From Pigments to Precision: Exploring Genetic Transformation and Genome Editing in Wheat and Barley

Genetic engineering of wheat is complex due to its large genome size, the presence of numerous genes with high sequence similarities, and a multitude of repetitive elements. In addition, genetic transformation of wheat has been difficult, mainly due to poor regeneration in tissue cultures. Recent advances in plant biotechnology, particularly the use of the regenerative genes GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) and GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR (GIF), have provided new tools for wheat transformation and regeneration. Another transformative tool is the RUBY system, that involves genetic engineering of three betalain biosynthesis genes, providing a noninvasive, visually detectable red pigment. In this study, we used the GRF4-GIF1 chimera along with the RUBY system to advance transformation and gene editing in wheat and barley. The GRF4-GIF1 chimera significantly aided wheat regeneration; however, it had an opposite effect in barley, where it inhibited the regeneration process. Therefore, we primarily generated RUBY transgenic barley lines using constructs that did not include the GRF4-GIF1 chimera. Additionally, we used the RUBY cassette for fast assessment of gene editing by knockingout the first betalain biosynthetic gene in RUBY-positive transgenic wheat plants, resulting in a change of leaf color from red to green. The edited RUBY wheat lines lost more than just the red color. They also lost betalain-related traits, such as being less likely to get leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and salt stress. Importantly, the loss of RUBY did not affect plant viability, making it a useful tool for genome editing and a viable alternative to destructive methods.