Editing Genes to Build More Resilient Corals

Countries involved: USA, Philippines

Coral Collective Partner - CORDAP

Having developed the technology to trigger mass coral spawning events in aquaria, the project team is working out how to edit the genomes of the eggs released during spawning in order to give them a better chance of survival. The team is using a series of micro-injections and genetic modifications featuring CRISPR, a gene editing technology that allows scientists to directly modify DNA. While coral gene editing with CRISPR is an established approach, the team seeks to now insert entirely novel genes, including those related to improved thermo-tolerance. If they are successful, this will represent a tremendous advance in our capacity to genetically engineer corals that can withstand the anticipated warmer temperatures to be experienced in the ocean.