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Updated: May 22, 2026

Co-expression of Multiple Chimeric Fluorescent Fusion Proteins in an Efficient Way in Plants
Published on: July 1, 2018
Optimized tRNA processing and TREX2-SpCas9 fusion enable high-efficiency multiplex genome editing in plants
Ziyan Xu1, Shengqun Qiu2, Yuchong Tan1
1State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
This study introduces an optimized CRISPR system for multiplex genome editing in rice, enhancing efficiency and enabling simultaneous modification of multiple genes. The new system uses a TREX2-SpCas9 fusion and improved tRNA-based guide RNA processing for advanced crop engineering.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Multiplex genome editing is crucial for crop improvement and gene function studies.
- Current CRISPR systems face challenges in achieving high efficiency for multiple genomic targets simultaneously.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an optimized CRISPR system for high-efficiency multiplex genome editing in rice.
- To enhance the processing of multiple guide RNAs (gRNAs) for simultaneous gene targeting.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel CRISPR system combining a monomeric TREX2-SpCas9 fusion with tRNA-based gRNA processing elements.
- Evaluated 38 rice tRNA genes to identify optimal candidates for gRNA processing.
- Tested the system's efficiency in simultaneous editing of up to 29 genes in rice and transiently in *Nicotiana benthamiana*.
Main Results:
- The TREX2-SpCas9 fusion significantly improved editing efficiency, deletion size, and overall performance compared to wild-type SpCas9.
- Identified 13 high-performing rice tRNA genes for multiplexed gRNA array processing, outperforming commonly used tRNAs.
- Achieved simultaneous editing of up to 29 OsCPK genes in a single rice plant.
- Demonstrated cross-species applicability in *Nicotiana benthamiana*.
Conclusions:
- The optimized CRISPR system offers a robust and scalable platform for plant functional genomics.
- This technology accelerates the engineering of complex agronomic traits in crops.
- The novel tRNA-based gRNA processing elements enhance multiplex editing capabilities across different plant species.
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