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Zhong et al. Genetic tools that can create mutations in the common carp



DOI:10.1038/bonekey.2016.56

New techniques have made it possible to modify the genome of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) to potentially increase its economic value while expanding our knowledge of musculoskeletal genetics.

Zhong et al. used two genome-editing tools, CRISPR-Cas9 and TALEN to induce mutations in carp genes known to be associated with bone disease. Both of these tools overcome the difficulties inherent in obtaining homozygous mutants in an organism with a tetraploidy genome.

CRISPR-Cas9 achieved mutations individually in sp7a and sp7b; the resulting progeny showed severe bone defects. MicroCT scans showed that the bone volume, bone surface and the ratio of bone volume/tissue volume were all significantly reduced in the mutated fish. CRISPR-Cas9 was also used in a proof of concept experiment to show it was possible to generate a double mutation in both sp7a gene and in the muscle suppressor gene mstn in a single step with high efficiency. The progeny exhibited muscle hyperplasia as well as hypertrophy.

TALEN was able to induce mutations in sp7 and other target coding sites within genes known to be associated with bone disease: runx2, opg, spp1 and bmp2a.

Editor’s comment: The authors report the generation of double mutants of mstnba/sp7a with ‘high efficiency’. However, no adult phenotype is yet available; it would be interesting to evaluate both epistatic and pleiotropic effects and to see if it is possible for weak bones and strong muscles to coexist.


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