Plant Mitochondrial Gene Editing Using TALENs

German researchers used TALENs to analyze mitochondrial gene functions by reverse genetics. The study also offered a proof-of-concept for producing synthetic cytoplasmic male sterility systems in plants.

Mitochondrial gene editing via direct genetic transformation is only possible in a few species of plants, and this situation has hindered basic and applied research. Fortunately, fusion proteins obtained from transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) can be used as mitochondrial gene editing tools.

In the study, researchers from various institutions in Germany used TALE nucleases (TALENs) to specifically delete nad9, which is a conserved mitochondrial gene. Thus, a subunit of respiratory complex I was encoded. The knockout plants are then characterized, and the results showed male sterility, impaired complex I biogenesis, and defects in the development of leaves and flowers. These defects may be corrected when the nuclear genome expresses a functional nad9 protein, thus producing a synthetic cytoplasmic male sterility system.

For more information, read the journal article in Nature Plants.