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Members of the consortium at the first meeting held at the University of Alicante. TA
The University of Alicante Investigates How CRISPR-Cas Technology Can Protect Crops from Drought

The University of Alicante Investigates How CRISPR-Cas Technology Can Protect Crops from Drought

This pioneering initiative will leverage the discoveries of Alicante's Francis Mojica to strengthen the agricultural sector in the region.

Pau Sellés

Alicante

Martes, 14 de enero 2025, 11:30

CRISPR-CAS technology, born from the research of the scientist at the University of Alicante, Francis Mojica, continues to expand its potential. Researchers are now focusing on the agricultural sector, which promises to benefit from this biotechnological tool.

The University of Alicante is developing this pioneering project alongside Madeinplant, S.L., the project leader, ANECOOP, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV). Their goal is the genetic improvement of strategic crops in the Valencian Community, using the technology devised by Mojica.

The main objective of the project is the characterization and validation of new Cas proteins, used as molecular tools in the genetic editing of plants. The commitment to CRISPR-Cas technologies has a direct impact on agricultural sustainability, sector competitiveness, and the generation of cutting-edge technological knowledge in the Valencian Community.

These technologies will improve strategic crops in the Valencian Community, such as Valencian tomatoes and citrus fruits, making them more resistant to drought and other adverse conditions, in a context of climate change and sustainable agricultural demand.

Groundbreaking Initiative

This is a groundbreaking initiative in plant biotechnology aimed at developing innovative tools to strengthen the Valencian agricultural sector. It will be developed through a consortium led by Madeinplant, S.L. and composed of prominent research entities and companies in the agri-food sector, such as ANECOOP S. COOP., a leader in agricultural commercialization and development, the pioneering CRISPR group led by UA professor Francisco J.M. Mojica, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), a leader in applied crop research.

The consortium points out that this initiative "represents a milestone in the genetic improvement of crops by integrating advanced science with the specific needs of the Valencian agri-food sector." The first consortium meeting was held on December 16 at the University of Alicante.

This project, titled Characterization, Optimization, and Validation of New Cas Proteins for the Genetic Improvement of Strategic Crops in the Valencian Community, has been funded by the Valencian Innovation Agency (IVACE+i Innovation) with 495,347 euros, of which 139,859 correspond to the University of Alicante.

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