CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of the Arabidopsis GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) gene family.

Genome editing in plants typically relies on T-DNA plasmids that are mobilized by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to deliver the CRISPR/Cas machinery. Here, we introduce a series of CRISPR/Cas9 T-DNA vectors for minimal settings, such as teaching labs. Gene-specific targeting sequences can be inserted as annealed short oligonucleotides in a single straightforward cloning step. Fluorescent markers expressed in mature seeds enable reliable selection of transgenic or transgene-free individuals using a combination of inexpensive LED lamps and colored-glass alternative filters. Testing these tools on the Arabidopsis GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) genes, we were able to create a collection of predicted null mutations in all nine family members with little effort. We then explored the effects of simultaneously targeting two, four and eight GRF genes on the rate of induced mutations at each target locus. In our hands, multiplexing was associated with pronounced disparities: while mutation rates at some loci remained consistently high, mutation rates at other loci dropped dramatically with increasing number of single guide RNA species, thereby preventing a systematic mutagenesis of the family.

Investigation of enzyme activity by SERRS using poly-functionalised benzotriazole derivatives as enzyme substrates.

New methods of measuring biologically relevant concentrations of enzymes are necessary to allow greater understanding of biological systems. We have previously shown that aryl azo benzotriazolyl alkyl esters can act as enzyme substrates, with the progress of the reaction being monitored using SERRS (see Nat. Biotechnol., 2004, 22, 1133, ref. ). This is a wholly novel analytical application of SERRS, and the low detection levels of the technique allow for an ultra-sensitive enzyme assay. Masked enzyme substrates are used that are invisible to SERRS until enzymatic hydrolysis. Turnover of the substrate by the enzyme leads to the release of the surface-seeking dye necessary for SERRS, and intense signals are produced. Here we report an improved synthesis of 2H-benzotriazolyl alkyl esters via nucleophilic substitution of a chloromethyl ester by benzotriazolyl azo dyes, giving up to a ten-fold increase on previously reported yields. Introduction of electron-withdrawing groups to the benzotriazole ring allows control over the SERRS properties of the compounds. This is of great significance in expanding the synthetic flexibility and subsequently the fundamental use of these compounds as ultra-sensitive and selective reporters of enzyme activity.