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Regulatory uncertainty over genome editing

Nature Plants volume 1, Article number: 14011 (2015) Cite this article

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Genome editing opens up opportunities for the precise and rapid alteration of crops to boost yields, protect against pests and diseases and enhance nutrient content. The extent to which applied plant research and crop breeding benefit will depend on how the EU decides to regulate this fledgling technology.

We are at the dawn of a new paradigm in plant breeding. Classical approaches to crop improvement based on hybridization and selection can now be complemented by targeted genome editing that exploits knowledge of specific gene sequences in a systematic way. Unlike conventional genetic modification that results from the insertion of large pieces of exogenous DNA, genome editing exploits newly discovered ‘molecular scissors’ to cut and alter a pre-determined gene sequence in the host plant. Genetic changes generated through genome editing, at least in their simplest form, are indistinguishable from those generated through natural or induced mutations, which escape the heavy regulatory burdens placed on genetically modified organisms worldwide.

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Figure 1: Site-directed nucleases.
Figure 2

HUW JONES, ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH

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  1. Huw Jones is at Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.,

    Huw D. Jones

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  1. Huw D. Jones
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Correspondence to Huw D. Jones.

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Jones, H. Regulatory uncertainty over genome editing. Nature Plants 1, 14011 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2014.11

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