CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in grape

PLoS One. 2017 May 18;12(5):e0177966. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177966. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

RNA-guided genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system has been applied successfully in several plant species. However, to date, there are few reports on the use of any of the current genome editing approaches in grape-an important fruit crop with a large market not only for table grapes but also for wine. Here, we report successful targeted mutagenesis in grape (Vitis vinifera L., cv. Neo Muscat) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. When a Cas9 expression construct was transformed to embryonic calli along with a synthetic sgRNA expression construct targeting the Vitis vinifera phytoene desaturase (VvPDS) gene, regenerated plants with albino leaves were obtained. DNA sequencing confirmed that the VvPDS gene was mutated at the target site in regenerated grape plants. Interestingly, the ratio of mutated cells was higher in lower, older, leaves compared to that in newly appearing upper leaves. This result might suggest either that the proportion of targeted mutagenized cells is higher in older leaves due to the repeated induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), or that the efficiency of precise DSBs repair in cells of old grape leaves is decreased.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
  • DNA, Plant / chemistry
  • DNA, Plant / metabolism
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism
  • Mutagenesis*
  • Oxidoreductases / genetics
  • Plant Leaves / genetics
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Vitis / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • Plant Proteins
  • Oxidoreductases
  • phytoene dehydrogenase

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), "Technologies for creating next-generation agriculture, forestry and fisheries" (funding agency: Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, NARO). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.