Laurent Deluc* and Satyanarayana Gouthu
*Oregon State University, 4017, ALS Bldg, Department of Horticulture, Corvallis, OR 97331 (laurent.deluc@oregonstate.edu)

The development of targeted genome editing is expected to become a major biotechnology tool to improve winegrape production, with potentially the creation of new valuable products for the wine industry. Among the editing methods currently available, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated Cas9/sgRNA system has become a preferred editing tool for crops. In our lab, we plan to develop several research programs using the CRISPR technology in conjunction with the microvine system to address several scientific questions with potential application for the industry. The microvine is a more tractable system for genetic engineering and can accelerate functional gene characterization to within a year, even at the fruit level. Using CRISPR, we propose first to target genes that function as negative regulators of useful traits, ideal candidates for CRISPR-mediated gene editing. These traits could include, but are not limited to, mildew locus O (MLO), powdery mildew susceptible gene, viral-resistance genes, and negative regulators of nutrient uptake and/or assimilation. At the fruit level, the CRISPR CAs9 system can also be used to mitigate or to repress negative features for optimum fruit composition such as production of off-flavors produced either by the fruits or as by-products of the fermentation process. One primary target, but not limited to, could be alteration of VitviOMT3, a protein responsible for producing methoxypyrazine in Sauvignon cultivars. We will also propose to use CRISPR technology to understand long-distance communication between scion and rootstocks using a trans-grafting approach (genetically engineered rootstocks). Ultimately, we will explore repurposing the Cas9 genome editing system  to generate grapevine mutant lines with gain/loss of gene function (CRISPRi/CRPIRa). This approach will accelerate characterization of the relationship between gene(s) and traits of interest.

Funding Support: None