Gene sequencing could help researchers breed cold-resistant crops

A new study from the University of Illinois may provide a novel approach at tackling cold-resistant crop engineering. The study, authored by Dr. Gustavo Caetano-Anolles, went beyond traditional approaches of examining a single gene, protein or biochemical pathway and instead simultaneously examined the entire collection of genes, metabolites, pathways and reactions undertaken in a plant’s cold stress response.

…

State-of-the-art gene sequencing provided researchers at the University of Illinois with the possibility to generate a complete list of all the genes and proteins active during the cold stress response, and, using a database, annotated the network involved.

Related on the SLP

How has climate change reduced crop yields over the past quarter century Viewpoint: Challenging the agricultural misinformation zealots—Sustainable agriculture requires judicious weed management and crop chemicals

Viewpoint: Died “with measles” vs. died “from measles”: RFK, Jr.’s dangerously subversive word games

Vaccine hesitancy, like malaria, surges globally, topping 35% in some countries

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s? The latest grifter, social media scam.

“Our analysis revealed stress-associated metabolites in numerous pathways that we didn’t think would respond to cold stress, including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, photosynthesis and signaling pathways,” Caetano-Anolles said. “The study opened remarkable opportunities for genetic engineering and synthetic biology moving forward.”