Breakthrough in CRISPR/Cas system: Current and future directions and challenges.

Area of Science:

• Plant genomics
• Molecular biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Targeted genome editing (GE) induces site-specific DNA alterations for desired genomic modifications.
• Early GE tools include zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs).
• CRISPR-Cas has emerged as a leading GE technology due to its efficiency and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in CRISPR technology for plant genome editing.
• To highlight progress in multiplex editing, base editing (BE), and prime editing (PE).
• To discuss challenges and delivery mechanisms for GE in plants.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on genome editing technologies in plants.
• Analysis of CRISPR-Cas applications, including multiplex, base, and prime editing.
• Examination of delivery systems and associated challenges.

Main Results:

• CRISPR-Cas technology has become the preferred tool for plant GE, surpassing ZFNs and TALENs.
• Significant progress has been made in multiplex editing, base editing, and prime editing.
• Various delivery mechanisms are being explored for efficient GE in plants.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR technology has significantly advanced plant functional genomics and crop improvement.
• Continued development in GE tools and delivery methods promises further breakthroughs.
• Addressing challenges in GE is crucial for realizing the full potential of desirable plant varieties.