Targeted Gene Editing in Plants using CRISPR-Cas9, Single-Stranded DNA Oligonucleotides, and Protoplast Regeneration

Genome editing requires insertion of DNA sequences into specific locations. Protocols involving clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins rely on homology-directed repair, require laborious vector construction, and have low efficiency. DNA oligonucleotides can be used as donors for targeted insertion via nonhomologous end joining. Our simple protocol eliminates the need for expensive equipment and vector construction by using polyethylene glycol to deliver non-modified single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides and CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein into protoplasts. We achieved targeted insertion frequencies of up to 50.0% in Nicotiana benthamiana and 13.6% in rapid cycling Brassica oleracea without antibiotic selection. Using a 60-nt donor containing 27 nt in each homologous arm, 6 of 22 regenerated plants showed targeted insertions, and 1 contained a precise insertion of a 6-bp EcoRI site. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the DNA inserted only in the targeted positions, and genetic analysis showed that the inserted sequences transmitted to the next generation.