Improvement of fiber quality of jute through CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing

Jute (Corchorus sp.) is a naturally occurring bast fibre producing crop. It has long, silky fiber which are biodegradable. This lignocellulosic, strong and environmentally favorable fibre has great demand worldwide. Jute products hold the potential to reduce the widespread usage of plastic bags which have negative impact on ecosystem and environment. Plastic bags and other synthetic products are threatening for environment as they cause pollution of water and soil. Lignin is a major component of jute cell wall. Presence of higher amount of lignin causes degradation of fiber quality. To lower lignin content in fiber and enhance the quality, a genome wide investigation of gene families involved in the lignin production pathway can help to target candidate genes for knockout experiments and investigate to make the fiber finer ones. Caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is one of the most significant gene families involved in the lignin biosynthesis. In this study, an extensive characterization of the CCoAOMT gene family was carried out in two jute species (C. capsularis and C. olitoroius) by analyzing their structural, functional, molecular and evolutionary characteristics. 6 CCoAOMT gene members were identified in each of the two species. Furthermore, considerable alteration of CCoAOMT transcripts in different tissues was observed by expression profiling using qPCR and candidate genes were chosen for knockout experiment using CRISPR-Cas9 technique. Vector constructs were developed through modular cloning technology with a view to lower the lignin content and improve quality of this golden fibre.