CRISPR/Cas9-mediated efficient PlCYP81Q38 mutagenesis in Phryma leptostachya.

Combined with hairy root transformation, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was established to initiate targeted mutagenesis of PlCYP81Q38, which influenced lignan accumulation in Phryma leptostachya. Phryma leptostachya is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb renowned for its applications in both conventional medicine and natural botanical insecticides, with lignans as the main active ingredients. During the biosynthesis of lignans, PlCYP81Q38, a P450 protein, is assumed to play a crucial role and is accountable for the production of sesamin from (+)-pinoresinol.