Scientists gene-edit beech tree cells for the first time
Zahn V, Sievers AJ, Kersten B, Fladung M, Bruegmann T
Crispr
The beech trees shading forest trails across Central Europe are struggling with climate change, and this new gene-editing toolkit could help researchers figure out which genes let some trees cope better with drought and heat.
European beech is a major forest tree that's under stress from climate change, but scientists haven't had good tools to study its genes. Researchers figured out how to strip away the tough plant cell wall to get at individual cells, then used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR to make precise changes to those cells' DNA, successfully editing a target gene in up to about a third of cells. It's an early-stage lab technique, not something that produces whole edited trees yet, but it gives scientists a way to start testing which genes help beech trees handle drought and heat.
Key Findings
PEG-mediated transformation of beech leaf protoplasts achieved efficiencies of 59 ± 6.19%, though yield varied strongly by season
CRISPR/Cas12a gene editing of the FsPDS gene achieved 4.75 to 32.69% editing efficiency using a temperature-tolerant Cas12a variant
A basic toolkit of promoters and reporters was established, but regeneration of whole edited plants still needs further development
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists developed a way to edit genes in European beech trees using CRISPR gene-editing tools, opening the door to studying and potentially strengthening this important forest species against climate change.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Genetic transformation and CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated gene editing of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) employing a transient protoplast system.
Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) is a dominant hardwood forest tree species across Central Europe, supporting diverse ecosystem services and forming the basis of a significant market for high-va...
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Fagus sylvatica, the European beech or common beech, is a large deciduous tree in the beech family with smooth silvery-grey bark, large leaf area, and a short trunk with low branches. It is native to much of Europe, growing in humid climates.