CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing of GmJAGGED1 increased yield in the low‐latitude soybean variety Huachun 6

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13673
• Publication Date: 2021-07-21T18:51:00Z
• Authors: Zhandong Cai; Peiqi Xian; Yanbo Cheng; Qibin Ma; Tengxiang Lian; Hai Nian; Liangfa Ge
• Keywords: Cytosine

The number of seeds per pod (NSPP) is one the critical components that affect soybean yield (Liu et al., 2020). Ln, which encodes GmJAGGED1 (GmJAG1), a major locus regulating NSPP and leaflet shape in (Fang 2013; Jeong 2012). A single base pair substitution Ln from guanine (G) to cytosine (C) led an amino acid change conserved EAR motif GmJAG1, resulting loss function GmJAG1 ln can significantly increase 2013) has been widely used breeding. By introducing into Kedou 1, was increased by approximately 8% 10% resulted new high-yield variety 17 In order breed superior varieties for tropical subtropical regions, we intend fulfil advantage beneficial locus. For purpose, analysed distribution natural allele populations. Among total more than 3800 accessions have re-sequenced 2017; Torkamaneh 2021; Zhou 2015), exists modern elite lines less frequently landraces (Fig. 1a). Interestingly, hardly found wild (Glycine soja). nucleotide diversity around extremely low, strong contrast 1b,c). This result consistent with previous report located selection sweep indicates favourably selected breeding practices, leads enrichment lines. 173 collected south Southeast Asia Brazil did not find ln. low-latitude varieties, additional 210 China sequenced Sanger sequencing. However, still found, indicating does exist germplasms originated low latitudes Soybean hypersensitive photoperiod, limits intercross between different latitudes. Thus, it would be highly challenging create ln-carrying intercrossing high Given nature mutation feasible introduce ln-related traits mutating GmJAG1. that, employed CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing technology edited Huachun 6, spring cultivar certified Chinese government 1d). Two guide RNAs were designed target We obtained two independent T0 carrying heterozygous mutations Due sequence similarity GmJAG2, GmJAG2 also From T1 segregation population, identified CAS9-free homozygous mutant, named as gmjag. sequencing showed start codons lost gmjag, addition small deletions on second exons both genes plant its offspring further trait analysis. Consistent ln, gmjag narrow leaflets 1e). To evaluate performance conducted field trials at Guangzhou experimental stations (N23°15′, E113°34′) summer 2020 2021, respectively. growth period, height, branches, nodes pods changed compared 6. observed 4-seeded plants, whereas 6 develop any Additionally, percentage 3-seeded 2-seeded decreased 1f,g). average Although seed weight lower Huachan trial, no significant difference trial 1h). 8.81% 8.67% These results indicate CRISPR/Cas9 knockout effective proposed powerful tool rapid crop improvement. work only created germplasm CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing but provided template utilization legume supported Key Areas Research Development Program Guangdong Province (2020B020220008), National Natural Science Foundation (Project 31771345) Agricultural System (CARS-04-PS09). authors thank Dr. Intikhab Alam revision manuscript. declare conflict interest. HN LG research; ZC, PX, YC, QM TL performed experiments; ZC PX data analyses wrote