Prime genome editing in rice and wheat

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Plant Biotechnology
• Gene Editing

Background:

• Prime editors offer precise DNA modification in mammalian cells without double-strand breaks.
• Existing gene editing tools often rely on double-strand breaks, which can lead to unwanted mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and optimize prime editors for efficient use in plant systems.
• To demonstrate the capability of plant prime editors for various genetic modifications.

Main Methods:

• Codon, promoter, and editing-condition optimization of prime editors for plants.
• Delivery of prime editors and prime editing guide RNAs (pegRNAs) into rice and wheat protoplasts.
• Regeneration of prime-edited rice plants.

Main Results:

• Developed a suite of plant-adapted prime editors.
• Successfully introduced point mutations, insertions, and deletions in rice and wheat protoplasts.
• Achieved regeneration of prime-edited rice plants with frequencies up to 21.8%.

Conclusions:

• Plant prime editors are a viable and efficient tool for precise genome editing in plants.
• This technology facilitates targeted genetic modifications in important crop species like rice and wheat.
• Prime editing represents a significant advancement for plant breeding and genetic engineering.