Abstract Detail

Applications of CRISPR technology across the plant tree of life

Soltis, Douglas E. [3], Soltis, Pamela S. [3], Yang, Bing [1], Barbazuk, W. Brad [2], Shan, Shengchen [3].

Applications of CRISPR technology across the plant tree of life.

Originating from the microbe immune system, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)–Cas (CRISPR-associated) has been adapted for diverse purposes to provide a powerful tool to enable genome editing. The rapid development of the CRISPR system clearly illustrates its revolutionary role in biological research. In 2020, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to two scientists for their work on CRISPR/Cas9. Since 2013, CRISPR has been applied to various plant systems. However, most of the CRISPR-mediated genome-edited plants are genetic models, such as Arabidopsis, and major crops. Considering the economic importance and biological significance of nongenetic model plant systems, application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to diverse crops and evolutionary models holds enormous potential in plant biology. By showing examples of CRISPR applications across the plant tree of life, this symposium is intended to provide the attendees with a basic understanding of this cutting-edge genome editing technology and a road map for developing CRISPR in their own nongenetic model plant systems. The speakers will cover both the breadth and depth of CRISPR applications. Erika Varkonyi-Gasic will introduce the application of CRISPR in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis). Early-flowering kiwifruit, which was generated by CRISPR-mediated genome editing, has accelerated breeding and provides an excellent example of CRISPR application in woody perennials. John Odipio and Nigel Taylor have successfully developed the CRISPR system in cassava (Manihot esculenta). As an essential food source across tropical regions, genetically modified cassava with high yield and disease resistance holds enormous potential for feeding increasing populations. Shengchen Shan will introduce the application of CRISPR in Tragopogon (Asteraceae), which is an evolutionary model system to study recent and recurrent polyploidy. The importance of transient assays in identifying an appropriate CRISPR system will be discussed. Takayuki Kohchi has developed a CRISPR system in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, facilitating various comparative evolutionary studies. Lastly, using major crops as examples, Joyce Van Eck and Bing Yang will discuss the versatile applications of CRISPR, such as multiplex gene editing, base editing, and large fragment DNA deletion. By showing diverse CRISPR applications across the plant tree of life, this symposium will provide the audience with a comprehensive understanding of CRISPR applications in plant sciences.

1 - University of Missouri, Division of Plant Sciences, Columbia, MO, USA
2 - University of Florida, Department of Biology, Gainesville, FL, USA
3 - Florida Museum Of Natural History, 2360 SW ARCHER RD APT 104, GAINESVILLE, FL, 32608, United States

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY6, Applications of CRISPR technology across the plant tree of life
Location: /
Date: Friday, July 23rd, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM(EDT)
Number: SY6SUM
Abstract ID:1
Candidate for Awards:None