Plant Genome Engineering
We are designing and applying molecular tools that can make precise deletions, insertions and edits in plant genomes.
Biography
Nicola Patron is a molecular and synthetic biologist interested in the natural and engineered transfer of genetic material between genomes of different species. Her lab is focused on engineering photosynthetic organisms for industrial biotechnology and crops that are healthier to consume and less environmentally damaging to cultivate.
Nicola obtained her PhD in plant molecular biology studying recombination between viruses and viral transgenes inserted into plant genomes. In post-doctoral research at The John Innes Centre, U.K. and The University of British Columbia, Canada she studied the impact that genes transferred from endosymbionts have on cellular metabolism and function, and evolution of endosymbiont genomes. From 2009-2013 Nicola was based in Melbourne, Australia leading a plant molecular biology group working with industry. Achievements included precision genome editing and targeted gene transfer with programmable nucleases. In 2013, Nicola returned to the UK to head a new Synthetic Biology venture at The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich before moving to EI.
As recipient of a 2015 SynbioLEAP fellowship, Nicola was recognised as an emerging leader in synthetic biology with a vision and aspiration to shape biotechnology for the public good. She is particularly interested the societal impacts of synthetic biology and the complex intellectual property issues that surround genetic sequences, DNA and natural products. Nicola is an advocate of responsible and ethical innovation and of open-source tools for biotechnology. She is also active in promoting diversity and inclusivity in science.
Projects
Publications
Related reading.
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12 June 2023
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30 March 2023
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08 March 2023
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Artificial realities: copying wild microbial communities in the lab
When we think of the plant microbiota, we tend to think in terms of how they interact with their host. But they also have complex give-and-take relationships with each other.
10 April 2023
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Engineered plants produce sex perfume to trick pests and replace pesticides
Tobacco plants have been engineered to manufacture an alluring perfume of insect sex pheromones, which could be used to confuse would-be pests looking for love and reduce the need for harmful pesticides.
28 March 2023
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Human body a breeding ground for antimicrobial resistance genes
The community of microbes living in and on our bodies may be acting as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance, according to new research from the Earlham Institute and Quadram Institute in Norwich.
06 February 2023
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Key tilapia genome offers boost to global food security
The first full, high-quality reference genome for a genetically improved tilapia strain has been published, offering the potential to improve food security for billions of the world’s poorest people.
10 January 2023
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Exotic wheat DNA could help breed ‘climate-proof’ crops
Wheat containing exotic DNA from wild relatives benefits from up to 50 per cent higher yields in hot weather compared with elite lines lacking these genes.
22 November 2022
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Sequencing project to unleash the huge potential of euglenoids
An ambitious plan to sequence the genomes of all known species of euglenoids over the next decade has been launched today.
24 October 2022
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Circadian clock insights could be key to increased wheat yields
New research carefully measuring the influence and regulation of the circadian clock in wheat could help breeders improve key agricultural traits in one of the world’s most important crops.
28 September 2022
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European consortium launched to reverse biodiversity loss through genomics research
A quantum leap in the use of genomics is needed to reverse unprecedented species loss and ecosystem degradation, according to a new pan-European consortium of leading research organisations.
22 September 2022
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Tracking bacterial evolution in real time spots emergence of antimicrobial resistance
Single-cell genomics technology could transform understanding of how bacterial populations evolve and combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance