Crispri-activated MYB86 system for enhancing drought tolerance in bananas
A DNA-free genome editing approach using CRISPRi to activate the MYB86 gene in bananas, conferring tolerance to water deficit stress. Built on validated monocot CRISPR/dCas9 tools and prior MYB86 expression studies in yeast and Arabidopsis showing enhanced drought, heat, and salt tolerance.
Overview
This solution offers a CRISPRi-based method to activate the MYB86 transcription factor in bananas, aiming to improve tolerance to water deficit stress. Drought is a major constraint on banana cultivation, and activating MYB86 through CRISPRi is proposed to repress secondary metabolite-related gene expression and enhance resilience. The approach is supported by prior lab work showing MYB86 is highly upregulated under drought conditions and that heterologous expression in yeast and Arabidopsis confers improved drought, heat, and salt tolerance. The project targets a DNA-free editing workflow suitable for monocots, with a planned one-year timeline.
Technical specifications
- Gene target: Activation of banana MYB86 via CRISPRi to modulate drought stress responses
- Editing platform: Established CRISPR/dCas9 system adapted for monocots, enabling transcription-level gene activation without altering the underlying DNA sequence
- Delivery method: DNA-free genome editing by introducing the constructed vector into banana protoplasts
- Validation pipeline: Molecular and metabolite analyses of edited banana lines under water stress conditions, complemented by prior qPCR and RNA-seq confirmation of MYB86 upregulation
- Prior evidence base: MYB86-expressing yeasts and Arabidopsis showed enhanced drought, heat, and salt tolerance, with interaction noted at C4H
- Stress assays performed in earlier work: Exposure to drought for 3, 7, and 14 days followed by 7-day recovery, tracking growth, root length, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid development stage. MYB86 isolation, heterologous expression in yeast and Arabidopsis, and CRISPR/dCas9 system development for monocots are already established in the lab. The current proposal focuses on validating MYB86 activation in banana protoplasts and assessing growth and molecular responses under water stress. The team is seeking funding support for research consumables to complete the one-year project plan.
About University of Malaya
University of Malaya is Malaysia’s oldest comprehensive public research university with broad disciplinary depth and a strong national role. Its Kuala Lumpur campus places corporate partners minutes from regional headquarters and supply‑chain nodes, while specialized labs and shared core facilities support contract R&D, testing, and validation. Integration with an on‑campus teaching hospital enables clinical studies and translational work, and industry liaison and professional education groups streamline access to talent and upskilling. Research is supported by competitive funding from Malaysian government agencies and international sponsors, complemented by direct industry collaborations. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with clear pathways for rapid engagement.
delivered to your inbox.