Genetius

The study generated a dataset of 420 sgRNAs targeting promoters, exons, and introns of 137 tomato genes in protoplasts, linking editing efficiency to chromatin accessibility, genomic context, and sequence features. Open chromatin sites showed higher editing rates, while transcriptional activity had little effect, and a subset of guides produced near‑complete editing with microhomology‑mediated deletions. Human‑trained prediction models performed poorly, highlighting the need for plant‑specific guide design tools.

The study investigated three plastidial GGPP synthase isoforms in tomato, focusing on SlG2’s role in volatile isoprenoid production and disease resistance. CRISPR-edited slg2 mutants exhibited elevated geranyl diphosphate-derived monoterpenes and higher salicylic acid levels, leading to increased resistance against Pseudomonas syringae infection. The authors propose that SlG2 modulates GPP synthesis by competing for heterodimerization with SSU-I proteins.