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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
High-throughput CRISPR Vector Construction and Characterization of DNA Modifications by Generation of Tomato Hairy Roots
Published on: April 30, 2016
Highly efficient, genotype-independent transformation and gene editing in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) using a
Qin Feng1, Ling Xiao1, Yizhen He1
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
Abstract:
Efficient genetic transformation has the potential to advance research and breeding in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), but regeneration from tissue culture remains challenging. Previous work showed that expressing a fusion of two interacting transcription factors, GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR4 (GRF4) and GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (GIF1), improved regeneration in wheat (Triticum aestivum). By overexpressing a chimeric fusion of ClGRF4 and ClGIF1, we achieved highly efficient transformation in watermelon. Mutating the mi396 microRNA target site in ClGRF further boosted the transformation efficiency up to 67.27% in a genotype-independent manner. ClGRF4-GIF1 can also be combined with clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) genome editing tools to achieve highly efficient gene editing in watermelon, which we used to successfully create diploid seedless watermelon. This research thus puts forward a powerful transformation tool for future watermelon research and breeding.
