What is multiplex genome editing (MGE)?

Multiplex genome-editing (MGE) techniques provide flexibility in precisely modifying two or more targeted DNA locations within a genome, significantly enhancing the ability to introduce specific alterations at multiple nucleotide positions. MGE tools based on the CRISPR/Cas system enable the concurrent creation of precise mutations at multiple genomic loci within one or more genes. This approach also allows for the rapid generation of new plant varieties with multiple desired genetic modifications, offering a significant improvement over traditional methods such as transgenics and plant breeding. Multiplex genome editing (when applied without selection pressure) offers a means to expedite evolutionary processes aimed at optimizing metabolic pathways and phenotypic traits. By using multiplex genome editing in this manner, scientists can accelerate the evolutionary process in the laboratory. This leads to the development of organisms with desired characteristics more efficiently than traditional breeding or selection methods. Additionally, MGE offers the flexibility to target both similar and dissimilar DNA sequences, enabling the targeting of multiple genes sharing conserved regions or multiple sites within the same gene.