Double Electroporation Combined with Zona Pellucida Removal Improves Biallelic Genome Editing Efficiency in Porcine Embryos

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Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been widely used for gene editing in various species; however, mosaicism remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to improve gene editing efficiency and reduce mosaicism in porcine embryos by exploring double electroporation pre- and post-in vitro fertilization combined with zona pellucida (ZP) removal. We evaluated the effects of these treatments on the development and mutation rates of oocytes/zygotes edited with guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting GGTA1, CMAH, or B4GALNT2 genes. Double electroporation significantly increased the total and biallelic mutation rates in ZP-intact zygotes but not in ZP-free zygotes edited using GGTA1-targeted gRNAs. All blastocysts from ZP-free zygotes exhibited biallelic mutations following double electroporation. For the CMAH gene, all blastocysts exhibited mutations (biallelic mutations ≥ 80%); however, double electroporation and ZP removal did not affect their mutation rates or efficiency. For the B4GALNT2 gene, double electroporation significantly increased total mutation rates in ZP-intact zygotes, whereas all blastocysts from ZP-free zygotes showed biallelic mutation. These findings suggest that double electroporation, particularly with ZP removal, may enhance gene-editing efficiency, reduce mosaicism and improve the success of genetic modifications.
Funding Information
  • Guangdong Provincial Key Research and Development Program (2022B0202090003)
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JP21KK0124)
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JP22K19896)
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JP23K23764)
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JP23K23805)

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