DOI: 10.1111/pbi.70219 PMCID: PMC8060726
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has emerged as a potent molecular scalpel for precise genome editing, and profoundly revolutionized plant genetics and breeding, facilitating the development of innovative and improved plant varieties. Typically, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing construct is delivered into target organisms via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation or biolistic methods. However, the incorporation of the CRISPR-Cas9 machinery increases the risk of off-target effects, causing unintended genomic alterations. Additionally, the introduction of exogenous DNA sequences, such as antibiotic resistance marker, raises public concerns regarding the biosafety and regulatory oversight of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), potentially hindering regulatory approval and commercialization. Here, we have engineered an integrated system comprising RUBY, LoxP::FRT/FLP and CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA cassettes within a single construct, allowing visible color monitoring throughout process including genetic transform, positive transgenic and edited events screening, as well as exogenous DNA excision events, we refer to it as 'a visual monitoring DNA-free multi-gene editing system (VMDFGE)'. This system was introduced into poplar through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, yielding transgenic poplars with a 75.0% visual screening rate, a 45.8% targeted mutation rate and a 54.5% excision rate for the entire integration system. This approach eliminates the concerns associated with off-target effects and GMO regulatory challenges. It offers significant potential for improvement of poplar, other woody plants and crop species while removing the foreign DNA.