University of Arkansas researchers develop tools to better control genes in methanogens

September 22, 2020 |

In Arkansas, University of Arkansas researchers have developed an efficient tool for controlling genes in methanogens, a finding that could advance research in fields as diverse as climate change and biofuel production.

The tool, a variation of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, was used to repress targeted gene functions in methanogens without altering any DNA in the gene.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a widely used gene-editing tool that uses a protein – Cas9 – to cut and manipulate DNA. Dhamad’s tool used a dead version of the protein, called dCas9, to achieve their results.

It is the first tool available to quickly and efficiently block the expression of multiple genes in methanogens, organisms that are of interest to scientists because they produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas and also a potential source of biofuel.

Category: Research

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