CRISPR/Cas9 and Genome Editing in Drosophila

Recent advances in our ability to design DNA binding factors with specificity for desired sequences have resulted in a revolution in genetic engineering, enabling directed changes to the genome to be made relatively easily. Traditional techniques for generating genetic mutations in most organisms have relied on selection from large pools of randomly induced mutations for those of particular interest, or time-consuming gene targeting by homologous recombination. Drosophila melanogaster has always been at the forefront of genetic analysis, and application of these new genome editing techniques to this organism will revolutionise our approach to performing analysis of gene function in the future. We discuss the recent techniques that apply the CRISPR/Cas9 system to Drosophila, highlight potential uses for this technology and speculate upon the future of genome engineering in this model organism.     

Genome,Evolution, Drosophila and Beyond: The New Dimensions

A century ago, a little fly with red eyes was first used for genetic studies. That insignificant fly called at that time, Drosophila ampelophila, was going to revolutionize biology while becoming the model we know today as Drosophila melanogaster. Since then, its study has never ceased, but the field of interest has somewhat changed over the century. Drosophila meetings are exceptional opportunities to gather biologists of diverse backgrounds to not only learn about the latest improvements in our field of interest, but also to appreciate learning another bit of biology. From this biological melting pot a culture very specific to the fly community has emerged. Thus, besides neurobiology, cell biology and development a diversity of other fields of research exist, and they all have their own place in the cultural and historical dimension of the "Drosophila" model. Several communications from these diverse fields of research were presented at the 8th Japanese Drosophila Research Conference (JDRC8) and they are briefly reported here.     

A Toolkit of CRISPR-Based Genome Editing Systems in Drosophila

The last couple of years have witnessed an explosion in development of CRISPR-based genome editing technologies in cell lines as well as in model organisms. In this review, we focus on the applications of this popular system in Drosophila. We discuss the effectiveness of the CRISPR/Cas9 systems in terms of delivery, mutagenesis detection, parameters affecting efficiency, and off-target issues, with an emphasis on how to apply this powerful tool to characterize gene functions.     

Genome Editing: Revolutionizing the Crop Improvement

Plant Molecular Biology Reporter - Modern biotechnology is progressed to sequence-specific, site-directed, precise, and safe strategies for genetic manipulation. The genome-editing strategy is...     

基因组编辑:植物生物技术的机遇与挑战

基于序列特异性核酸酶的基因组编辑技术可以在不同物种中对目标基因进行定点敲除,并可实现特定基因片段置换,基因的定点插入等基因组靶向修饰。基因组编辑是一种精准和高效的基因工程方法,近年来快速发展并得到了广泛的应用,并将改变生物技术的现状。目前,基因组编辑在不同植物,特别是农作物中的技术体系已建立,初步展示了其在植物生物技术领域的巨大潜力。介绍了不同基因组编辑系统的工作原理,并对基因组编辑技术在植物研究中的应用及成功案例进行了综述,最后对基因组编辑在植物生物技术领域所面临的机遇与挑战进行了讨论。     

Genome Editing in Methanotrophic Bacteria: Potential Targets and Available Tools

Microbiology - Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms possessing methane monooxygenases, unique enzymes that determine their ability to utilize methane (CH4) as a growth...     

Beyond promiscuity: From sexuality to apomixis in flowering plants

Summary Little is known about the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms regulating female gametogenesis in flowering plants. In many species sexuality is replaced by apomixis, a method of asexual reproduction that circumvents female meiosis and fertilization, and culminates in the formation of clonal seeds. Using a new generation of transposon based insertional mutagenesis strategies and their resulting molecular tools, we are investigating how female meiotically derived cells (megaspores) acquire their identity. We are also determining their function and interactions, and attempting the induction of apomixis initiation in the ovule of Arabidopsis. This basic knowledge will contribute to establish the transfer of apomixis into sexual crops, a major challenge faced by plant biotechnology. The introduction of apomixis as a reproductive alternative could represent a unique opportunity to simplify breeding schemes and genetically perpetuate any desired heterozygous genotype, including hybrids.     

CRISPR/Cas9:一种新型的基因组定点编辑技术

CRISPR/Cas9系统是原核生物抵御病毒或质粒等外来遗传物质入侵的一种获得性免疫系统,主要由非特异性的Cas9核酸酶和起识别作用的cr RNA所组成。相较于传统的基因组编辑技术,基于CRISPR/Cas9系统的基因组定点编辑技术具有快速、简单、高效等优点,并且几乎可以用于任何物种的基因编辑。尽管CRISPR/Cas9系统的基因组特异性还有待进一步确认,但该系统在基因组编辑方面的简便性和有效性必将促进生物学的研究和人类疾病基因治疗方面的发展。