Plant genome editing using a nanocapsule

June 8, 2021

Toward practical application of safe genome editing

A research group of RIKEN CSRS developed a genome editing technique for plant callus using Cas9 ribonucleoprotein encapsulated in nano-size capsules called polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes).

Genome editing via direct delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein into plant cells has been attracting attention as a safer genome editing technique. However, it has been applied to limited types of plants because introduction of the ribonucleoprotein utilizes the electroporation or polyethylene glycol method.

In this research, the group encapsulated proteins in cell-penetrating peptide-displayed PICsomes (CPP-PICsomes), and succeeded in efficient delivery of the proteins into plant callus cells while maintaining the activity of the proteins. Further, the group achieved genome editing in plant callus by applying this delivery system to the delivery of a Cas9 ribonucleoprotein.

As callus can be induced from many types of plants, and plants can be regenerated from callus, this technique is promising for safe genome editing in a variety of practical plants.

Original article
ACS Applied Nano Materials doi:10.1021/acsanm.1c00695
M. Odahara, K. Watanabe, R. Kawasaki, K. Tsuchiya, A. Tateishi, Y. Motoda, T. Kigawa, Y. Kodama, K. Numata,
"Nanoscale Polyion Complex Vesicles for Delivery of Cargo Proteins and Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes to Plant Cells".
Contact
Masaki Odahara; Research Scientist
Kousuke Tsuchiya; Visiting Scientist
Keiji Numata; Team Leader
Biomacromolecules Research Team