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Genome editing approaches using reproductive cells/tissues in flowering plants
Erika Toda1,2, Norio Kato2, Tetsuya Higashiyama1
1Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Frontiers in Genome Editing
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Genome editing in plant reproductive cells using CRISPR/Cas9 enables heritable mutations. DNA-free methods using ribonucleoproteins avoid GMO concerns, advancing plant breeding.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables targeted mutagenesis in plants.
- Heritable genome editing requires targeting reproductive cells or tissues.
- Effective strategies are needed for precise genetic modification in plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in genome editing methods for plant reproductive cells.
- To highlight techniques for heritable targeted mutagenesis in plants.
- To discuss the potential of reproductive cell genome editing for plant breeding.
Main Methods:
- Review of CRISPR/Cas9 applications in plant reproductive cells (egg cells, pollen, zygotes, embryos, SAMs).
- Agrobacterium-mediated in planta transformation for Cas9 expression.
- Direct delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components (including RNPs) into reproductive cells.
Main Results:
- Specific Cas9 expression in reproductive cells induces targeted mutagenesis.
- Genome editing achieved via direct delivery into pollen, zygotes, embryos, and SAMs.
- DNA-free genome editing using Cas9-gRNA ribonucleoproteins is feasible and avoids GMO regulations.
Conclusions:
- Genome editing in reproductive cells is crucial for heritable genetic modification in plants.
- CRISPR/Cas9 methods offer powerful tools for plant reproduction research and breeding.
- DNA-free approaches present a promising avenue for developing genetically edited crops.
