Crustacean gene-editing technology being developed in Israel

A collaboration between Colors Farm, Evogene, and Ben-Gurion University is seeking to develop a gene-editing technology for giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).Powered by a competitive grant from the Israel Innovation Authority, Hazeva, Israel-based sustainable aquaculture firm Colors Farm is planning to use computational biology solutions from Rehovot, Israel-based Evogene to develop the ability to influence the growth rate, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation of the three species. Ben-Gurion University will develop a gene-editing platform and spearhead the research and development process, according to a press release.“Gene editing is a powerful tool that can enhance the economics and sustainability of crustacean production. We believe this collaboration will lead to significant advances in the aquaculture industry,” Ben-Gurion University Professor Amir Sagi ...