A CRISPR/Cas9 Protocol for Target Gene Editing in Barley.

Previous studies of gene function rely on the existing natural genetic variation or on induction of mutations by physical or chemical mutagenesis. The availability of alleles in nature, and random mutagenesis induced by physical or chemical means, limits the depth of research. The CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9) system provides the means to rapidly modify genomes in a precise and predictable way, making it possible to modulate gene expression and modify the epigenome. Barley is the most appropriate model species for functional genomic analysis of common wheat. Therefore, the genome editing system of barley is very important for the study of wheat gene function. Here we detail a protocol for barley gene editing. The effectiveness of this method has been confirmed in our previous published studies.