R. Imai

DNA-free and genotype-independent CRISPR/Cas9 system in soybean

This paper develops a DNA-free CRISPR/Cas9 system in soybean using iPB-RNP method, achieving genome editing in shoot apical meristems without tissue culture, resulting in 0.4-4.6% mutation transmission to next generation.

Intergenic regions contribute fitness advance by increasing recombination

This study shows that longer intergenic regions increase total fitness by enhancing meiotic recombination, reducing selective interference, and improving selection efficiency.

Somatic mutation rates scale with time not growth rate in long-lived tropical trees

This study finds that somatic mutation rates in tropical trees scale with time, not growth rate, showing a constant mutation rate per year across species with different growth rates.

A ubiquitously expressed UDP-glucosyltransferase, UGT74J1, controls basal salicylic acid levels in rice

This study identifies UGT74J1 as a key enzyme regulating basal salicylic acid levels in rice, showing that its mutation leads to SA overaccumulation and enhanced disease resistance but also growth defects.

In planta genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins

This study uses CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins delivered via particle bombardment to edit the wheat genome, resulting in a 10% reduction in culm length without yield loss.

A novel defective recombinant porcine enterovirus G virus carrying a porcine torovirus papain-like cysteine protease gene and a putative anti-apoptosis gene in place of viral structural protein genes

The paper identifies a novel recombinant porcine EV-G virus with a porcine torovirus PLCP gene replacing viral structural genes, and suggests a potential helper virus role for type 1 recombinant EV-G.