Research shows potential of gene editing in barley

Date:
September 17, 2020
Source:
University of Adelaide
Summary:
An international team of plant scientists have shown the potential
to rapidly improve the quality of barley grain through a genetic
tool known as CRISPR or gene editing.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
An international team of plant scientists have shown the potential to
rapidly improve the quality of barley grain through a genetic tool known
as CRISPR or gene editing.


========================================================================== Published in The Plant Journal, researchers from the University of
Adelaide's Waite Research Institute working with the James Hutton
Institute in Scotland and other colleagues in the UK and Melbourne,
describe how the levels of beta- glucan in barley grain can be influenced through gene editing.

Joint senior author Associate Professor Matthew Tucker, Deputy Director of
the Waite Research Institute, says: "Barley grain is comparatively rich
in beta- glucan, a source of fermentable dietary fibre that protects
against various human health conditions. However, crops with a low
content of this compound are preferred for brewing and distilling.

"The research has given us further insight into key genes responsible
for barley grain composition and, by using CRISPR gene editing, plant
breeders will have the potential to accelerate plant breeding and
deliver new crop varieties that are best suited to their target markets."
This work was carried out by Dr Guillermo Garcia-Gimenez during his PhD
at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Adelaide. It is the
first published use of the CRISPR technique to influence barley grain
quality in Australia and Scotland.

Dr Garcia-Gimenez says: "We used what's called a reverse genetics
approach, using CRISPR to generate changes in members of the gene
superfamily responsible for making beta-glucan. The results led to
specific differences in grain quality, composition and content of
beta-glucan.

"We hope this work will contribute to creating awareness about the
potential of this technique and we look forward to trialling the new
plants in field conditions." Associate Professor Tucker says: "This
study has brought real immediate benefit in terms of understanding
how gene editing can help improve the quality of barley crops. And
it's part of our overall ongoing efforts to apply the latest genetic
techniques to deliver improvements for the food and feed industries."
Professor Matthew Gilliham, Director of the Waite Research institute,
says: "Barley is Australia's second most important cereal crop behind
wheat, contributing around $3 billion to the economy. Despite recent
market fluctuations, this discovery is important and opens the door to significant economic impact for breeders and growers.

"The Waite Research Institute, in partnership with The International
Barley Hub, is showing again that research in this area can yield great
returns on investment in the basic understanding of barley."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Adelaide. Original
written by Crispin Savage. Note: Content may be edited for style and
length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Guillermo Garcia‐Gimenez, Abdellah Barakate, Pauline Smith,
Jennifer Stephens, Shi F. Khor, Monika S. Doblin, Pengfei Hao,
Antony Bacic, Geoffrey B. Fincher, Rachel A. Burton, Robbie Waugh,
Matthew R.

Tucker, Kelly Houston. Targeted mutation of barley
(1,3;1,4)‐b‐glucan synthases reveals complex
relationships between the storage and cell wall polysaccharide
content. The Plant Journal, 2020; DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14977 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200917105347.htm

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