My research focuses on development of highly efficient and specific genome editing tools including the synthetic site specific nucleases TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 system. TALENs, also known as "molecular scissors", are composed of an adaptable DNA binding module fused to a catalytic nuclease domain. The DNA binding module can be engineered to recognize any given DNA sequence, whereas the catalytic module introduces double stranded breaks on the DNA. The efficiency of this platform largely depends on the adaptability or customizability of the DNA binding module. The Cas9 system is directed by single guide RNA molecule to its genomic target and can be easily reprogrammed and customized to cleave any user selected DNA target. The easy programmability and customization of the RNA molecule, which directs the Cas9 nuclease, holds significant potential for improving the quality and yield of current crop varieties. Using both technologies, novel genes can be identified, crop trait development can be accelerated, and the range of possible traits can be expanded.

Targeted genome editing Synthetic nucleases CRISPR/Cas9 System TALENs