Tomatoes could become a rich source of vitamin D thanks to CRISPR gene editing.
CRISPR uses a modified bacterial defense system to make precision cuts in DNA, allowing for custom adjustments to the genome. In a new study, researchers led by Cathie Martin, a botanist at the Univ. of East Anglia and the John Innes Center in the U.K., used this technique to tweak a metabolic pathway in tomatoes. One medium-sized tomato from a gene-edited plant contained as much vitamin D as two medium eggs or about 1 oz (28 g) of tuna.
“Tomato could become a source of vegan, vegetarian-friendly vitamin D3, which would be fantastic,” Martin says.
Vitamin D3 is important for the functioning of the immune system and for healthy bones; the body can only absorb calcium if the vitamin is present. Ultraviolet B (UVB) light from the sun can convert the cholesterol precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in the skin into vitamin D3, but most of humans’ daily allotment comes from the diet. Meats and dairy are good sources, while plants provide little to no vitamin D.
Martin is hoping to change that. Tomatoes were a good starting point because they are part of a group called solanaceous plants. These plants use 7-DHC...
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