Technological transfer of genetic editing at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies
Date published
We are pleased to inform you that during the period 01.09.2024 – 31.10.2024, Drd. Ing. Huiban Florin Adrian (PhD coordinators Prof. Dr. Tulcan Camelia and Prof. Dr. Camen Dorin Dumitru) is conducting an advanced training internship at the University of Novi Sad, Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, under the Erasmus + program, for the technological transfer of genetic editing at the University of Life Sciences "King Michael I" in Timișoara – Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, specializing in Genetic Engineering.
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a revolutionary genetic editing technology that allows for precise, rapid, and efficient DNA editing.
This genetic editing project consists of several steps:
Identifying genes that favor pathogens: this stage involves selecting candidate genes from poplar species and other plants, with the homologs of these genes to be identified in the genomes of Populus trichocarpa and Populus alba, using the NCBI Plants database. Sugar or sulfur transporter genes, potentially responsible for supporting pathogens, were chosen.
Precise targets for genetic editing: to facilitate genetic editing, CRISPR targets are designed that act at the level of the first exon of the selected genes, as well as PCR primers for amplification and sequencing. It is ensured that the target regions overlap with the restriction enzyme digestion sites, where possible, ensuring greater accuracy in the mutagenesis process.
Building transformation vectors: the CRISPR targets are inserted and prepared for use in the experiment. After the PCR products are amplified, the sequences are checked to confirm the presence of the targets and to validate the mutation screening system. This stage is crucial to ensure that the editing process works correctly before proceeding to the actual transformation.
Genetic transformation "in vitro": with the prepared vectors, poplar plants are transformed under "in vitro" conditions, using the CRISPR complex to introduce the desired genetic modifications.
Screening for mutations: T7 endonuclease test: a mutation screening test is performed using the T7 endonuclease method, a diagnostic tool that detects and validates the presence of genetic modifications. This technique is essential for determining the success and accuracy of the introduced mutations, providing a clear picture of the results.
Through this program, PhD student Huiban Florin Adrian has the opportunity to expand his knowledge of cutting-edge technologies in the field of genomic editing. This project facilitates the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas, as well as the opening of new long-term research collaborations.
