Cisgenesis

Overview of cisgenesis in genetic engineering

Cisgenesis

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Cisgenic potatoes

Cisgenesis is a genetic modification technique used in plant breeding where genes are transferred between organisms that could otherwise be conventionally bred. This method involves the introduction of a gene from the same species or a closely related one, ensuring that the gene pool remains within the natural breeding boundaries.

Overview

Cisgenesis is distinct from transgenesis, where genes from unrelated species are introduced into an organism. In cisgenesis, the transferred gene, known as a cisgene, includes its native promoter, introns, and terminator, maintaining its original regulatory elements. This approach is often considered more acceptable to the public and regulatory bodies because it mimics natural breeding processes more closely than transgenesis.

Applications

Cisgenesis is primarily used in agriculture to enhance crop traits such as disease resistance, yield, and nutritional content. For example, cisgenic potatoes have been developed to resist late blight, a devastating plant disease caused by the Phytophthora infestans pathogen. By using genes from wild potato relatives, breeders can improve cultivated varieties without introducing foreign DNA.

Advantages

One of the main advantages of cisgenesis is its potential to speed up the breeding process. Traditional breeding methods can take many years to achieve desired traits, whereas cisgenesis can accomplish this in a much shorter time frame. Additionally, because the genes used are from the same species, there is a reduced risk of unintended effects compared to transgenic approaches.

Challenges

Despite its advantages, cisgenesis faces several challenges. Regulatory frameworks for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) vary widely, and cisgenic plants may still be subject to the same regulations as transgenic plants in some regions. Public perception and acceptance also play a significant role in the adoption of cisgenic crops.

Related pages

• Genetic engineering
• Plant breeding
• Transgenesis
• Genetically modified organism