative research project of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) could enable the breeding of plants that absorb additional CO₂ from the atmosphere or produce medicines.
A new era of plant biotechnology
Until now, breeding new plants has required a laborious customization of genomes for each individual plant species – a costly and time-consuming process that significantly limits the application of genetic improvements. SyncSol aims to change this: a new research program at the MPI-MP in Potsdam aims to develop a universal chloroplast genome that can be flexibly transferred to different plant species. This would make plant breeding much more efficient and versatile.
The project is led by synthetic biologist Dr. Daniel Dunkelmann, who is based in the Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology at the MPI-MP. Thanks to the support of ARIA, the research team is able to work on a new generation of crops in close collaboration with British and American partners and innovative start-ups Constructive Bio and Camena Bioscience.
“Our approach opens up completely new possibilities,” explains Dr. Dunkelmann. ”If we can optimize crops quickly and in a targeted manner, there are numerous applications: in the future, plants could produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels or sustainable materials. Our crops could be adapted to the challenges of the climate crisis and species extinction – and at the speed we need.”
Prof. Dr. Ralph Bock, Director of the MPI-MP and head of the department, emphasizes the scope of the project: “The possibilities that this ambitious research project could offer to us are immense.”
Milestone for optimized plant breeding
The researchers' specific goal is to develop a universal chloroplast genome that is viable in all plants of the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, and tobacco. Until now, such genetic components could only be created for individual plant species, which makes breeding new, improved plants extremely resource- and time-intensive.
In addition, the developed genome is to be expanded to include a complex trait that is of socio-economic value in various crops. The research will thus lay the foundation for more sustainable, efficient plant breeding – with far-reaching positive effects on agriculture, the environment and society.
“We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible here. But if successful, this project could have a significant positive impact on the world – and at the same time bring great economic benefits,” says Dr. Dunkelmann. ”ARIA's funding gives us the chance to potentially achieve a breakthrough.”
Background
Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)
The ARIA Synthetic Plants program, led by Angie Burnett, aims to develop more resilient, productive and sustainable crops. In the first phase of the £62.4 million project, start-ups and research teams from various disciplines are working on the development of synthetic chromosomes and chloroplasts. These will equip plants with new properties, such as saving water or securing yields in difficult conditions. In addition, two teams are exploring the social and ethical considerations of the technology.
Dr. Daniel Dunkelmann
Tel.: +49 331 567-8308
Email: daniel.dunkelmann@mpimp-golm.mpg.de
The team of Institute Director Prof. Ralph Bock (left) and Project Manager Dr. Daniel Dunkelmann (ri ...
sevens+maltry
MPI-MP/sevens+maltry
Research focuses on chloroplasts from the nightshade family, which include tomatoes, potatoes or tob ...
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MPI-MP/sevens+maltry
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