Precise genome engineering in <i>Drosophila</i> using prime editing
Justin A. Bosch, Gabriel Birchak, Norbert Perrimon
Abstract
Significance Precise genome engineering allows researchers to modify gene function, tag endogenous proteins, or model human disease mutations. Here, we adapt prime editing, a new CRISPR-based technology that uses reverse transcription to write precise changes into a target genomic location, for the model organism Drosophila melanogaster . We created and optimized genetic tools to edit three genes ( ebony , white , and forked ) in cultured cells and in vivo. Importantly, we demonstrate efficient germ-line transmission of a precise edit in ebony . As Drosophila is the first nonmammalian animal to be tested using this method, this study demonstrates the potential wide impact and translatability of prime editing in other animal species.