Modification of ginsenoside saponin composition via the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of protopanaxadiol 6-hydroxylase gene in Panax ginseng

We generated new mutant ginseng root lines by changing the ginsenoside saponin production using the CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out system. Ginsenoside analysis revealed the complete or partial depletion of PPT-type ginsenosides in mutant lines. Furthermore, the reduction of PPT-type ginsenosides in mutant lines led to increased accumulation of PPD-type saponins. The new type of ginseng mutants producing only PPD-group ginsenosides may have different pharmacological characteristics compared to wild-type ginseng and new sources for ginseng breeding.Image 1