The alliance will build upon the success of the current collaboration, focusing on the design and development of promoters that enable crops to express trait genes that enhance and protect yield.
Promoters are segments of DNA that determine when and where a trait gene is expressed. Monsanto is expected to use expression elements sourced from GrassRoots to optimise an array of biotechnology traits in a broad range of crops including corn, soy, cotton, and canola.
The agricultural biotechnology industry still relies heavily on a few promoters that were discovered 20-30 years ago. These workhorse promoters cannot confer the precise, tissue-specific control of gene expression that will be necessary for the development of the next generation of biotechnology crops, the company said.
GrassRoots employs a computational biology approach for promoter discovery that relies on the generation and analysis of high resolution expression data sets from both model systems and commercial crops.
Promoters are then characterised with the patented RootArray technology. The RootArray enables researchers to monitor gene expression in the roots in 3D over time, and under different environmental conditions.
Dr Philip Benfey, GrassRoots’ CEO and co-founder, said: “The goal of GrassRoots’ expression element research and development is to produce a tool kit of different genetic elements that can be combined to predictably and reliably control gene expression. GrassRoots’ alliance with Monsanto gives GrassRoots access to Monsanto’s product development and marketing expertise that will help GrassRoots speed the commercialisation of its promoters.”
Source: Monsanto
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