Promoter editing platform for enhanced insect resistance in crops
A CRISPR-based approach that edits the promoter regions of innate insect-resistant genes—such as proteinase inhibitor II and acylsugar acyltransferase—to boost plant defense against aphids and caterpillars without introducing foreign DNA. This method minimizes unwanted plant trait changes while improving yield protection, with potential applications across multiple crop species.
Overview
This solution offers a novel genome-editing strategy that targets the promoter regions of native insect-resistant genes rather than modifying their coding sequences. By inserting or swapping promoters to increase gene expression in leaf tissue, the approach enhances the plant's innate defense mechanisms against herbivores such as aphids and caterpillars. Because no foreign DNA is introduced, edited plants avoid regulatory complications associated with transgenic organisms and minimize unintended changes to plant characteristics that could affect performance or persistence.
The technology addresses a critical need in agriculture: improving crop resistance to insect pests while maintaining yield and plant health. It is broadly applicable across different plant species and growing conditions, making it a versatile tool for crop improvement programs.
Technical specifications
Core approach:
- Uses CRISPR/Cas9 to edit promoter regions of endogenous insect-resistant genes, including proteinase inhibitor II (PINII) and acylsugar acyltransferase (ASAT2)
- Inserts constitutive promoters or swaps in known leaf-specific promoters to elevate gene expression in leaf tissue
- Avoids introduction of foreign coding DNA, resulting in transgene-free edited plants
Validated findings:
- PINII knockout lines of Nicotiana benthamiana showed significantly increased aphid survival and body size compared to wild-type controls (p < 0.001)
- Over-expression of PINII via a constitutive promoter reduced aphid survival to approximately 20%, compared to approximately 95% on wild-type plants (p < 0.001)
Key advantages:
- No foreign DNA integration, simplifying regulatory pathways
- Minimizes unintended pleiotropic effects on plant traits
- Applicable across multiple plant species and environmental conditions
- Targets multiple pest types, including aphids and caterpillars
Technology readiness level
The research is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Proof-of-concept data has been generated in Nicotiana benthamiana, demonstrating that promoter editing can modulate insect resistance gene expression and significantly impact pest survival. Future validation will involve CRISPR-based promoter modifications of PINII and ASAT2, followed by insect resistance testing against aphids and caterpillars. The work is supported by the Boyce Thompson Institute's translational research infrastructure, including controlled-environment greenhouses and phenotyping facilities, which enable rapid and reproducible evaluation. Further development and field validation in additional crop species will be needed before commercial deployment.
About Boyce Thompson Institute
Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) is an independent, nonprofit plant and molecular science research institute co-located on Cornell University’s Ithaca campus, offering a focused, collaborative environment. For corporate partners, controlled‑environment greenhouses and growth chambers, plus an on‑site phenotyping and imaging facility, enable rapid, reproducible trials and data‑rich evaluation using living plants. BTI’s Center for Translational Research and its Translational Program and Licensing run a startup incubator, manage IP and licensing, and connect companies with researchers for co‑development. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alongside foundation support. A dedicated technology transfer office and Cornell integration provide clear pathways from discovery to commercialization.
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