Gene editing in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.): progress and prospects
2019
Sagarbarria, M.G.S. | Lipio, P.G. | Masanga, A.P.L. | Hautea, D.M.
Gene editing tools have the power to produce changes in the genome ranging from small insertions, deletions, base edits, gene replacements and controlling gene expression. Targeted mutagenesis via gene editing is a powerful tool in plant breeding, which can harness the potential of a plant's native genome and hasten the breeding process. Authors report progress in establishing a gene editing system in eggplant, specifically in Philippine variety Dumaguete Long Purple (DLP). As a foundation for an initial gene editing system, authors chose to target economically important traits which are relatively easy to assess and phenotype. Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) are enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds, which result in undesirable enzymatic browning of the fruit. Auxin response factor-8 (ARF-8) is a negative regulator of fruit set and is related to parthenocarpy. Utilizing gene editing, we aim for targeted knock-out of these genes which may produce genotypes with increased marketability. Important domains for the function of PPO and ARF-8 genes have been sequenced in DLP. High homology was observed between DLP sequences and that of publicly available eggplant genome. These may be used to design single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for use in CRISPR gene editing systems. To produce gene edited plants, a tissue culture system for eggplant should be available. We have observed high frequencies for callus induction in leaf and cotyledon explants of DLP, but very low shoot regeneration. Optimization of the regeneration process for eggplant is vital in order to successfully conduct gene editing. In addition to this, future work will have to include the construction of a gene editing vector to be used in Agrobacterium transformation.
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