Optimised Protocol for Efficient Generation, Confirmation, Transformation, and CRISPR Editing of Grapevine Hairy Roots.
Tietz SM, Brenner K, Moyo T, Young PR, Vivier MA
Summary
PubMedWhy it matters This matters because faster, cheaper tools for studying grapevine genetics could accelerate the development of disease-resistant or climate-resilient grape varieties — potentially protecting the wine and table grape industries that supply your local grocery store and vineyard.
Researchers figured out how to reliably grow special root cultures from many different grape varieties in a lab dish, then used the CRISPR gene-editing tool on these roots for the first time ever. They proved the system works by turning the roots red using a gene that controls color pigments. This shortcut lets scientists test genetic changes in weeks rather than years, without growing an entire grapevine.
chevron_right Technical Details
Scientists developed a reliable method to grow grapevine 'hairy roots' in the lab and successfully used CRISPR gene editing on them for the first time, creating a faster way to study and improve grapevine genetics without needing to modify whole plants.
Key Findings
Protocol worked across 7 grapevine cultivars (3 Vitis vinifera + 4 rootstock hybrids) and was adapted to 2 additional South African plant species
First-ever CRISPR/Cas9 editing of grapevine hairy root cultures, targeting the VviPUB19 gene
Overexpression of the VviMYBA1 gene visibly increased red anthocyanin pigmentation, confirming the system can validate gene function
Abstract Preview
Hairy root cultures (HRCs) are powerful tools in plant biotechnology but show variable establishment efficiencies, limiting broader applications. Here, we present a standardised and optimised refer...
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Vitis (grapevine) is a genus of about 80 species of twining plants in the family Vitaceae. The genus consists of species predominantly from the Northern Hemisphere. It is economically important as the source of grapes, both for direct consumption of the fruit and for fermentation to produce wine....