In a new report published in GEN Biotechnology (the sister journal to GEN), researchers from Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea have applied CRISPR gene editing to produce tomato fruits with enhanced levels of provitamin D₃ (ProVitD3).

In humans, ProVitD3 is a precursor for the synthesis of biologically active vitamin D₃ and serves as a protective agent against ultraviolet radiation on the skin. Circulatory vitamin D often falls below desirable levels, particularly among individuals with limited exposure to sunlight. While dietary supplements help address this deficiency, natural vitamin D sources are restricted to a few animal-derived sources, such as fish, egg yolks, and beef liver, as fruits and vegetables have historically shown limited capacity for ProVitD3 production.

The burning question remains: What are the regulatory and scale-up hurdles that impact whether these tomatoes head to the market? [Researcher Sunghwa] Choe states that in many countries, there is a growing consideration that CRISPR genome-edited crops may be exempt from conventional GMO regulations.

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Choe says that lawmakers in Korea are actively engaged in discussions regarding this issue, indicating a willingness to explore and potentially relax regulations surrounding CRISPR-edited crops in the coming years.

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