CRISPR-Cas9 Used for Virus-Mediated Genome Editing in Plants

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology developed a virus-mediated genome editing system using CRISPR-Cas9 for Nicotiana benthamiana, a close relative of tobacco. Using the system, genome engineering reagents can be delivered into all plant parts in a simple and efficient way, enabling the recovery of progeny plants with the desired genomic modifications, without the need for transformation and tissue culture.

Targeted modification is a powerful technique for studying and enhancing cellular systems, which can lead to the discovery and development of vital and novel traits for agriculture. Thus, the researchers expanded the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for in planta targeted genome modification. They provided a detailed protocol on using the Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated genome engineering system for N. benthamiana. The protocol can be used for other plants that are susceptible to systemic infection by the virus. The technique is not limited to vectors derived from TRV, as other RNA viruses could be used to develop similar delivery platforms.

Read more from Plant Genome Editing with CRISPR Systems.