Modified Agrobacterium strains for high quality T-DNA event generation
Advanced Agrobacterium strains engineered to reduce vector backbone integration, enhancing single-copy, high-quality T-DNA events for improved plant transformation processes.
Overview
This innovative research focuses on developing modified Agrobacterium strains that facilitate high-quality T-DNA event generation by minimizing the inclusion of vector backbone sequences. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas base editing, the project aims to produce strains that result in more single-copy T-DNA insertions, enhancing the overall efficiency and quality of plant transformation processes. These strains are particularly applicable to important crops such as soybeans, offering significant potential for agricultural biotechnology advancements.
Technical specifications
- CRISPR/Cas Base Editing: Utilizes multiplexing capabilities to screen a library of sgRNAs targeting Agrobacterium genes.
- Library Design: Incorporates a barcoded T-DNA with a plant marker and a base editor, potentially including a gene lethal for plant cells, to facilitate targeted screening.
- Cell Culture Screening: Employs cell cultures for transformation and selection, leveraging next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify enriched T-DNAs linked to specific edits in Agrobacterium strains.
- Application: Designed for high-quality plant transformation, particularly in soybeans, with potential for broad agricultural applications.
Technology readiness level
The project is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, indicating that it has moved beyond initial concept development and is undergoing active experimentation and validation in laboratory settings.
About Ghent University
Ghent University is a comprehensive public research university with a strong applied research and innovation culture. Industry collaborates through the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, where corporate R&D, public research institutes and UGent labs are co‑located, and via a second science park in Ostend. Integration with Ghent University Hospital enables clinical translation and access to patient care environments. Research is backed by competitive European programmes such as Horizon Europe and the ERC, alongside national and regional support from FWO and VLAIO. UGent’s TechTransfer office, working with an Industrial Liaison Network and a central EU funding team, supports IP, licensing, spin‑offs and contract research to accelerate partnerships.
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