Chiara D'Attilia

Dr. Chiara D'Attilia

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 April 2026 in Plants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
APAlberico Di Pinto
Alberico Di Pinto
VFValentina Forte
Valentina Forte
CDChiara D'Attilia
Chiara D'Attilia
MPMarco Possenti
Marco Possenti
BFBarbara Felici
Barbara Felici
FDFabio D'Orso
Fabio D'Orso
Cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a major leafy crop and an emerging model for functional genomics within the Asteraceae family, supported by high-quality reference genomes and efficient transformation systems. Although CRISPR/Cas technology offers powerful opportunities for crop improvement, editing efficiency depends on optimized construct architecture and reliable guide RNA (gRNA) validation. However, a rapid platform for evaluating CRISPR reagents in lettuce is still lacking. Here, we developed an efficient hairyroot-based system to accelerate CRISPR/Cas genome editing optimization in L. sativa. Four Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains were compared for hairy root induction in two cultivars, ‘Saladin’ and ‘Osiride’, identifying strain ATCC15834 as the most effective based on transformation frequency and root production. Using this platform, we evaluated multiple CRISPR construct configurations, including alternative promoters for nuclease and gRNA expression. A plant-derived promoter combined with At-pU6-26 variant significantly improved editing efficiency. As a proof of concept, we targeted LsHB2, the putative ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana ATHB2, a key regulator of the shade avoidance response using SpCas9, SaCas9, and LbCas12a nucleases. The system enabled rapid genotyping and quantitative indel profiling. Overall, this workflow provides a robust framework for efficient guide selection and construct optimization in lettuce genome editing.

7 October 2026 in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CDChiara D'Attilia
Chiara D'Attilia
MBMarco Bonarrigo
Marco Bonarrigo
Danuse TarkowskaDanuse Tarkowska
Danuse Tarkowska
VBValentina Buffagni
Valentina Buffagni
SHSadiye Hayta
Sadiye Hayta
Francesco SestiliFrancesco Sestili
Francesco Sestili