Genome editing services for vegetable crop improvement
Expertise and facilities at the University of Edinburgh's Institute of Molecular Biology for adapting and applying genome-editing technologies to vegetable crop species. Capabilities include genetic transformation, multiple editing delivery methods, large-scale genotyping, and whole genome sequencing to support crop improvement programs.
Overview
The Institute of Molecular Biology at the University of Edinburgh offers expertise and facilities to support companies seeking to apply genome-editing technologies to vegetable crop species. The approach focuses on adapting existing genome-editing methods to particular crop species rather than developing new technologies, enabling partners to accelerate their crop improvement programs with proven scientific approaches.
Technical specifications
Core capabilities include:
- Development of genome-editing methods and their application across a range of plant species
- Genetic transformation of various plants, including crops, with experience developing transformation protocols for new species
- Stable transformation to deliver Cas-RNA editing complexes, with the option to remove transgenes through segregation
- Alternative delivery methods for recalcitrant species, including transfection of complexes assembled in vitro, expression from viral vectors, and transmission from grafted genetically modified plants
- Regeneration of edited plants from somatically-edited, transgene-free cells
- Large-scale genotyping to identify rare genetic events
- Whole genome sequencing and assembly to screen against off-target edits
Supporting infrastructure:
- Over 500 square meters of controlled-environment plant growth space suitable for most crops, including genetically modified or virus-infected material, grown to maturity
- In-house genomic sequencing facilities
- A genome foundry for DNA assembly and high-throughput sampling
- Access to multidisciplinary expertise across biology and biochemistry
- Necessary regulatory licences for genome-editing activities
Technology readiness level
The institute's capabilities are built on established expertise in genome editing and plant transformation, with staff experienced in developing protocols for new plant species. The available facilities and licences are already in place to support active research and development projects, allowing partners to engage with mature, validated scientific infrastructure rather than early-stage experimental systems.
About University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a comprehensive, research‑intensive public university in Scotland’s capital. Industry engages through co‑located facilities and innovation hubs that bring companies into the university ecosystem, including the Bayes Centre for data and AI and the Usher Institute at the Edinburgh BioQuarter. Integration with NHS Lothian at BioQuarter places hospital care, clinics and university research on a single site to speed clinical studies and translation. Research is supported by competitive UK government funding via UKRI and Innovate UK, alongside major charitable funders such as Wellcome. A dedicated technology transfer company, Edinburgh Innovations, streamlines access to expertise, IP management, licensing and venture creation.
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