Open AccessEfficient Genome Editing in Apple Using a CRISPR/Cas9 system
Author(s) -
Chikako Nishitani,
Narumi Hirai,
Sadao Komori,
Masato Wada,
Kazuma Okada,
Keishi Osakabe,
Takatsugu Yamamoto,
Yuriko Osakabe
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/srep31481
Subject(s) - genome editing , crispr , cas9 , genome , biology , genetics , guide rna , gene , phytoene desaturase , mutation , computational biology , biosynthesis
Genome editing is a powerful technique for genome modification in molecular research and crop breeding, and has the great advantage of imparting novel desired traits to genetic resources. However, the genome editing of fruit tree plantlets remains to be established. In this study, we describe induction of a targeted gene mutation in the endogenous apple phytoene desaturase ( PDS ) gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Four guide RNAs (gRNAs) were designed and stably transformed with Cas9 separately in apple. Clear and partial albino phenotypes were observed in 31.8% of regenerated plantlets for one gRNA, and bi-allelic mutations in apple PDS were confirmed by DNA sequencing. In addition, an 18-bp gRNA also induced a targeted mutation. These CRIPSR/Cas9 induced-mutations in the apple genome suggest activation of the NHEJ pathway, but with some involvement also of the HR pathway. Our results demonstrate that genome editing can be practically applied to modify the apple genome.