Improved CRISPR-Cas Boosts Tomato's Gene Editing Efficiency
October 1, 2025| |
A study published in Horticulture Research reported a novel technique using the ku80 mutant protein (KUDN) with the CRISPR-Cas system to boost gene targeting efficiency in tomatoes. Conducted by a team from Gyeongsang National University from South Korea, this method allows redirection of the cell's DNA repair machinery toward Homology-Directed Repair (HR), effectively bypassing the less precise cNHEJ pathway.
Results showed a significant increase in efficiency at key gene loci, noting up to a 9.84-fold increase at the plant stage. This advancement, which also allowed for the successful addition of a 9-bp sequence, underscores the powerful potential of the KUDN-based strategy for precision breeding in agriculture.
“Our findings represent a major step towards improving CRISPR-Cas-based gene editing in plants. By optimizing the repair pathway choice, we have significantly enhanced GT efficiency in tomatoes, offering new opportunities for precision breeding in agriculture,” said Professor Jae-Yean Kim, one of the researchers.
Read more from the news release and research article.
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