Axis 4: Biotechnological approaches : genome editing and improvement of genetic transformation

New emerging technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas9 make it possible to precisely modify genomes in a targeted manner. Genome editing, as it is known, is a powerful tool for plant breeding, allowing the developments of new traits in crops, including genetic resistances to pathogens.

At GAFL, we are focussing on technological development that can allow a safe and precise use of genome editing tools, while trying to expand it to many crops. We do so by working on two axis:

• Developing new tools and strategies to allow a better efficiency and accuracy of genome modifications
• Improving genetic transformation on species that are difficult to transform, based on the use of meristematic genes and growth factors and of different gene delivery techniques.

Publications 

Danilo B, Montes E, Archambeau H, Lodé M, Rousseau-Gueutin M, Chèvre A-M, Mazier M (2021) I-SceI and customized meganucleases-mediated genome editing in tomate and oilseed rape. Transgenic Research https://doi.org/10.1007/s11248-021-00287-2

Veillet F. Durand M, Kroj T, Cesari S, Gallois J-L (2020) Precision Breeding Made Real with CRISPR: Illustration through Genetic Resistance to Pathogens, Plant Communications, 1-5 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100102

Veillet F, Perrot L, Guyon-Debast A, Kermarrec M-P, Chauvin L, Chauvin J-E, Gallois J-L, Mazier M, Nogué F (2020) Expanding the CRISPR toolbox in P. patens Using SpCas9-NG variant and application for gene and base editing in solanaceae crops Int J Mol Sci., 21, 1024; https://doi.org/doi:10.3390/ijms21031024

Veillet F, Perrot L, Chauvin L, Kermarrec MP, Guyon-Debast A, Chauvin JE, Nogué F, Mazier M. (2019) Transgene-Free Genome Editing in Tomato and Potato Plants Using Agrobacterium-Mediated Delivery of a CRISPR/Cas9 Cytidine Base Editor. Int J Mol Sci. Jan 18;20(2):402. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20020402

Danilo B, Perrot L, Mara K, Botton E, Nogué F, Mazier M (2019) Efficient and transgene-free gene targeting using Agrobacterium-mediated delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in tomato. Plant Cell Reports 38, 459–462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-019-02373-6

Danilo B, Perrot L, Botton E, Nogué F, Mazier M (2018) The DFR locus: a smart landing pad for targeted transgene insertion in tomato. PlosOne  | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208395