Dana-Fiona Armour: MC1R Project

MC1R Project was envisioned as part of a residency at Cellectis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company that uses its pioneering gene-editing technology TALEN® to develop innovative therapies for treating serious diseases. The collaboration gave rise to the conception of a hybrid plant, both human and plant, named Nicotiana Benthamiana, that now carries the MC1R gene, a human gene associated with complexion, skin colour, the development of freckles and red hair.