In a groundbreaking development for both agriculture and food safety, researchers have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to reduce allergenic proteins in tomato fruits. Published in the journal ‘Plants’, this study, led by Fanzhuang Yan from the Department of Smart Agriculture Systems at Chungnam National University in South Korea, marks a significant milestone in the quest to develop hypoallergenic crops.
Tomatoes, a staple in diets worldwide, are known to trigger allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitized to pollen. The culprit behind these reactions is profilin, a small protein encoded by two genes, Lyc e1.01 and Lyc e1.02. Previous attempts to mitigate allergenicity in tomatoes have fallen short, but Yan and his team have achieved a remarkable breakthrough by employing precise genome editing.
The researchers designed a single-guide RNA to target a conserved region of both profilin-encoding genes. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, they generated loss-of-function mutations in tomato protoplasts and subsequently created 13 transgenic T0 lines through Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation. Genotyping and Western blot analyses confirmed successful editing at both target loci, leading to a significant reduction in profilin accumulation in the mutant tomato fruits.
One of the most notable findings was the identification of two homozygous Cas9-free lines in the T1 generation. “This is particularly exciting because it demonstrates the potential for creating non-transgenic, allergen-reduced tomatoes,” Yan explained. One of these lines, designated 23-15, showed a substantial decrease in profilin protein levels in the fruit, paving the way for the development of hypoallergenic tomato cultivars.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the tomato industry. “Our strategy provides a promising framework for developing hypoallergenic cultivars that can be extended to other related crop species,” Yan noted. This could revolutionize the agriculture sector by expanding the market for allergen-reduced crops, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
The commercial impact of this research is profound. By reducing allergenicity, farmers can tap into new markets, including those catering to individuals with food allergies. This not only enhances food safety but also opens up opportunities for premium pricing and increased demand. Moreover, the development of non-transgenic, allergen-reduced crops could alleviate concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making these products more acceptable to consumers and regulatory bodies.
This study not only highlights the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in agriculture but also underscores the importance of continued research in this field. As Yan and his team have shown, precise genome editing can lead to significant advancements in food safety and crop development. The future of agriculture looks promising, with gene-editing technologies paving the way for safer, more sustainable, and more diverse food sources.