CRISPR paves the way for Vietnamese agriculture.

Rice samples modified using CRISPR/Cas9 technology showed increased iron and zinc accumulation and decreased cadmium uptake, according to independent analysis results.

The research project "Improving rice varieties in terms of micronutrients using biotechnology," led by Dr. Le Quynh Mai and sponsored by the Faculty of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), has achieved significant results in improving micronutrient content in rice and minimizing the risk of heavy metal accumulation that is harmful to health.

Driven by the problem of micronutrient deficiencies in diets and the increasing concerns about cadmium contamination in agricultural products, the research team chose an advanced approach using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to simultaneously increase iron and zinc accumulation in grains, reduce cadmium absorption, and maintain plant growth. The project's objective was to design gene editing structures, establish regeneration processes, and create improved rice lines with increased Fe and Zn content and a minimum 10% reduction in Cd compared to the original variety.

During the implementation process, the research team successfully designed and validated four CRISPR/Cas9 constructs targeting the metal transporter genes OsNRAMP2, OsNRAMP5, and OsNRAMP7, as well as the pCRISPRa vector to regulate the expression of OsYSL2 – genes that play a crucial role in the transport and accumulation of Fe, Zn, and Cd in rice. The genome editing and plant regeneration process was developed to meet the criteria for gene transfer efficiency and mutation effectiveness, allowing application to target varieties with high regeneration potential. From this technical foundation, the team created four gene-edited rice lines: R7-33.47, R5-01.59, R5-04.28, and R5-22.21; Independent analyses at the Northern Mountainous Region Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Science and Technology confirmed that the Fe and Zn content in the seeds increased by at least 10% and the Cd content decreased by at least 10% compared to the original variety.

Besides successfully creating promising rice lines, the research team also completed a comprehensive set of scientific and technological products, including: a report evaluating the Fe, Zn, and Cd content of several popular rice varieties in Vietnam; and a process for editing micronutrient-related genes in rice. Specifically, the process achieved a regeneration efficiency of >10% (calculated based on the total number of callus tissues), a gene transfer efficiency of >20% (calculated based on the total number of regenerated plants), and a target gene editing efficiency of >10% (calculated based on the total number of plants carrying the transferred gene).

Molecular characteristics of the TBR225 transgenic rice line T0.

The research team published 5 international papers, including one in Plant Science, and 4 domestic papers; they also built a data system for analyzing mineral composition, gene expression, and plasmid structure design to support further research. The project also achieved its training objectives, with 3 master's students successfully supervised and defended their theses, contributing to the high-quality workforce in the field of applied biotechnology in agriculture.

In terms of practical impact, rice varieties with increased Fe and Zn and reduced Cd promise significant benefits for national nutritional security, as rice is the primary energy source for most Vietnamese households. Reduced cadmium accumulation in the grains contributes to improved food safety and reduces the risk of long-term dietary exposure.

From an economic and market perspective, improved rice varieties with enhanced nutrition will help elevate the status of Vietnamese rice, meet the stringent quality standards of export markets, and align with the development orientation of high-value agriculture. The research team also identified the next steps as conducting multi-site trials, evaluating growth and yield, assessing biosafety, and transferring materials for breeding work at institutes, universities, and plant breeding enterprises.

The success of this project demonstrates the great potential of genome editing technology in Vietnamese agriculture, creating a solid scientific basis for developing micronutrient-enhanced, safer, and higher-value rice varieties. In the context of increasing nutritional needs and rice quality requirements, these achievements not only have research significance but also open up prospects for widespread application, contributing to the development of a modern, sustainable, and knowledge-based agricultural sector.

Han Minh

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/crispr-mo-duong-cho-nong-nghiep-viet-nam.html

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