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Rosetta Genomics enters plant biotech field
Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 11:40 am
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Israel-based Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. has launched Rosetta Green, a microRNA-based plant biotechnology project. MicroRNAs have been established as key regulators of protein expression and their aberrant regulation in humans is associated with many serious diseases. However, microRNAs' vast potential is not limited to humans. Research conducted at Rosetta Green has shown a promising correlation between the expression of microRNAs and algal oil content. In addition, correlation has been found between microRNAs and starch & oil content in maize.

"Since our founding in 2000, we have maintained that small non-protein coding RNA - what we now know are microRNAs - play a critical role in many cellular processes," said Amir Avniel, CEO of Rosetta Genomics, in a statement. "There is a large and growing body of evidence, including research we have been conducting in-house, pointing to the importance of microRNAs in plants and algal development, which may have potential applications in a wide range of plant-based biotech products. We feel it is critical at this point in time to explore this important field to ensure Rosetta Genomics remains at the forefront of research, development and commercialization of microRNA-based products."

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are naturally occurring, short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in plants, humans, and have been recently discovered in algae. The ability to selectively regulate gene expression through microRNAs could provide the means to enhance a wide range of plant and algal characteristics which are of high value to the plant biotech industry.

"MicroRNAs hold significant potential for the plant biotechnology industry," noted Dr. Rudy Maor, Head of Research and Development at Rosetta Green. "Stemming from their role as master regulators of gene expression, microRNAs are believed to play a critical role in each major step in plant and algal development and may therefore affect biotech-related traits such as oil and starch content, stress-tolerance, growth rate, yield, and more."

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