{"title":"Genome modification in plant mitochondria","authors":"Joachim Forner","doi":"10.1093/plphys/kiaf197","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Mitochondria are an indispensable component of every plant cell and are inextricably linked to many vital functions. One of their key characteristics is that they have their own genome. This genome, although greatly reduced, encodes several essential genes. While this has been known for decades, until recently it has not been possible to study the mitochondrial genome and its function in detail due to the lack of suitable tools for forward and reverse genetics. This is partly due to the low mutation rate in mitochondria and the lack of methods for direct transformation. A breakthrough came with the use of nuclear encoded transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nucleases (TALENs) for targeted mitochondrial mutagenesis. One of the first applications was to show unambiguously that certain ORFs were causal for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). This had previously been beyond our technical capabilities. TALENs are suitable for all plant species amenable to nuclear transformation because they are protein-only and can be imported post-transcriptionally into the mitochondria. Unfortunately, TALEN mutagenesis in plant mitochondria often seems to be associated with large genomic rearrangements. DNA base editors, the latest addition to the toolbox, bypass these side effects and merely introduce point mutations. They are based on TALEs and could only be developed after the discovery of a cytosine deaminase that acts on double-stranded DNA. The possibilities for targeted modification of the mitochondrial genome in plants are developing rapidly. This article aims to show where we stand in this development and what we can expect in the near future.","PeriodicalId":20101,"journal":{"name":"Plant Physiology","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Plant Physiology","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiaf197","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PLANT SCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Mitochondria are an indispensable component of every plant cell and are inextricably linked to many vital functions. One of their key characteristics is that they have their own genome. This genome, although greatly reduced, encodes several essential genes. While this has been known for decades, until recently it has not been possible to study the mitochondrial genome and its function in detail due to the lack of suitable tools for forward and reverse genetics. This is partly due to the low mutation rate in mitochondria and the lack of methods for direct transformation. A breakthrough came with the use of nuclear encoded transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nucleases (TALENs) for targeted mitochondrial mutagenesis. One of the first applications was to show unambiguously that certain ORFs were causal for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). This had previously been beyond our technical capabilities. TALENs are suitable for all plant species amenable to nuclear transformation because they are protein-only and can be imported post-transcriptionally into the mitochondria. Unfortunately, TALEN mutagenesis in plant mitochondria often seems to be associated with large genomic rearrangements. DNA base editors, the latest addition to the toolbox, bypass these side effects and merely introduce point mutations. They are based on TALEs and could only be developed after the discovery of a cytosine deaminase that acts on double-stranded DNA. The possibilities for targeted modification of the mitochondrial genome in plants are developing rapidly. This article aims to show where we stand in this development and what we can expect in the near future.
期刊介绍:
Plant Physiology® is a distinguished and highly respected journal with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1926. It stands as a leading international publication in the field of plant biology, covering a comprehensive range of topics from the molecular and structural aspects of plant life to systems biology and ecophysiology. Recognized as the most highly cited journal in plant sciences, Plant Physiology® is a testament to its commitment to excellence and the dissemination of groundbreaking research.
As the official publication of the American Society of Plant Biologists, Plant Physiology® upholds rigorous peer-review standards, ensuring that the scientific community receives the highest quality research. The journal releases 12 issues annually, providing a steady stream of new findings and insights to its readership.