An overview of the technological applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in agriculture

• Grant number: 22/08124-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Economics - Industrial Economics
• Principal Investigator: Vinícius Eduardo Ferrari
• Grantee: Ana Clara Ruivo Constâncio
• Host Institution: Escola de Economia e Negócios (EEN). Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-CAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Crop genetic improvement is a key element to make agricultural practices more sustainable and, at the same time, improving global food security. The seed industry has been revolutionized by the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. This biotechnological tool can cut, insert, or alter plant DNA with new genetic sequences able to encode other agronomic traits and/or enhance crop performance. This paper aims to map and qualify the research efforts incurred in developing and patenting CRISPR-Cas9 components. We will use Derwent Innovations Index to count patent applications related to gene editing technologies: I) DNA-cutting enzymes; II) messenger RNA molecules that can guide enzymes to the right target cleavage sites within plant genotype; III) bioinformatics techniques able to repair/edit the damaged genes. This project could generate new science and technology indicators which we hope will help Brazilian institutions (for example, EMBRAPA) to develop genome-edited crops, by providing information to assist in their technological forecasting/ licensing activities.(AU)