Gene Tech Startups Helping Us Overcome Natural Limitations

Scientists are exploring how Dalmatians’ spots could help understand why mammals develop certain diseases, as reported by the BBC. Dr Kit Yates from the University of Bath is leading a four-year study with the goal to gain insights into the relationship between the immune system and appearance, potentially improving our understanding of various diseases.

Dr Yates noted that studying Dalmatians might enhance knowledge of human genetics, evolution, and disease susceptibility. The project, titled “Spot the Difference,” aims to show how genes involved in pigmentation affect mammalian life, influencing both immune systems and later behavioural traits.

Dr Yates highlighted that many Dalmatians are born deaf due to a lack of melanocytes. By studying pigment patterns, scientists hope to learn more about these health conditions and improve the lives of affected animals.

 

What Is Genomics?

 

Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all its genes. It focuses on understanding the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes.

By analysing the genetic material, scientists can identify the roles of various genes and how they interact with each other and the environment. This field has significant implications for medicine, agriculture, and biology, as it helps in diagnosing diseases, developing targeted treatments, and improving crop yields.

Genomics enables researchers to gain insights into genetic variations and their effects, leading to advancements in personalised medicine and better understanding of complex biological systems.

 

What Is Gene Tech?

 

Gene tech, or genetic modification, refers to the deliberate alteration of genes and genomes. This advanced technique allows scientists to produce or remove specific traits and modify the speed of natural processes.

Unlike traditional selective breeding, gene technology is conducted in laboratories by inserting, removing, or altering the activity of genes. For instance, inserting an insecticide-producing gene from bacteria into cotton plants can make them resistant to insect pests.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been altered through gene technology or have inherited modified genes from a parent GMO.

Techniques used in gene technology include recombinant DNA, transgenics, RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas9, synthetic biology, and gene drives. Each method is unique, from cutting and pasting DNA to deactivating undesirable genes.

 

Why Is Gene Tech Important?

 

Gene tech has a wide range of applications across various fields. In agriculture, gene tech helps introduce pest and disease resistance in crops, enhances drought tolerance, and improves the nutritional value of food. Additionally, it promotes animal health by improving the production of essential medicines and vaccines.

Applications of gene tech also extend to the food industry, where enzymes produced through genetic modification are utilised for processing purposes, ultimately contributing to improved food quality and safety.

Furthermore, it significantly influences human health by advancing the development of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic methods. These advancements have the potential to revolutionise medical treatments and interventions.

Gene tech also makes notable contributions to environmental management by enabling microorganisms to decompose toxic substances and aids in the cleanup of industrial sites. This versatility highlights the role of gene technology as a crucial and transformative tool in the modern science industry.
 

 

Gene Tech Startups

 

Gene tech startups are crucial as they drive innovation in health, agriculture, and environmental management. They develop new treatments, enhance crop resilience, and create sustainable solutions.

These startups push the boundaries of genetic research, leading to advancements that can improve lives and address global challenges effectively.

 

Demeetra

 

 

Demeetra offers unique gene editing technologies, including Cas-CLOVER and piggyBac transposase.

Cas-CLOVER enables precise genome editing through targeted double-strand breaks, facilitating knockouts and site-directed knock-ins. The piggyBac transposase system allows for efficient delivery and stable expression of genetic cargo.

These technologies are optimised for various applications across pharmaceutical bioprocessing, synthetic biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology industries. Demeetra provides commercial licenses and expert guidance for smooth adoption of their gene editing platforms.

 

Broken String Biosciences

 

 

Broken String Biosciences offers INDUCE-seq™, a scalable platform technology for mapping and characterising DNA breaks induced by any nuclease-based genome editing system.

INDUCE-seq™ utilises a novel PCR-free methodology for capturing and sequencing DNA breaks in situ, providing an unbiased and accurate measurement of on-target and off-target editing events. This technology is broadly compatible with various therapeutically relevant cells, including adherent or suspension cells, iPSCs, and primary cells.

Broken String Biosciences partners with clients to optimise gene editing strategies, assess off-target risks, understand nuclease mechanisms, and develop comprehensive packages required for regulatory filings.

 

AlgenScribe

 

 

AlgenScribe is a biotechnology company developing a genome editing platform to improve human health.

They offer unique tools for precise genome editing, aiming to increase the efficiency of homologous recombination and address limitations of nuclease-based editing. Their platform combines molecular scissors (nucleases) with enzymes and amplified donor DNA to foster targeted gene inactivation, repair, or insertion.

AlgenScribe is on a mission to translate their technologies into therapeutics, biologics, molecular diagnostics, and cell engineering tools.

 

Emerzene Inc

 

 

Emerzene Inc combines plant genomics and gene editing techniques to develop the world’s first plant-based, non-addictive pain medication. They utilise advanced CRISPR technology and sustainable agronomic practices to breed a non-addictive strain of poppy.

As a vertically integrated company, Emerzene applies research in agriculture and genomics to poppy cultivation, precision extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and conducts clinical studies to develop new pain treatments.

Their innovation employs a water-based extraction process without toxic solvents, resulting in a completely plant-based and cost-effective product. Emerzene’s mission is to solve the challenge of synthetic opioid addiction and transform opioid pain management.

 

SE Therapeutics

 

 

SE Therapeutics is a company dedicated to developing life-changing therapeutics by breaking the biologics delivery barrier. They focus on developing new methods of delivering biologics into cells to drive the next generation of cell and gene therapies.

With an increasing aging population and a rise in patients suffering from neurological diseases and cancers, SE Therapeutics aims to address the limitations of current cell and gene therapy manufacturing processes, which are complex, face scalability issues, and are economically feasible only at a small scale.

Their innovative solution stems from protein domains used by microbes to invade cells, enabling previously unthinkable therapeutics and solving the manufacturing bottlenecks in cell and gene therapies.