Biotech Updates

CRISPR-Cas9 Used to Knock Out Genes in Robusta Coffee

May 23, 2018

Scientists Jean-Christophe Breitler from French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and colleagues developed a web tool to identify all gRNA target sequences in the robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) genome, along with potential off-target sites.

After identifying gRNA target sequences, they applied CRISPR in robusta coffee by targeting the phytoene desaturase gene (CcPDS) using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Analysis of the transformants revealed that about 30% of the regenerated plants contained mutations. Mutation efficiency at the target site was estimated to be 30.4%.

Genome editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system can be an efficient and reliable way of knocking out genes of interest in the robusta coffee tree.

 For more information, read the article in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture.