Key Takeaways
- genXtraits has entered into an agreement with Pairwise to utilize the Fulcrum™ Platform, a proprietary CRISPR-based gene editing technology, to engineer novel crop traits.
- genXtraits’ approach focuses on activating master regulator genes to produce dominant traits, enabling better environmental stress tolerance and improved nutritional profiles in crops.
- The agreement grants genXtraits the global rights to develop and commercialize crop varieties featuring Fulcrum™-derived gene edits.
- The collaboration aims to address challenges such as climate change-induced stress on crops and nutritional deficiencies in the global food supply.
Leveraging Advanced Gene Editing for Crop Innovation
San Francisco-based genXtraits, a gene editing startup, announced its partnership with Pairwise to deploy the Fulcrum™ Platform. This collaboration integrates genXtraits’ proprietary algorithms with Pairwise’s CRISPR tools to modify specific genomic regions, producing crop varieties with enhanced traits.
Unlike traditional methods, genXtraits’ technology targets repressor sequences in plant genomes. By modifying these sequences, the company activates master regulator genes to develop dominant traits, which are highly valuable in breeding programs. These traits include tolerance to drought, heat, and other environmental stresses, as well as improved nutritional composition.
Dr. Oliver Ratcliffe, Co-Founder and CEO of genXtraits, explained: “Our approach is fundamentally different. Instead of breaking genes, we target repressor sequences to boost master regulator gene activity. This enables us to deliver complex traits that are increasingly critical in the face of climate change. Pairwise’s Fulcrum™ editing tools provide us with the precision needed to maximize these edits’ impact.”
Commercial Applications and Licensing
Under the terms of the agreement, genXtraits has secured global rights to develop and commercialize crop varieties containing Fulcrum™-derived traits. This includes the creation of crops with improved abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, ensuring resilience in harsher growing conditions.
Additionally, genXtraits is working on food crops fortified with elevated nutrient levels, aiming to address nutritional deficiencies and provide health benefits to a growing global population.
Statements from Pairwise
Ian Miller, Chief Operating Officer of Pairwise, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We’re excited to have genXtraits join a growing list of developers using Pairwise’s proven tools to deliver traits benefiting growers, consumers, and the environment.”
