Bastian Minkenberg, PhD

Molecular Plant Biologist | Gene Editing Specialist

Bastian Minkenberg in the lab

With two decades of experience in molecular plant biology, I specialize in the development of transgenic and gene-editing technologies.

At Inari Agriculture, Inc., I apply these tools to solve critical agricultural challenges. A key part of my work is ensuring the safety and accuracy of genome engineering.

To support the scientific community, I maintain CRISPR-PLANT v2, a specialized platform for evaluating CRISPR specificity in plants. I am passionate about bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application.

"Outside of the lab, I trade the microscope for a camera lens; I am an avid photographer who enjoys capturing the world with the same attention to detail I bring to my research."

Software & Tools

CRISPR-PLANT v2

Live Tool

An online resource for designing highly specific guide RNA spacers based on improved off-target analysis. Provides specific on-target guides for precise genome editing.

Launch Tool

Featured Media

CRISPaper Video

CRISPaper: Understanding CRISPR gene-editing through art

Watch Video
RIA

RIA #117: Dr. Bastian Minkenberg on Genome Editing

Listen to Episode

Experience & Education

Scientist, Genome Editing

Inari

2021 – Present

Postdoctoral Scholar

Innovative Genomics Institute / UC Berkeley

2017 – 2021

Ph.D. in Plant Biology

The Pennsylvania State University

2017

M.S. in Biology

RWTH Aachen University, Germany

2012

B.S. in Biology

RWTH Aachen University, Germany

2010

Selected Honors & Awards (4 of 13)

Alumni Association Dissertation Award & Distinguished Doctoral Scholar Medal 2017
Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program Award 2015 – 2017
Penn State Student Voice at the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council 2014 – 2015
J. Lloyd Huck Dissertation Research Grant Award 2014

Selected Publications

Improvement of Gene Delivery and Mutation Efficiency in the CRISPR-Cas9 Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genomics System via Biolistics.

Tanaka J, Minkenberg B, Poddar S, Staskawicz B, Cho MJ (2022)

Genes doi:10.3390/genes13071180

CRISPR-PLANT v2: An online resource for highly specific guide RNA spacers based on improved off-target analysis.

Minkenberg B, Zhang J, Xie K, & Yang Y (2019)

Plant Biotechnology Journal doi:10.1111/pbi.13025

The Rice Blast Resistance Gene Ptr Encodes a Novel Protein and Confers Broad-Spectrum Disease Resistance.

Zhao H, Wang X, Jia Y, Minkenberg B, et al. (2018)

Nature Communications doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04369-4

CRISPR/Cas9-Enabled Multiplex Genome Editing and Its Applications.

Minkenberg B, Wheatley M, Yang Y (2017)

Prog. Mol. Biol. Transl. Sci. doi:10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.05.003

Discovery of rice essential genes by characterizing CRISPR-edited mutation of closely related rice MAP kinase genes.

Minkenberg B, Xie K, Yang Y (2016)

The Plant Journal doi:10.1111/tpj.13399

Boosting CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex editing capability with the endogenous tRNA processing system.

Xie K, Minkenberg B, Yang Y (2015)

PNAS doi:10.1073/pnas.1420294112