Crispr-engineered antioxidant-rich allergen-free tomatoes
Genome-edited tomato lines with enhanced carotenoid and tocopherol content and reduced allergen accumulation. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out SLE, HPT, LCY-E, and Lyc-e1 genes, the technology delivers nutritionally improved, stress-tolerant tomatoes suitable for food security and agricultural economy applications.
Overview
This research program applies CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to develop tomato varieties with simultaneously enhanced antioxidant levels and reduced allergenic potential. By targeting four specific genes (SLE, HPT, LCY-E, and Lyc-e1), the project aims to increase carotenoid and tocopherol (vitamin E) content while eliminating a known tomato allergen. The resulting "smart" tomato lines are designed to deliver improved nutritional profiles and greater tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, addressing both food security and the rising incidence of tomato-related allergies.
The approach overcomes the limitations of classical breeding, which has struggled to produce stress-tolerant, nutritionally dense tomato cultivars. The research is conducted by a team with established expertise in tomato gene transformation and CRISPR-based crop development, supported by well-equipped facilities and validated genome editing protocols.
Technical specifications
Target genes and intended outcomes:
- SLE knockout: Increases carotenoid accumulation during fruit ripening
- HPT knockout: Enhances tocopherol (vitamin E) biosynthesis
- LCY-E knockout: Boosts lycopene and beta-carotene synthesis
- Lyc-e1 knockout: Reduces accumulation of a minor tomato allergen
Editing methodology:
- sgRNA design using in silico CRISPR prediction tools
- Multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids carrying sgRNAs for all four targets
- Delivery via agro-mediated and biolistic transformation methods
- Triple gene knockout strategies through mutation of native tomato genes
Molecular validation:
- PCR, DNA sequencing, T7E1 assays, Southern blot, and RT-PCR analysis of edited regions
- HPLC and LC-MS/MS profiling for antioxidant quantification
- Vitamin E content estimation in tomato fruits
- Intradermal skin-prick tests to confirm reduced allergenic response
Technology readiness level
The project is at an early-to-mid research and development stage. The underlying hypotheses are supported by published evidence on SLE downregulation increasing carotenoids and on HPT's role in tocopherol biosynthesis. Future work focuses on generating and characterizing single and multiplex knockout lines, validating molecular edits, and quantifying nutritional and allergenic outcomes. The team has demonstrated prior success with CRISPR/Cas9 modifications across diverse crops, positioning the program to advance toward greenhouse evaluation and eventual field validation.
About International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is an intergovernmental, non-profit research and training organization operating laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi, and Cape Town. Its campuses provide co-located labs and shared core facilities that enable collaborative R&D, while training and fellowship programs create sustained talent pipelines for partners. Proximity to innovation parks and leading universities at each site, plus biosafety and policy advisory services, helps industry navigate translation and regulatory contexts across regions. Research is supported by member-state contributions and competitive grants from national and international agencies. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and commercialization across sites.
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