Molecular analyses of GMOs and genome editing

We study the effects of modern gene technologies

The focus under the research area of molecular analyses of GMOs and genome editing is to develop methods and models for studying effects on by use of modern gene technologies on the modified organisms itself and effects by its use on health and the environment.

We have established a laboratory with high safety level (S2) for the research on GMOs and genome edited organisms, and have expertise on the use of CRISPR, omics methods, cell culture, flow cytometry (FACS), confocal microscopy, and other molecular biology methodologies. We are currently establishing a genetic disruption platform to also support functional investigations of the genome that can reveal how genetic alterations lead to changes in phenotype.We use genome editing technologies on animal and plant models from several species such as salmon and pigs, soybean, maize and Arabidopsis

The aims of our research are to identify and provide solutions to biosafety issues connected to unexpected effects as off-target mutations and pleotropic effects and how these may impact organisms to which novel gene technologies have been applied. Further, we are interested in elucidating how mutations due to CRISPR/Cas9 can be differentiated from other types of mutations in the genome. This knowledge will be highly relevant for identification, risk assessment and monitoring of gene-edited products.

In addition, we emphasize stakeholder and public participation as part of the projects in order to integrate Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) strategies in the applications of the CRISPR and other gene technologies.