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CSIRO's Hellsgate Technology Revolutionizes Gene Function Discovery

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

CSIRO's innovative Hellsgate technology has revolutionized the field of gene function discovery, enabling researchers to knock out the expression of hundreds to thousands of genes with virtually 100 per cent efficiency. This RNAi vector, which uses Gateway technology, has been granted a US patent and is considered a major breakthrough in the international gene silencing arena. With Hellsgate, researchers can create a library of constructs for every gene in Arabidopsis, a small plant used extensively in research, in just two days. This technology has far-reaching implications for the discovery of genes responsible for key traits, such as resistance to pests and diseases or the ability to grow in hostile environments.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hellsgate is a RNAi vector that allows researchers to knock out the expression of hundreds to thousands of selected genes with virtually 100 per cent efficiency.
  • The technology uses Gateway technology and can create hairpin constructs from start to finish in just two days.
  • Hellsgate has been granted a US patent (US Patent No 6933146) and is considered a major breakthrough in the international gene silencing arena.
  • The technology has been distributed to over 2,000 research labs around the world, and has gained significant interest from the plant research community.
  • Hellsgate is being used by the Arabidopsis Genomic RNAi Knock-Out Line Analysis (AGRIKOLA) consortium to create a library of constructs for every gene in Arabidopsis.
  • The technology works through a natural surveillance system that detects and destroys double stranded RNA in cells, silencing the gene.
  • CSIRO is actively licensing its RNAi technology for applications in research and the development of commercial products.
  • Hellsgate is part of a family of CSIRO-developed vectors designed to simplify the use of hairpinRNAi CSIROs gene silencing technology in functional genomics and trait development.

Statistics:

  • CSIRO's Hellsgate technology has been granted a US patent (US Patent No 6933146).
  • The technology can create hairpin constructs from start to finish in just two days.
  • Over 2,000 research labs around the world have received Hellsgate vectors.
  • The Arabidopsis Genomic RNAi Knock-Out Line Analysis (AGRIKOLA) consortium is using Hellsgate to create a library of constructs for every gene in Arabidopsis.
  • Arabidopsis has a 21-day life cycle.

Sources:

  • CSIRO Plant Industry Business Development Manager Dr Bill Taylor
  • CSIRO Plant Industry
  • ASIA PULSE 05-09 1341
  • European research consortium AGRIKOLA
  • CSIRO Plant Industry: +61 (0)2 6246 5223
  • Media assistance Jane Kahler, CSIRO Plant Industry: +61 (0)2 6246 5077, +61 (0)419 494 137, jane.kahler@csiro.au

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