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Bhuyan SJ, Kumar M, Ramrao Devde P, Rai AC, Mishra AK, Singh PK, Siddique KHM. Progress in gene editing tools, implications and success in plants: a review. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1272678. [PMID: 38144710 PMCID: PMC10744593 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1272678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic modifications are made through diverse mutagenesis techniques for crop improvement programs. Among these mutagenesis tools, the traditional methods involve chemical and radiation-induced mutagenesis, resulting in off-target and unintended mutations in the genome. However, recent advances have introduced site-directed nucleases (SDNs) for gene editing, significantly reducing off-target changes in the genome compared to induced mutagenesis and naturally occurring mutations in breeding populations. SDNs have revolutionized genetic engineering, enabling precise gene editing in recent decades. One widely used method, homology-directed repair (HDR), has been effective for accurate base substitution and gene alterations in some plant species. However, its application has been limited due to the inefficiency of HDR in plant cells and the prevalence of the error-prone repair pathway known as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The discovery of CRISPR-Cas has been a game-changer in this field. This system induces mutations by creating double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome and repairing them through associated repair pathways like NHEJ. As a result, the CRISPR-Cas system has been extensively used to transform plants for gene function analysis and to enhance desirable traits. Researchers have made significant progress in genetic engineering in recent years, particularly in understanding the CRISPR-Cas mechanism. This has led to various CRISPR-Cas variants, including CRISPR-Cas13, CRISPR interference, CRISPR activation, base editors, primes editors, and CRASPASE, a new CRISPR-Cas system for genetic engineering that cleaves proteins. Moreover, gene editing technologies like the prime editor and base editor approaches offer excellent opportunities for plant genome engineering. These cutting-edge tools have opened up new avenues for rapidly manipulating plant genomes. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of plant genetic engineering, focusing on recently developed tools for gene alteration and their potential applications in plant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Jyoti Bhuyan
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Pandurang Ramrao Devde
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Avinash Chandra Rai
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Prashant Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
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Ahmar S, Hensel G, Gruszka D. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing techniques and new breeding strategies in cereals - current status, improvements, and perspectives. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108248. [PMID: 37666372 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Cereal crops, including triticeae species (barley, wheat, rye), as well as edible cereals (wheat, corn, rice, oat, rye, sorghum), are significant suppliers for human consumption, livestock feed, and breweries. Over the past half-century, modern varieties of cereal crops with increased yields have contributed to global food security. However, presently cultivated elite crop varieties were developed mainly for optimal environmental conditions. Thus, it has become evident that taking into account the ongoing climate changes, currently a priority should be given to developing new stress-tolerant cereal cultivars. It is necessary to enhance the accuracy of methods and time required to generate new cereal cultivars with the desired features to adapt to climate change and keep up with the world population expansion. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been developed as a powerful and versatile genome editing tool to achieve desirable traits, such as developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease-resistant transgene-free lines in major cereals. Despite recent advances, the CRISPR/Cas9 application in cereals faces several challenges, including a significant amount of time required to develop transgene-free lines, laboriousness, and a limited number of genotypes that may be used for the transformation and in vitro regeneration. Additionally, developing elite lines through genome editing has been restricted in many countries, especially Europe and New Zealand, due to a lack of flexibility in GMO regulations. This review provides a comprehensive update to researchers interested in improving cereals using gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9. We will review some critical and recent studies on crop improvements and their contributing factors to superior cereals through gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Ahmar
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Goetz Hensel
- Centre for Plant Genome Engineering, Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Damian Gruszka
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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Tan J, Shen M, Chai N, Liu Q, Liu YG, Zhu Q. Genome editing for plant synthetic metabolic engineering and developmental regulation. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 291:154141. [PMID: 38016350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Plant metabolism and development are a reflection of the orderly expression of genetic information intertwined with the environment interactions. Genome editing is the cornerstone for scientists to modify endogenous genes or introduce exogenous functional genes and metabolic pathways, holding immense potential applications in molecular breeding and biosynthesis. Over the course of nearly a decade of development, genome editing has advanced significantly beyond the simple cutting of double-stranded DNA, now enabling precise base and fragment replacements, regulation of gene expression and translation, as well as epigenetic modifications. However, the utilization of genome editing in plant synthetic metabolic engineering and developmental regulation remains exploratory. Here, we provide an introduction and a comprehensive overview of the editing attributes associated with various CRISPR/Cas tools, along with diverse strategies for the meticulous control of plant metabolic pathways and developments. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of current approaches and future prospects for genome editing-driven plant breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Tan
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Mengyuan Shen
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Nan Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High-Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Zhou J, Luan X, Liu Y, Wang L, Wang J, Yang S, Liu S, Zhang J, Liu H, Yao D. Strategies and Methods for Improving the Efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing in Plant Molecular Breeding. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1478. [PMID: 37050104 PMCID: PMC10097296 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Following recent developments and refinement, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology has become increasingly mature and is being widely used for crop improvement. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 enables the generation of transgene-free genome-edited plants in a short period and has the advantages of simplicity, high efficiency, high specificity, and low production costs, which greatly facilitate the study of gene functions. In plant molecular breeding, the gene-editing efficiency of the CRISPR-Cas9 system has proven to be a key step in influencing the effectiveness of molecular breeding, with improvements in gene-editing efficiency recently becoming a focus of reported scientific research. This review details strategies and methods for improving the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in plant molecular breeding, including Cas9 variant enzyme engineering, the effect of multiple promoter driven Cas9, and gRNA efficient optimization and expression strategies. It also briefly introduces the optimization strategies of the CRISPR/Cas12a system and the application of BE and PE precision editing. These strategies are beneficial for the further development and optimization of gene editing systems in the field of plant molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Xinchao Luan
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Yixuan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Lixue Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Songnan Yang
- College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (S.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shuying Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (S.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Huijing Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Dan Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (L.W.); (J.W.); (S.L.)
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Getting better all the time - recent progress in the development of CRISPR/Cas-based tools for plant genome engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 79:102854. [PMID: 36455451 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since their first adaptation for plant genome editing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated system nucleases and tools have revolutionized the field. While early approaches focused on targeted mutagenesis that relies on mutagenic repair of induced double-strand breaks, newly developed tools now enable the precise induction of predefined modifications. Constant efforts to optimize these tools have led to the generation of more efficient base editors with enlarged editing windows and have enabled previously unachievable C-G transversions. Prime editors were also optimized for the application in plants and now allow to accurately induce substitutions, insertions, and deletions. Recently, great progress was made through precise restructuring of chromosomes, which enables not only the breakage or formation of genetic linkages but also the swapping of promoters.
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Li J, Zhang C, He Y, Li S, Yan L, Li Y, Zhu Z, Xia L. Plant base editing and prime editing: The current status and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:444-467. [PMID: 36479615 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Precise replacement of an allele with an elite allele controlling an important agronomic trait in a predefined manner by gene editing technologies is highly desirable in crop improvement. Base editing and prime editing are two newly developed precision gene editing systems which can introduce the substitution of a single base and install the desired short indels to the target loci in the absence of double-strand breaks and donor repair templates, respectively. Since their discoveries, various strategies have been attempted to optimize both base editor (BE) and prime editor (PE) in order to improve the precise editing efficacy, specificity, and expand the targeting scopes. Here, we summarize the latest development of various BEs and PEs, as well as their applications in plants. Based on these progresses, we recommend the appropriate BEs and PEs for both basic plant research and crop improvement. Moreover, we propose the perspectives for further optimization of these two editors. We envision that both BEs and PEs will become the routine and customized precise gene editing tools for both plant biological research and crop improvement in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yubing He
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Shaoya Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yucai Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ziwei Zhu
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Lanqin Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
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Genome Editing of Veterinary Relevant Mycoplasmas Using a CRISPR-Cas Base Editor System. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0099622. [PMID: 36000854 PMCID: PMC9469718 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00996-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas are minimal bacteria that infect humans, wildlife, and most economically relevant livestock species. Mycoplasma infections cause a large range of chronic inflammatory diseases, eventually leading to death in some animals. Due to the lack of efficient recombination and genome engineering tools for most species, the production of mutant strains for the identification of virulence factors and the development of improved vaccine strains is limited. Here, we demonstrate the adaptation of an efficient Cas9-Base Editor system to introduce targeted mutations into three major pathogenic species that span the phylogenetic diversity of these bacteria: the avian pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum and the two most important bovine mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. As a proof of concept, we successfully used an inducible SpdCas9-pmcDA1 cytosine deaminase system to disrupt several major virulence factors in these pathogens. Various induction times and inducer concentrations were evaluated to optimize editing efficiency. The optimized system was powerful enough to disrupt 54 of 55 insertion sequence transposases in a single experiment. Whole-genome sequencing of the edited strains showed that off-target mutations were limited, suggesting that most variations detected in the edited genomes are Cas9-independent. This effective, rapid, and easy-to-use genetic tool opens a new avenue for the study of these important animal pathogens and likely the entire class Mollicutes. IMPORTANCE Mycoplasmas are minimal pathogenic bacteria that infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, livestock, and wild animals. Major pathogenic species cause acute to chronic infections involving still poorly characterized virulence factors. The lack of precise genome editing tools has hampered functional studies of many species, leaving multiple questions about the molecular basis of their pathogenicity unanswered. Here, we demonstrate the adaptation of a CRISPR-derived base editor for three major pathogenic species: Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma bovis, and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. Several virulence factors were successfully targeted, and we were able to edit up to 54 target sites in a single step. The availability of this efficient and easy-to-use genetic tool will greatly facilitate functional studies of these economically important bacteria.
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Zeng D, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Liu T, Li T, Liu J, Luo Q, Xue Y, Li S, Chai N, Yu S, Xie X, Liu YG, Zhu Q. Exploring C-to-G and A-to-Y Base Editing in Rice by Using New Vector Tools. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147990. [PMID: 35887335 PMCID: PMC9318980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-based cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs) can efficiently mediate C-to-T/G-to-A and A-to-G/T-to-C substitutions, respectively; however, achieving base transversions (C-to-G/C-to-A and A-to-T/A-to-C) is challenging and has been rarely studied in plants. Here, we constructed new plant C-to-G base editors (CGBEs) and new A-to-Y (T/C) base editors and explored their base editing characteristics in rice. First, we fused the highly active cytidine deaminase evoFENRY and the PAM-relaxed Cas9-nickase variant Cas9n-NG with rice and human uracil DNA N-glycosylase (rUNG and hUNG), respectively, to construct CGBE-rUNG and CGBE-hUNG vector tools. The analysis of five NG-PAM target sites showed that these CGBEs achieved C-to-G conversions with monoallelic editing efficiencies of up to 27.3% in T0 rice, with major byproducts being insertion/deletion mutations. Moreover, for the A-to-Y (C or T) editing test, we fused the highly active adenosine deaminase TadA8e and the Cas9-nickase variant SpGn (with NG-PAM) with Escherichia coli endonuclease V (EndoV) and human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (hAAG), respectively, to generate ABE8e-EndoV and ABE8e-hAAG vectors. An assessment of five NG-PAM target sites showed that these two vectors could efficiently produce A-to-G substitutions in a narrow editing window; however, no A-to-Y editing was detected. Interestingly, the ABE8e-EndoV also generated precise small fragment deletions in the editing window from the 5′-deaminated A base to the SpGn cleavage site, suggesting its potential value in producing predictable small-fragment deletion mutations. Overall, we objectively evaluated the editing performance of CGBEs in rice, explored the possibility of A-to-Y editing, and developed a new ABE8e-EndoV tool, thus providing a valuable reference for improving and enriching base editing tools in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhiye Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Yuxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Taoli Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Tie Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Jianhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Qiyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Yang Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Shengting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Nan Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Suize Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
| | - Xianrong Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yao-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (D.Z.); (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (T.L.); (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (N.C.); (S.Y.); (X.X.); (Y.-G.L.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence:
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Xie X, Li F, Tan X, Zeng D, Liu W, Zeng W, Zhu Q, Liu YG. BEtarget: a versatile web-based tool to design guide RNAs for base editing in plants. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4009-4014. [PMID: 35983232 PMCID: PMC9355906 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BEtarget supports the gRNA design of base editing with different types of PAM. BEtarget provides an interactive and customized visualization interface. BEtarget can automatically detect the coordinates of coding regions (exons) in the genomic sequence of the target gene.
CRISPR-dependent base editors enable direct nucleotide conversion without the introduction of double-strand DNA break or donor DNA template, thus expanding the CRISPR toolbox for genetic manipulation. However, designing guide RNAs (gRNAs) for base editors to enable gene correction or inactivation is more complicated than using the CRISPR system for gene disruption. Here, we present a user-friendly web tool named BEtarget dedicated to the design of gRNA for base editing. It is currently supported by 46 plant reference genomes and 5 genomes of non-plant model organisms. BEtarget supports the design of gRNAs with different types of protospacer adjacent motifs (PAM) and integrates various functions, including automatic identification of open reading frame, prediction of potential off-target sites, annotation of codon change, and assessment of gRNA quality. Moreover, the program provides an interactive interface for users to selectively display information about the desired target sites. In brief, we have developed a flexible and versatile web-based tool to simplify complications associated with the design of base editing technology. BEtarget is freely accessible at https://skl.scau.edu.cn/betarget/.
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Tan J, Zeng D, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Liu T, Li S, Xue Y, Luo Y, Xie X, Chen L, Liu Y, Zhu Q. PhieABEs: a PAM-less/free high-efficiency adenine base editor toolbox with wide target scope in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:934-943. [PMID: 34984801 PMCID: PMC9055815 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adenine base editors (ABEs), which are generally engineered adenosine deaminases and Cas variants, introduce site-specific A-to-G mutations for agronomic trait improvement. However, notably varying editing efficiencies, restrictive requirements for protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAMs) and a narrow editing window greatly limit their application. Here, we developed a robust high-efficiency ABE (PhieABE) toolbox for plants by fusing an evolved, highly active form of the adenosine deaminase TadA8e and a single-stranded DNA-binding domain (DBD), based on PAM-less/free Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) nickase variants that recognize the PAM NGN (for SpCas9n-NG and SpGn) or NNN (for SpRYn). By targeting 29 representative targets in rice and assessing the results, we demonstrate that PhieABEs have significantly improved base-editing activity, expanded target range and broader editing windows compared to the ABE7.10 and general ABE8e systems. Among these PhieABEs, hyper ABE8e-DBD-SpRYn (hyABE8e-SpRY) showed nearly 100% editing efficiency at some tested sites, with a high proportion of homozygous base substitutions in the editing windows and no single guide RNA (sgRNA)-dependent off-target changes. The original sgRNA was more compatible with PhieABEs than the evolved sgRNA. In conclusion, the DBD fusion effectively promotes base-editing efficiency, and this novel PhieABE toolbox should have wide applications in plant functional genomics and crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Tan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Dongchang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yanchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Taoli Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuangchun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yang Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xianrong Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Letian Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yao‐Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐BioresourcesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Hua K, Han P, Zhu JK. Improvement of base editors and prime editors advances precision genome engineering in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1795-1810. [PMID: 34962995 PMCID: PMC8968349 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein (Cas)-mediated gene disruption has revolutionized biomedical research as well as plant and animal breeding. However, most disease-causing mutations and agronomically important genetic variations are single base polymorphisms (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) that require precision genome editing tools for correction of the sequences. Although homology-directed repair of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) can introduce precise changes, such repairs are inefficient in differentiated animal and plant cells. Base editing and prime editing are two recently developed genome engineering approaches that can efficiently introduce precise edits into target sites without requirement of DSB formation or donor DNA templates. They have been applied in several plant species with promising results. Here, we review the extensive literature on improving the efficiency, target scope, and specificity of base editors and prime editors in plants. We also highlight recent progress on base editing in plant organellar genomes and discuss how these precision genome editing tools are advancing basic plant research and crop breeding.
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Guo M, Chen H, Dong S, Zhang Z, Luo H. CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its application prospect in medicinal plants. Chin Med 2022; 17:33. [PMID: 35246186 PMCID: PMC8894546 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00584-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas gene editing technology has opened a new era of genome interrogation and genome engineering because of its ease operation and high efficiency. An increasing number of plant species have been subjected to site-directed gene editing through this technology. However, the application of CRISPR-Cas technology to medicinal plants is still in the early stages. Here, we review the research history, structural characteristics, working mechanism and the latest derivatives of CRISPR-Cas technology, and discussed their application in medicinal plants for the first time. Furthermore, we creatively put forward the development direction of CRISPR technology applied to medicinal plant gene editing. The aim is to provide a reference for the application of this technology to genome functional studies, synthetic biology, genetic improvement, and germplasm innovation of medicinal plants. CRISPR-Cas is expected to revolutionize medicinal plant biotechnology in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoxian Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuting Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongmei Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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13
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Xia L, Wang K, Zhu JK. The power and versatility of genome editing tools in crop improvement. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:1591-1594. [PMID: 34379361 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lanqin Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences (ICS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jian-Kang Zhu
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
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