John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is a research institute conducting fundamental, strategic and applied research in plant science and microbiology.
The centre studies plant and microbial genetics, genomics and cell biology, applying techniques including CRISPR gene editing to improve crop resilience and food security.
It trains scientists, maintains a national seed bank for plant genetic resources, and works with industry and policy makers to translate research into benefits for agriculture, health and the environment.
Latest News
John Innes Centre Maps Cereal Immune Receptors Against Blast Fungus
John Innes Centre researchers, working with Kobe University, have mapped at molecular level how a newly discovered class of plant immune receptors called tandem kinase proteins (TKPs) recognise and defend against blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae), the most destructive fungal disease of cereal crops worldwide. Using structural analysis, the team bioengineered TKP receptors with dual specificity against both wheat and barley pathogens, demonstrating the class is amenable to engineering and opening a path toward more durable, custom disease resistance in cereals. The study, published in Science Advances, was funded by UKRI/BBSRC.
John Innes Centre secures first UK marketing notice for precision-bred tomato
John Innes Centre has secured England's first marketing notice for a precision-bred tomato, approving its biofortified "Sunshine" variety under Defra's Precision Bred Organism framework. Developed by Professor Cathie Martin's team using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out a gene involved in vitamin D3 breakdown, the tomato accumulates high levels of pro-vitamin D3 in its fruit and leaves; it still needs Food Standards Agency approval before it can reach shops.