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Robust and highly efficient transformation method for a minimal mycoplasma cell.

UNLABELLED: Mycoplasmas have been widely investigated for their pathogenicity, as well as for genomics and synthetic biology. Conventionally, transformation of mycoplasmas was not highly efficient, and due to the low transformation efficiency, large amounts of DNA and recipient cells were required for that purpose. Here, we report a robust and highly efficient transformation method for the minimal cell JCVI-syn3B, which was created through streamlining the genome of Mycoplasma mycoides. When the growth states of JCVI-syn3B were examined in detail by focusing on such factors as pH, color, absorbance, colony forming unit, and transformation efficiency, it was found that the growth phase after the lag phase can be divided into three distinct phases, of which the highest transformation efficiency was observed during the early exponential growth phase. Notably, the transformation efficiency of up to 4.4 × 10-2 transformants per cell per microgram of plasmid DNA was obtained. A method to obtain several hundred to several thousand transformants with less than 0.2 mL of culture with approximately 1 × 107-108 cells and 10 ng of plasmid DNA was developed. Moreover, a transformation method using a frozen stock of transformation-ready cells was established. These procedures and information could simplify and enhance the transformation process of minimal cells, facilitating advanced genetic engineering and biological research using minimal cells. IMPORTANCE: Mycoplasmas are parasitic and pathogenic bacteria for many animals. They are also useful bacteria to understand the cellular process of life and for bioengineering because of their simple metabolism, small genomes, and cultivability. Genetic manipulation is crucial for these purposes, but transformation efficiency in mycoplasmas is typically quite low. Here, we report a highly efficient transformation method for the minimal genome mycoplasma JCVI-syn3B. Using this method, transformants can be obtained with only 10 ng of plasmid DNA, which is around one-thousandth of the amount required for traditional mycoplasma transformations. Moreover, a convenient method using frozen stocks of transformation-ready cells was established. These improved methods play a crucial role in further studies using minimal cells.

Transformation, Bacterial

The combination of morphogenic regulators BABY BOOM and GRF-GIF improves maize transformation efficiency and promotes leaf regeneration.

Transformation is an indispensable tool for plant genetics and functional genomics. Although stable transformation in maize is no longer a major obstacle, there remains a need for accessible and efficient methods for academic laboratories. Here, we present the GGB system, a rapid and efficient approach optimized for immature embryo transformation in B104 and other maize lines. This system combines two distinct morphogenetic regulators, the wheat GRF4-GIF1 chimera and the maize BABY BOOM (BBM) transcription factor (hence the name "GGB") with a modified QuickCorn protocol, enabling regeneration of transformed maize plantlets in c. 2 months with an efficiency 7-fold higher than when compared to either morphogenic factor used in isolation. Expression of both regulators did not significantly affect development, eliminating the need to excise them after regeneration. However, transmission of the transgenic GGB construct through pollen was significantly reduced, potentially aiding transgenic line containment. We show that the GGB system is adaptable for CRISPR-Cas9 editing and reporter line generation. Furthermore, stable GGB transformants exhibited high leaf regeneration capacity via somatic embryogenesis. RNA-seq time-course profiling of GGB leaf cultures identified additional factors that could promote regeneration and led to the discovery of asparagine and trehalose as additional media components that significantly enhanced leaf regeneration.

Zea mays

Systematic Optimization Enables Near-Perfect In Vitro Transformation Efficiencies for Spirodela polyrhiza (Greater Duckweed).

The in vitro transformation of plants, or the delivery of foreign genetic material that is incorporated into their genomes, represents a powerful tool both for elucidating genotype-phenotype relationships and for generating plant cultivars which have desirable traits for agriculture and/or biotechnological applications. However, outside of a few model species, the processes involved in transformation are often inefficient and can take months to perform for many plant species, with several bottlenecks occurring at the different stages of calli induction, genetic transfection, and plant regeneration. While duckweeds - aquatic monocots whose species include some of the smallest and fastest-growing flowering plants on the planet - have distinguished themselves with several emerging biotechnological applications, they too are the subject of conflicting reports regarding their transformation potential and ability to be genetically manipulated. Here, we synthesized and optimized the protocols for in vitro transformation of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza (Greater Duckweed) from start-to-finish: achieving >90% - 100% efficiencies for each of calli induction; transient and stable genetic transformation; visual marker-free selection of transformants; and regeneration of genetically modified plants with stable transgene expression for over 100 generations - and which in S. polyrhiza can be achieved over the course of weeks instead of months. The integrated, streamlined approaches for all stages of in vitro transformation overcome many bottlenecks and can help to pave the way for high-throughput functional genomics studies and synthetic biology applications in this biotechnologically-important species.

CRISPR/Cas9

Ultra-high field strength electroporation enables efficient DNA transformation and genome editing in nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Efficient DNA delivery is essential for genetic manipulation of mycobacteria and for dissecting their physiology, pathogenesis, and drug resistance. Although electroporation enables transformation efficiencies exceeding 10⁵ CFU per µg DNA in Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it remains highly inefficient in many nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including Mycobacterium abscessus. Here, we discovered that NTM such as M. abscessus exhibit exceptional tolerance to ultra-high electric field strengths and that hypertonic preconditioning partially protects cells from electroporation-induced damage. Using ultra-high electric field strength (3 kV/mm) electroporation, we achieved dramatic improvements in plasmid transformation efficiency-up to 106-fold in M. abscessus, 83-fold in Mycobacterium marinum, and 37-fold in Mycobacterium kansasii-compared to standard conditions (1.25  kV/mm). Transformation efficiency was further influenced by the choice of selectable marker. Ultra-high field strength electroporation also markedly enhanced allelic exchange in M. abscessus expressing Che9c RecET recombinases, increasing the recovery of gene deletion mutants by over 1,000-fold relative to conventional electroporation. In parallel, oligonucleotide-mediated recombineering for targeted point mutations produced nearly 10,000-fold more mutants under ultra-high field conditions. Together, these findings establish ultra-high field electroporation as a robust, broadly applicable platform for genetic engineering of NTMs. This method substantially enhances transformation efficiency and enables construction of advanced genetic tools-including expression libraries and CRISPRi knockdown libraries-in species that have historically resisted genetic manipulation.IMPORTANCEInfections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including Mycobacterium abscessus, are increasing globally, yet genetic manipulation of these pathogens remains technically challenging due to inefficient DNA delivery and low gene editing success. The ultra-high electric field strength electroporation strategy described here overcomes these barriers, enabling dramatic improvements in both transformation and genome editing efficiency. This advance paves the way for high-throughput functional genomics in NTMs, including the construction of genome-wide knockout, CRISPRi knockdown, and expression libraries. Broad adoption of this approach will accelerate discovery of genetic determinants of virulence and drug resistance, facilitating the development of antimicrobials and vaccines.

Electroporation

Application of compact CRISPR/Cas nucleases for citrus genome editing.

Gene editing technology continues to advance, and the range of available editing tools is steadily expanding. Recently, several compact and ultracompact systems have been developed, gaining considerable attention because their components can be efficiently packaged into viral vectors. To identify compact tools suitable for efficient genome editing in citrus, Casπ, CoCas9, along with their respective single guide RNAs, were synthesized, and CRISPR/Casπ and CRISPR/CoCas9 constructs were designed to assess their editing efficiency in 'Wanjincheng' orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck). The Casπ was able to mediate genome editing in the citrus genome, although with low efficiency. In comparison, CoCas9 showed a transformation efficiency three times higher than that of the widely used SpCas9. Moreover, while the gene editing efficiency of CoCas9 was comparable to that of SpCas9, the significantly elevated transformation efficiency resulted in a significantly higher overall editing efficiency for CoCas9 relative to SpCas9. Mutation profiles generated by CoCas9 and SpCas9 were highly similar, and both nucleases displayed comparable target specificity at three potential off-target sites. These results indicate that Casπ is not suitable for application in citrus genome editing, whereas CoCas9 represents a promising alternative to SpCas9 for efficient and precise genome modification in citrus.

CRISPR-Cas Systems

Genome Editing in Solanaceae: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Technology for Precision Crop Improvement.

Malnutrition and climate-induced stress remain major constraints to global food and nutritional security despite the yield gains of the Green Revolution. Solanaceae crops such as tomato, potato, brinjal, and pepper are key sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Yet, their genetic improvement has been limited by narrow diversity and complex polygenic traits. The advent of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing provides a transformative platform for precision crop improvement by enabling targeted modification of genes controlling stress tolerance, yield, and nutritional quality. In Solanaceae, CRISPR/Cas applications have successfully enhanced resistance against major pathogens (SlMlo1, SlPelo, SlDCL2), improved abiotic stress tolerance through editing of SlMAPK3, SlCBF1, and SlBZR1, and optimized fruit quality traits via modulation of Psy1, CrtR-b2, and fiAD2/3. Emerging innovations, such as base and prime editing, and RNP-mediated transgene-free delivery, are expanding the precision and scope of editing. However, challenges persist, including genotype-dependent transformation, low HDR efficiency, and incomplete understanding of off-target and epigenetic effects. Integrating CRISPR with omics-guided gene discovery, efficient transformation systems, and regulatory harmonization can accelerate the development of nutritionally enriched, stress-resilient, and sustainable Solanaceae varieties. This review synthesizes recent advances, identifies critical limitations, and outlines future opportunities for deploying CRISPR/Cas technology to achieve next-generation breeding and food system resilience.

CRISPR/Cas

Donor deoxyribonucleic acid length and marker effect in pneumococcal transformation.

The efficiency of transformation of point mutations depends upon base pair mismatches during the recombination process. For low-efficiency markers, the genetic information carried on the donor deoxyribonucleic acid is preferentially lost. To understand this elimination process, we investigated the effect of the size of donor deoxyribonucleic acid on the relative efficiency of low-efficiency point mutations. The deoxyribonucleic acid was shortened either by mechanical shearing or by restriction enzyme treatments. The results indicate that transformation by low-efficiency markers was not affected by shortening the distance between them and the end of the molecule any more than was transformation by the other markers. Moreover, no lethal event could be detected for either cell or chromosomal marker survival. These data do not exclude the double-strand-break hypothesis that was proposed to explain the loss of genetic information for low-efficiency markers, but they offer no support for it.

DNA Restriction Enzymes

A genotype-independent and highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated soybean genetic transformation system.

A stable and efficient transformation system is crucial for functional genomics and trait improvement in soybean. This study developed a tissue culture based genetic transformation system incorporating dual selection (Spectinomycin and RUBY). This system significantly enhances transformation efficiency, shortens the transformation cycle, and demonstrates broad genotype independence, providing a powerful tool for soybean research and breeding.

Glycine max

Impact of wheat GRF4-GIF1 morphogenic regulators on transformation and genome editing efficiency in elite barley cultivars.

INTRODUCTION: Efficient genetic transformation is essential for the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system and thus represents an important technology for breeding-oriented research in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). However, transformation and plant regeneration from tissue culture remain challenging in non-model barley genotypes. Previous studies demonstrated that expression of a chimeric fusion between two interacting transcription factors, GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 4 (GRF4) and GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR 1 (GIF1), enhances regeneration capacity in wheat and other species. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the effect of the wheat-derived GRF4-GIF1 morphogenic regulators on biolistic transformation and genome editing efficiency in three commercial barley cultivars: Tselinniy 5, Aley, and G-23035. RESULTS: The JD633 construct carrying GRF4-GIF1 enabled recovery of stable transformants in all three genotypes, with efficiencies ranging from 2.5% to 5%, whereas the control construct lacking morphogenic regulators resulted in no transgenic events in any of the tested varieties. Among transformed T0 plantlets, genome editing efficiency reached 64.3%, with predominantly biallelic mutations that were stably inherited in the T1 generation. Molecular screening revealed the presence of plasmid-free edited plants in the T0 generation, likely arising from transient Cas9 expression, and provided evidence of tissue chimerism. DISCUSSION: These results demonstrate that the GRF-GIF system facilitates genome editing, providing a practical framework for accelerating precision breeding in barley.

CRISPR/Cas9

Rapid Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and high-efficiency regeneration of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) for crop improvement.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a nutritionally important and climate-resilient cereal cultivated in rainfed regions of India and Eastern Africa, yet its genetic improvement has been limited by the lack of efficient and reproducible transformation systems. In this study, we developed a rapid and efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and regeneration system using shoot apical meristem (SAM) explants, enabling direct, callus-free shoot organogenesis. Optimal regeneration and shoot elongation were achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3.5 mg L⁻1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.5 mg L⁻1 kinetin, 0.1 mg L⁻1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 0.2 mg L⁻1 gibberellic acid (GA₃). Genotype-dependent responses were observed, with PR-202 requiring 2 mg L⁻1 AgNO3 to reduce phenolic browning, whereas VL-376 regenerated efficiently without AgNO3. Transformation efficiencies of 30-32% were achieved in PR-202 and VL-376, respectively, by optimising infection and co-cultivation conditions, including reduced MS salt strength and pre-incubation of Agrobacterium. Molecular analyses, including PCR and Southern blot hybridisation, confirmed stable T-DNA integration in independent lines, while segregation analysis of T₁ progenies demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of the transgene. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 constructs targeting EcCKX2 were successfully introduced via Agrobacterium, demonstrating the suitability of this system for genome engineering applications. Overall, this optimised SAM-based protocol provides a rapid (45-50 days), efficient, and reproducible platform for stable genetic transformation in finger millet and establishes a strong foundation for transgenic research and future genome editing studies in this underutilized crop.

Eleusine

Development of a highly efficient prime editing platform for cucurbits enables breeding of multi-disease-resistant cucumber.

The prime editing (PE) system is a precise genome editing technology that works efficiently in monocots; however, its application is limited by low editing efficiency in dicots, particularly Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae plants. Here, we first significantly improved the transformation efficiency by introducing spectinomycin in cucurbits, then used the tomato elongation factor 1-alpha (SlEF1α) promoter to enhance PE protein expression, and incorporated the Csy4 ribonuclease to process pegRNAs, collectively addressing multiple constraints limiting PE efficiency in cucurbits. The optimized PE systems, particularly Csy4-PE6d, achieved an average desired editing frequency of 80.83% at targeted loci in cucumber via stable genetic transformation, with frequencies reaching up to 100% at certain sites. Moreover, Csy4-PE6d generated homozygous edits in 36.43% of transgenic lines and demonstrated robust editing activity in melon, pumpkin, and potato. Using the Csy4-PE6d tool, we generated heritable edited cucumber lines with dual resistance to bacterial angular leaf spot and downy mildew by targeting the CsSGR gene. Collectively, this optimized system substantially enhances PE efficiency in Cucurbit crops, providing an effective solution to common challenges such as low editing efficiency and limited heritability in these species.

Disease Resistance

Efficient and versatile rapeseed transformation for new breeding technologies.

Many gene functions are widely studied and understood in Arabidopsis; however, the lack of efficient transformation systems often limits the application and verification of this knowledge in crop plants. Brassica napus L., a member of the Brassicaceae family, is usually transformed by Agrobacterium-mediated hypocotyl transformation, but not all growth types are equally amenable to transformation. In particular, winter rapeseed, which requires vernalization to initiate flowering, is recalcitrant to in vitro regeneration and transformation. The analysis of gene functions in rapeseed is further complicated by the allotetraploid nature of its genome and the genome triplication within the Brassica genus, which has led to the presence of a large number of gene homologs for each Arabidopsis ortholog. We have established a transformation method that facilitates the regeneration of winter rapeseed by using the WUSCHEL gene from Beta vulgaris. This allowed us to efficiently transform a winter and spring rapeseed genotype in small-scale experiments. As proof of principle, we targeted BnCLV3 and BnSPL9/15 with CRISPR/Cas9 and showed that entire gene families are effectively edited using this transformation protocol. This allowed us to simultaneously study many redundantly acting homologous genes in rapeseed. We observed mutant phenotypes for BnCLV3 and BnSPL9/15 in primary transformants, indicating that biallelic knockouts were obtained for up to eight genes. This allowed an initial phenotypic characterization to be performed already a few months after starting the experiment.

Brassica napus

An efficient woody plant protoplast platform enables transgene-free multiplex genome editing and rapid trait validation in pear.

Multiplex editing is crucial for analysing complex multiple-gene traits in woody plants, yet its application remains limited because of low transformation efficiency and lengthy regeneration cycles. To overcome these barriers, in this study we establish an efficient protoplast isolation protocol for pear (Pyrus) that employs 1.0% cellulase R10 and 0.4% macerozyme R10 with an 8.5 h digestion. Its broad applicability using different digestion times across seven other economically important woody plants is demonstrated. Coupling a 40% PEG-4000-mediated transfection regimen with DNA-free CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery enables multiplex genome editing in isolated protoplasts. Using this platform, we simultaneously disrupted the key components of the chloroplast division apparatus ARC3, PARC6, and FtsZ2-1a in Pyrus bretschneideri and found that it consistently reproduced macro-chloroplast abnormalities, confirming effective multigene perturbation within a single cellular context. Notably, failure of chloroplast division activated chloroplast-to-nucleus retrograde signaling, as evidenced by the induction of the nuclear stress-response genes RBOHD and ZAT12, a concomitant surge in reactive oxygen species, and progression to severe cellular deformation. Thus, our study establishes a rapid, cross-genus protoplast-RNP workflow that enables DNA-free multiplex editing and accelerates genotype-to-phenotype analyses in woody perennials. The approach provides a practical foundation for functional genomics and supports advances in non-transgenic precision breeding of tree crops.

Protoplasts

High-efficiency genome-editing, transgene evaluation, and antimicrobial efficacy testing using Citrus medica L. hairy roots.

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, associated with the fastidious bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), has a significant impact on citrus production worldwide. Conventional biochemical and genetic evaluation studies to identify potential disease resistance strategies have been mainly hindered due to the inability to culture CLas in a defined medium and the general recalcitrance of Citrus cultivars (grapefruits and oranges) to Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. We previously demonstrated the utility of plant hairy roots to co-cultivate CLas. In this study, we developed a hairy root transformation system using citron (Citrus medica L.), which is highly amenable to Rhizobium-mediated hairy root transformation. The explant survival and hairy root transformation efficiencies were up to 100% and 73%, respectively, and transgenic roots can be attained in as little as 30-60 days. We demonstrate the utility of this citron-based hairy root transformation for rapid CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, transgene evaluation, and antimicrobial efficacy testing. The citron-based hairy root transformation system will significantly help the research community to speed-track the assessment of potential HLB disease resistance strategies.

Citrus

DipTRANS: an improved method for in planta transformation and genome engineering in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Plant transformation remains constrained by labor-intensive tissue culture. Our previous work showed that direct delivery of developmental regulators (DRs) can induce de novo meristems on plants, offering a promising transformation approach. In this resource article, we introduced DipTRANS (Direct in planta Transformation), an optimized, soil-based heritable transformation platform for Nicotiana benthamiana that bypasses sterile culture entirely. DipTRANS is built on DR-induced de novo meristem formation. After optimizing parameters, including regulator combinations, Agrobacterium strain, and infiltration density, DipTRANS yielded transformation efficiencies to 46.7%. Developmental abnormalities associated with regulator expression are resolved through cutting-based propagation and virus-induced transgene excision, enabling recovery of fertile, transgenic progeny. Furthermore, DipTRANS supports tissue culture-free, transgene-free iterative genome modification via virus-induced genome editing. Overall, DipTRANS enables the generation of transgenic plants within 30 days and engineered progeny within 90 days. This methodology provides a rapid, versatile platform and a blueprint for extending direct in planta transformation to other plant species.

DRs

Barcoded mutant library enables high-throughput functional genomics in a filamentous fungus.

Advances in sequencing technology enabling rapid and inexpensive whole-genome sequencing highlight how few genes are functionally characterized. This problem is particularly acute in filamentous fungi, where even in the best studied organisms upward of half of genes are poorly characterized or unannotated. High-throughput tools to identify gene function exist for single-celled organisms, like yeast and bacteria. However, filamentous fungi present challenges to high-throughput gene characterization, including low transformation efficiency and multinucleate cells. Filamentous fungi are critical components of nutrient cycling in ecosystems, form symbioses with plants that improve nutrient uptake, and are devastating human, plant, and animal pathogens causing millions of deaths and substantial crop loss each year. Thus, it is critical to overcome challenges to rapid gene characterization in filamentous fungi. We generated a library of hundreds of millions of uniquely barcoded plasmids containing a broad host-range drug resistance marker for ectopic insertion into filamentous fungal genomes by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. We then optimized A. tumefaciens mediated transformation of the biocontrol agent Trichoderma atroviride and made an insertional mutagenesis library containing 83,311 barcoded insertions, disrupting 5,331 of 11,863 predicted genes. This library enables high-throughput screens to rapidly connect genotype to phenotype. Quantifying relative barcode abundance in the pooled library before and after exposure to experimental conditions identified candidate genes and recovered known pathway components in amino acid biosynthetic, fructose utilization, and xylose utilization pathways. This resource establishes a scalable platform for high-throughput functional genomics in filamentous fungi, enabling investigations of fungal biology to improve medical outcomes, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Genomics

Benzoic acid inhibits peach root growth and lateral root emergence by disrupting auxin homeostasis through salicylic acid accumulation.

We established a non-sterile root transformation system in peach seedlings. Using this system, we demonstrated that BA treatment inhibits plant growth and lateral root emergence by SA-mediated disruption of auxin distribution. Allelopathic autotoxins, particularly benzoic acid (BA), are recognized as primary contributors to peach (Prunus persica) replant disease; however, the molecular mechanisms by which BA disrupts root development remain poorly understood. BA treatment significantly reduced stem and root length and inhibited lateral root emergence without affecting lateral root initiation. To investigate the underlying mechanism at cellular resolution, we established a non-sterile Agrobacterium rhizogenes-based root transformation system achieving 27.11% transformation efficiency. Auxin biosynthesis (PpYUC10), influx transport (PpAUX1), and response (PpARF19) genes were markedly downregulated following BA treatment. Transgenic roots expressing the DR5::GUS auxin reporter exhibited reduced DR5 activity in root tips and suppressed expression in tissues surrounding lateral root primordia, indicating impaired auxin signaling at both developmental sites. Hormone profiling revealed a non-significant trend toward reduced auxin metabolites alongside significant accumulation of salicylic acid (SA), an auxin-antagonistic hormone, and its storage conjugate SA 2-O-β-glucoside. Supporting a causal role for SA, exogenous SA phenocopied BA-induced root growth inhibition, whereas co-treatment with IAA or the SA-biosynthesis inhibitor aminoindan-1-phosphonic acid (AIP) significantly rescued lateral root number and root fresh weight. Multi-treatment RNA-seq identified "response to auxin" and "response to salicylic acid" as the most enriched GO terms in BA-treated roots, and AIP treatment restored the expression of key auxin-related genes while reversing BA-induced SA-pathway changes. Together, these findings suggest that BA-induced SA accumulation suppresses auxin biosynthesis, transport, and signaling, thereby inhibiting peach root growth and lateral root emergence. This study elucidates the molecular basis of BA autotoxicity and establishes a transformation platform for functional genomic studies in Prunus.

Indoleacetic Acids