CRISPR-Mediated Silkworm: The Oncoming Agricultural Revolutions and a Rising Model Organism

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is crucial for sericulture and a growing model organism in agriculture and genomics.
• Traditional genetic studies were hindered by limited and inflexible genome tools.
• CRISPR genome editing offers precise, scalable genetic alterations for silkworms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in CRISPR genome editing for silkworms.
• To highlight CRISPR's progression from basic gene knockouts to genome-wide screening.
• To explore the impact of these technologies on silkworm traits and sericulture.

Main Methods:

• Review of CRISPR-based genome editing techniques in Bombyx mori.
• Analysis of high-quality reference genomes, pangenomes, and screening systems.
• Integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data.

Main Results:

• CRISPR has enabled significant progress in disease resistance, yield enhancement, and new material development.
• Silkworm research now integrates diverse biological datasets, advancing understanding of silk biology and hormonal regulation.
• Emerging applications combine CRISPR, pangenomics, and artificial intelligence (AI) for molecular breeding and biomanufacturing.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR has transformed the silkworm into a flexible genetic platform for sustainable agriculture and biomanufacturing.
• Future research directions include AI-assisted breeding, pest control, and synthetic biology applications.
• These advances contribute to efficient, eco-friendly silk production and novel biomanufacturing strategies.