functional-genomics
Functional genomics is a field of molecular biology focused on understanding how genes function and interact, leveraging large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data to study dynamic processes like gene expression, regulation, and protein interactions. In plant science, this approach is critical for decoding how plants respond to environmental stresses, develop specialized metabolites, and regulate growth — going beyond simply knowing the DNA sequence to understanding what genes actually do. These insights enable researchers to connect genetic variation to observable plant traits, accelerating efforts in crop improvement, stress tolerance, and the study of medicinally important plant compounds.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-04-02
Scientists developed a reliable method to grow grapevine 'hairy roots' in the lab and successfully used CRISPR gene editing on them for the first time, creating a faster way to study and improve grapevine genetics without needing to modify whole plants.
Protocol worked across 7 grapevine cultivars (3 Vitis vinifera + 4 rootstock hybrids) and was adapted to 2 additional South African plant species
First-ever CRISPR/Cas9 editing of grapevine hairy root cultures, targeting the VviPUB19 gene
Overexpression of the VviMYBA1 gene visibly increased red anthocyanin pigmentation, confirming the system can validate gene function
