CRISPR/Cas-mediated plant genome editing: outstanding challenges a decade after implementation

Area of Science:

• Plant Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The CRISPR/Cas system has transformed plant genome research and breeding over the past decade.
• It facilitates gene and biosynthetic pathway studies in diverse plant species, including crops.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current challenges in CRISPR/Cas applications for plant genome editing.
• To explore new CRISPR platforms and opportunities for plant improvement.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CRISPR/Cas system applications in plants.
• Analysis of bottlenecks in tissue culture, transformation, regeneration, and mutant detection.
• Evaluation of novel CRISPR technologies and their potential uses.

Main Results:

• CRISPR/Cas technology offers significant efficiency in plant genome modification.
• Key challenges exist in tissue culture, transformation, regeneration, and mutant identification.
• Emerging CRISPR platforms present new avenues for gene regulation and stress response.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming current bottlenecks is crucial for advancing CRISPR/Cas applications in plants.
• New CRISPR technologies hold promise for improving crop resilience and accelerating de novo domestication.
• CRISPR/Cas is a powerful tool for fundamental research and applied plant breeding.