Berkeley Lab Researchers Develop "Speed Scanner" to Map Thousands of Plant Gene Switches

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a breakthrough "high-speed scanner" designed to test thousands of plant gene switches simultaneously. This innovative platform, known as a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA), allows scientists to quickly identify the specific DNA sequences that control how and when genes are turned on or off, significantly accelerating our understanding of plant biology.

The technology addresses a major bottleneck in the field of plant synthetic biology and gene editing. While modern tools like CRISPR have made it easier than ever to edit the genetic code, knowing exactly which regulatory elements to target remains a challenge. By testing tens of thousands of "promoters"—the switches that initiate gene expression—in a single experiment, the Berkeley Lab team can pinpoint the most effective sequences for precise gene editing. This capability enables researchers to engineer plants with highly specific traits, such as increased drought tolerance or enhanced biomass, without the years of trial and error traditionally required.

By mapping these regulatory landscapes at unprecedented speeds, the team is paving the way for a new era of "programmable" crops. The study demonstrated that these high-throughput scans could work across different plant species, proving that the regulatory logic of one plant can often be applied to another. As gene editing becomes a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, this high-speed scanner provides the essential blueprint needed to fine-tune plant performance, helping to secure food supplies and develop better bioenergy sources in a changing climate.

For more details, read the article in News from Berkeley Lab.