CRISPR/Cas9-based editing of NF-YC4 promoters yields high-protein rice and soybean.

ABSTRACT: Genome editing is a revolution in biotechnology for crop improvement with the final product lacking transgenes. However, most derived traits have been generated through edits that create gene knockouts. Our study pioneers a novel approach, utilizing gene editing to enhance gene expression by eliminating transcriptional repressor binding motifs. Building upon our prior research demonstrating the protein-boosting effects of the transcription factor NF-YC4, we identified conserved motifs targeted by RAV and WRKY repressors in the NF-YC4 promoters from rice (Oryza sativa) and soybean (Glycine max). Leveraging CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we deleted these motifs, resulting in reduced repressor binding and increased NF-YC4 expression. This strategy led to increased protein content and reduced carbohy

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11798907 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature