The RUBY reporter for visual selection in soybean genome editing

This study is led by Professor Wensheng Hou (Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China). The authors engineered a novel expression vector designed to facilitate gene editing and enable visual confirmation of successful modifications. To achieve this, the authors used RUBY reporter which harnessed the ability to convert tyrosine into a vivid red betalain pigment. This breakthrough allowed to visually confirm gene expression in soybean plants without the need for specialized equipment.

By utilizing this innovative color-based screening system, the authors could quickly assess whether genetic modifications were inherited during the early cotyledon phase of the offspring. Transgene-free homozygous mutants exhibited a distinct green coloration, simplifying to be selected from the transformed aubergine seedlings.

Through the implementation of this reporter system, the authors efficiently identified a transgene-free gmwaxy mutant in the T1 generation, characterized by higher amylopectin content. The authors anticipate that future research will uncover even more promising biotechnological applications in soybean improvement and genetic modification.

See the article:

The RUBY reporter for visual selection in soybean genome editing https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42994-024-00148-6