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Nigam D, Devkar V, Dhiman P, Shakoor S, Liu D, Patil GB, Jiao Y. Emerging frontiers in sorghum genetic engineering. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2025; 121:e17244. [PMID: 39988953 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.17244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2024] [Revised: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 12/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2025]
Abstract
Sorghum, a climate-resilient cereal, is crucial for meeting the growing demand for food and feed in arid and semi-arid regions, especially amid global population growth and climate change. Despite its natural drought tolerance and adaptability, sorghum faces challenges in increasing yield, enhancing resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and improving grain quality. Genetic engineering has emerged as a powerful tool to address these challenges by directly modifying genes associated with desirable traits. Recent advancements have utilized morphogenic regulators to improve transformation and regeneration efficiency in sorghum. This review explores the status of genomic resources and genetic diversity in sorghum, highlighting the advancements and challenges faced in its genetic engineering efforts. Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems, have improved key agronomic traits such as stress tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, and grain quality. However, significant obstacles still need to be addressed, including low regeneration rates, high genotype dependency, and labor-intensive transformation processes. We highlight potential strategies to overcome these barriers, such as optimizing transformation protocols, exploring alternative explants, using morphogenic regulators and advancing tissue culture techniques. Additionally, we discuss the biosafety considerations and potential applications of genetically engineered sorghum in global agriculture. This review underscores the need for ongoing innovation to unlock the potential of genetically engineered sorghum in addressing global food security challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Nigam
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
| | - Vikas Devkar
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
| | - Pallavi Dhiman
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
| | - Sana Shakoor
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
| | - Degao Liu
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
| | - Gunvant B Patil
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
| | - Yinping Jiao
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409, USA
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2
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Kang GH, Ko Y, Lee JM. Enhancing virus-mediated genome editing for cultivated tomato through low temperature. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2025; 44:22. [PMID: 39762363 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03392-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Viral vector-mediated gene editing is enhanced for cultivated tomato under low temperature conditions, enabling higher mutation rates, heritable, and virus-free gene editing for efficient breeding. The CRISPR/Cas system, a versatile gene-editing tool, has revolutionized plant breeding by enabling precise genetic modifications. The development of robust and efficient genome-editing tools for crops is crucial for their application in plant breeding. In this study, we highly improved virus-induced genome-editing (VIGE) system for cultivated tomato. Vectors of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and potato virus X (PVX) were used to deliver sgRNA targeting phytoene desaturase (SlPDS), along with mobile RNA sequences of tFT or tRNAIleu, into Cas9-overexpressing cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum cv. Moneymaker). Our results demonstrate that low temperature significantly enhanced viral vector-mediated gene editing efficiency in both cotyledons and systemic upper leaves. However, no mutant progeny was obtained from TRV- and PVX301-infected MM-Cas9 plants. To address this challenge, we employed tissue culture techniques and found that low-temperature incubations at the initiation stage of tissue culture lead to enhanced editing efficiency in both vectors, resulting in a higher mutation rate (> 70%) of SlPDS in regenerated plants. Heritable gene-edited and virus-free progenies were successfully identified. This study presents a straightforward approach to enhance VIGE efficiency and the expeditious production of gene-edited lines in tomato breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ga Hui Kang
- Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujung Ko
- Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Min Lee
- Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Quiroz LF, Khan M, Gondalia N, Lai L, McKeown PC, Brychkova G, Spillane C. Tissue culture-independent approaches to revolutionizing plant transformation and gene editing. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2025; 12:uhae292. [PMID: 39906168 PMCID: PMC11789523 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2025]
Abstract
Despite the transformative power of gene editing for crop improvement, its widespread application across species and varieties is limited by the transformation bottleneck that exists for many crops. The genetic transformation of plants is hindered by a general reliance on in vitro regeneration through plant tissue culture. Tissue culture requires empirically determined conditions and aseptic techniques, and cannot easily be translated to recalcitrant species and genotypes. Both Agrobacterium-mediated and alternative transformation protocols are limited by a dependency on in vitro regeneration, which also limits their use by non-experts and hinders research into non-model species such as those of possible novel biopharmaceutical or nutraceutical use, as well as novel ornamental varieties. Hence, there is significant interest in developing tissue culture-independent plant transformation and gene editing approaches that can circumvent the bottlenecks associated with in vitro plant regeneration recalcitrance. Compared to tissue culture-based transformations, tissue culture-independent approaches offer advantages such as avoidance of somaclonal variation effects, with more streamlined and expeditious methodological processes. The ease of use, dependability, and accessibility of tissue culture-independent procedures can make them attractive to non-experts, outperforming classic tissue culture-dependent systems. This review explores the diversity of tissue culture-independent transformation approaches and compares them to traditional tissue culture-dependent transformation strategies. We highlight their simplicity and provide examples of recent successful transformations accomplished using these systems. Our review also addresses current limitations and explores future perspectives, highlighting the significance of these techniques for advancing plant research and crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Quiroz
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Moman Khan
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Nikita Gondalia
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Linyi Lai
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Peter C McKeown
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Galina Brychkova
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
| | - Charles Spillane
- Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 REW4, Ireland
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4
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Elsharawy H, Refat M. SAL1 gene: a promising target for improving abiotic stress tolerance in plants a mini review. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2025; 31:1-9. [PMID: 39901960 PMCID: PMC11787127 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-025-01549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Revised: 12/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025]
Abstract
Global climate change poses a significant risk to agricultural productivity due to its diverse impacts on agricultural ecosystems, such as increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, all of which can adversely affect crop productivity. To overcome these challenges, plants have evolved intricate mechanisms to regulate stress responses and enhance stress tolerance. The SAL1 gene, which encodes a phosphatase enzyme, has emerged as a key player in plant stress responses. In this review, we provide an overview of the SAL1 gene, its functional significance, and its potential applications for improving stress tolerance in crops. To address the escalating global food demand amidst climate change challenges, it is imperative to pursue innovative strategies aimed at enhancing crop tolerance against abiotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Elsharawy
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Moath Refat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Disease of Ministry of Education, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 China
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5
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Prado GS, Rocha DC, dos Santos LN, Contiliani DF, Nobile PM, Martinati-Schenk JC, Padilha L, Maluf MP, Lubini G, Pereira TC, Monteiro-Vitorello CB, Creste S, Boscariol-Camargo RL, Takita MA, Cristofani-Yaly M, de Souza AA. CRISPR technology towards genome editing of the perennial and semi-perennial crops citrus, coffee and sugarcane. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1331258. [PMID: 38259920 PMCID: PMC10801916 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1331258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing technologies have opened up the possibility of manipulating the genome of any organism in a predicted way. CRISPR technology is the most used genome editing tool and, in agriculture, it has allowed the expansion of possibilities in plant biotechnology, such as gene knockout or knock-in, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, base editing, RNA editing, prime editing, and nucleic acid probing or detection. This technology mostly depends on in vitro tissue culture and genetic transformation/transfection protocols, which sometimes become the major challenges for its application in different crops. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, plasmid or RNP (ribonucleoprotein) transfection of protoplasts are some of the commonly used CRISPR delivery methods, but they depend on the genotype and target gene for efficient editing. The choice of the CRISPR system (Cas9, Cas12), CRISPR mechanism (plasmid or RNP) and transfection technique (Agrobacterium spp., PEG solution, lipofection) directly impacts the transformation efficiency and/or editing rate. Besides, CRISPR/Cas technology has made countries rethink regulatory frameworks concerning genetically modified organisms and flexibilize regulatory obstacles for edited plants. Here we present an overview of the state-of-the-art of CRISPR technology applied to three important crops worldwide (citrus, coffee and sugarcane), considering the biological, methodological, and regulatory aspects of its application. In addition, we provide perspectives on recently developed CRISPR tools and promising applications for each of these crops, thus highlighting the usefulness of gene editing to develop novel cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Souza Prado
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
| | - Dhiôvanna Corrêia Rocha
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Lucas Nascimento dos Santos
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Danyel Fernandes Contiliani
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paula Macedo Nobile
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Padilha
- Coffee Center of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Embrapa Coffee, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Mirian Perez Maluf
- Coffee Center of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Embrapa Coffee, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Greice Lubini
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tiago Campos Pereira
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Creste
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Aurélio Takita
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
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6
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Wu X, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Ma T, Guo Y, Wu X, Guo Y, Cheng X. Considerations in engineering viral vectors for genome editing in plants. Virology 2024; 589:109922. [PMID: 37924727 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Plant viruses have been engineered to express proteins and induce gene silencing for decades. Recently, plant viruses have also been used to deliver components into plant cells for genome editing, a technique called virus-induced genome editing (VIGE). Although more than a dozen plant viruses have been engineered into VIGE vectors and VIGE has been successfully accomplished in some plant species, application of VIGE to crops that are difficult to tissue culture and/or have low regeneration efficiency is still tough. This paper discusses factors to consider for an ideal VIGE vector, including insertion capacity for foreign DNA, vertical transmission ability, expression level of the target gene, stability of foreign DNA insertion, and biosafety. We also proposed a step-by-step schedule for excavating the suitable viral vector for VIGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Germplasm Enhancement, Physiology and Ecology of Food Crops in Cold Region of Chinese Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Xue Jiang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Tingshuai Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yating Guo
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Wu
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Yushuang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, PR China.
| | - Xiaofei Cheng
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Germplasm Enhancement, Physiology and Ecology of Food Crops in Cold Region of Chinese Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.
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7
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Cardi T, Murovec J, Bakhsh A, Boniecka J, Bruegmann T, Bull SE, Eeckhaut T, Fladung M, Galovic V, Linkiewicz A, Lukan T, Mafra I, Michalski K, Kavas M, Nicolia A, Nowakowska J, Sági L, Sarmiento C, Yıldırım K, Zlatković M, Hensel G, Van Laere K. CRISPR/Cas-mediated plant genome editing: outstanding challenges a decade after implementation. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:1144-1165. [PMID: 37331842 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the CRISPR/Cas genome-editing system has revolutionized our understanding of the plant genome. CRISPR/Cas has been used for over a decade to modify plant genomes for the study of specific genes and biosynthetic pathways as well as to speed up breeding in many plant species, including both model and non-model crops. Although the CRISPR/Cas system is very efficient for genome editing, many bottlenecks and challenges slow down further improvement and applications. In this review we discuss the challenges that can occur during tissue culture, transformation, regeneration, and mutant detection. We also review the opportunities provided by new CRISPR platforms and specific applications related to gene regulation, abiotic and biotic stress response improvement, and de novo domestication of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodoro Cardi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), Portici, Italy; CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Pontecagnano, Italy
| | - Jana Murovec
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Allah Bakhsh
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey; Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Justyna Boniecka
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland; Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | | | - Simon E Bull
- Molecular Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland; Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tom Eeckhaut
- Flanders Research Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food, Melle, Belgium
| | | | - Vladislava Galovic
- University of Novi Sad, Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment (ILFE), Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Anna Linkiewicz
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tjaša Lukan
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Isabel Mafra
- Rede de Química e Tecnologia (REQUIMTE) Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde (LAQV), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Krzysztof Michalski
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Błonie, Poland
| | - Musa Kavas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Alessandro Nicolia
- CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Pontecagnano, Italy
| | - Justyna Nowakowska
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laszlo Sági
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Loránd Eötvös Research Network, Martonvásár, Hungary
| | - Cecilia Sarmiento
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kubilay Yıldırım
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Milica Zlatković
- University of Novi Sad, Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment (ILFE), Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Goetz Hensel
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Centre for Plant Genome Engineering, Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Molecular Biology, Centre of the Region Hana for Biotechnological and Agriculture Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katrijn Van Laere
- Flanders Research Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food, Melle, Belgium.
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Nivya VM, Shah JM. Recalcitrance to transformation, a hindrance for genome editing of legumes. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1247815. [PMID: 37810593 PMCID: PMC10551638 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1247815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant genome editing, a recently discovered method for targeted mutagenesis, has emerged as a promising tool for crop improvement and gene function research. Many genome-edited plants, such as rice, wheat, and tomato, have emerged over the last decade. As the preliminary steps in the procedure for genome editing involve genetic transformation, amenability to genome editing depends on the efficiency of genetic engineering. Hence, there are numerous reports on the aforementioned crops because they are transformed with relative ease. Legume crops are rich in protein and, thus, are a favored source of plant proteins for the human diet in most countries. However, legume cultivation often succumbs to various biotic/abiotic threats, thereby leading to high yield loss. Furthermore, certain legumes like peanuts possess allergens, and these need to be eliminated as these deprive many people from gaining the benefits of such crops. Further genetic variations are limited in certain legumes. Genome editing has the potential to offer solutions to not only combat biotic/abiotic stress but also generate desirable knock-outs and genetic variants. However, excluding soybean, alfalfa, and Lotus japonicus, reports obtained on genome editing of other legume crops are less. This is because, excluding the aforementioned three legume crops, the transformation efficiency of most legumes is found to be very low. Obtaining a higher number of genome-edited events is desirable as it offers the option to genotypically/phenotypically select the best candidate, without the baggage of off-target mutations. Eliminating the barriers to genetic engineering would directly help in increasing genome-editing rates. Thus, this review aims to compare various legumes for their transformation, editing, and regeneration efficiencies and discusses various solutions available for increasing transformation and genome-editing rates in legumes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmine M. Shah
- Department of Plant Science, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
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9
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Beernink BM, Whitham SA. Foxtail mosaic virus: A tool for gene function analysis in maize and other monocots. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:811-822. [PMID: 37036421 PMCID: PMC10257046 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many plant viruses have been engineered into vectors for use in functional genomics studies, expression of heterologous proteins, and, most recently, gene editing applications. The use of viral vectors overcomes bottlenecks associated with mutagenesis and transgenesis approaches often implemented for analysis of gene function. There are several engineered viruses that are demonstrated or suggested to be useful in maize through proof-of-concept studies. However, foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV), which has a relatively broad host range, is emerging as a particularly useful virus for gene function studies in maize and other monocot crop or weed species. A few clones of FoMV have been independently engineered, and they have different features and capabilities for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) of proteins. In addition, FoMV can be used to deliver functional guide RNAs in maize and other plants expressing the Cas9 protein, demonstrating its potential utility in virus-induced gene editing applications. There is a growing number of studies in which FoMV vectors are being applied for VIGS or VOX in maize and the vast majority of these are related to maize-microbe interactions. In this review, we highlight the biology and engineering of FoMV as well as its applications in maize-microbe interactions and more broadly in the context of the monocot functional genomics toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bliss M. Beernink
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and MicrobiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
- Department of BiologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Steven A. Whitham
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and MicrobiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
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Tamilselvan-Nattar-Amutha S, Hiekel S, Hartmann F, Lorenz J, Dabhi RV, Dreissig S, Hensel G, Kumlehn J, Heckmann S. Barley stripe mosaic virus-mediated somatic and heritable gene editing in barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1201446. [PMID: 37404527 PMCID: PMC10315673 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1201446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing strategies in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) typically rely on Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation for the delivery of required genetic reagents involving tissue culture techniques. These approaches are genotype-dependent, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, which hampers rapid genome editing in barley. More recently, plant RNA viruses have been engineered to transiently express short guide RNAs facilitating CRISPR/Cas9-based targeted genome editing in plants that constitutively express Cas9. Here, we explored virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) based on barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) in Cas9-transgenic barley. Somatic and heritable editing in the ALBOSTRIANS gene (CMF7) resulting in albino/variegated chloroplast-defective barley mutants is shown. In addition, somatic editing in meiosis-related candidate genes in barley encoding ASY1 (an axis-localized HORMA domain protein), MUS81 (a DNA structure-selective endonuclease), and ZYP1 (a transverse filament protein of the synaptonemal complex) was achieved. Hence, the presented VIGE approach using BSMV enables rapid somatic and also heritable targeted gene editing in barley.
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11
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Zhang F, Neik TX, Thomas WJW, Batley J. CRISPR-Based Genome Editing Tools: An Accelerator in Crop Breeding for a Changing Future. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8623. [PMID: 37239967 PMCID: PMC10218198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing is an important strategy to maintain global food security and achieve sustainable agricultural development. Among all genome editing tools, CRISPR-Cas is currently the most prevalent and offers the most promise. In this review, we summarize the development of CRISPR-Cas systems, outline their classification and distinctive features, delineate their natural mechanisms in plant genome editing and exemplify the applications in plant research. Both classical and recently discovered CRISPR-Cas systems are included, detailing the class, type, structures and functions of each. We conclude by highlighting the challenges that come with CRISPR-Cas and offer suggestions on how to tackle them. We believe the gene editing toolbox will be greatly enriched, providing new avenues for a more efficient and precise breeding of climate-resilient crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangning Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Ting Xiang Neik
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia
| | - William J. W. Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Batley
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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12
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Nascimento FDS, Rocha ADJ, Soares JMDS, Mascarenhas MS, Ferreira MDS, Morais Lino LS, Ramos APDS, Diniz LEC, Mendes TADO, Ferreira CF, dos Santos-Serejo JA, Amorim EP. Gene Editing for Plant Resistance to Abiotic Factors: A Systematic Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:305. [PMID: 36679018 PMCID: PMC9860801 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural crops are exposed to various abiotic stresses, such as salinity, water deficits, temperature extremes, floods, radiation, and metal toxicity. To overcome these challenges, breeding programs seek to improve methods and techniques. Gene editing by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR/Cas-is a versatile tool for editing in all layers of the central dogma with focus on the development of cultivars of plants resistant or tolerant to multiple biotic or abiotic stresses. This systematic review (SR) brings new contributions to the study of the use of CRISPR/Cas in gene editing for tolerance to abiotic stress in plants. Articles deposited in different electronic databases, using a search string and predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, were evaluated. This SR demonstrates that the CRISPR/Cas system has been applied to several plant species to promote tolerance to the main abiotic stresses. Among the most studied crops are rice and Arabidopsis thaliana, an important staple food for the population, and a model plant in genetics/biotechnology, respectively, and more recently tomato, whose number of studies has increased since 2021. Most studies were conducted in Asia, specifically in China. The Cas9 enzyme is used in most articles, and only Cas12a is used as an additional gene editing tool in plants. Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) have emerged as a DNA-free strategy for genome editing without exogenous DNA. This SR also identifies several genes edited by CRISPR/Cas, and it also shows that plant responses to stress factors are mediated by many complex-signaling pathways. In addition, the quality of the articles included in this SR was validated by a risk of bias analysis. The information gathered in this SR helps to understand the current state of CRISPR/Cas in the editing of genes and noncoding sequences, which plays a key role in the regulation of various biological processes and the tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses, with potential for use in plant genetic improvement programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anelita de Jesus Rocha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana 44036-900, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mileide dos Santos Ferreira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana 44036-900, BA, Brazil
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13
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Chincinska IA, Miklaszewska M, Sołtys-Kalina D. Recent advances and challenges in potato improvement using CRISPR/Cas genome editing. PLANTA 2022; 257:25. [PMID: 36562862 PMCID: PMC9789015 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-04054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas technology improves the quality of potato as a food crop and enables its use as both a model plant in fundamental research and as a potential biofactory for producing valuable compounds for industrial applications. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plays a significant role in ensuring global food and nutritional security. Tuber yield is negatively affected by biotic and abiotic stresses, and enzymatic browning and cold-induced sweetening significantly contribute to post-harvest quality losses. With the dual challenges of a growing population and a changing climate, potato enhancement is essential for its sustainable production. However, due to several characteristics of potato, including high levels of heterozygosity, tetrasomic inheritance, inbreeding depression, and self-incompatibility of diploid potato, conventional breeding practices are insufficient to achieve substantial trait improvement in tetraploid potato cultivars within a relatively short time. CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing has opened new possibilities to develop novel potato varieties with high commercialization potential. In this review, we summarize recent developments in optimizing CRISPR/Cas-based methods for potato genome editing, focusing on approaches addressing the challenging biology of this species. We also discuss the feasibility of obtaining transgene-free genome-edited potato varieties and explore different strategies to improve potato stress resistance, nutritional value, starch composition, and storage and processing characteristics. Altogether, this review provides insight into recent advances, possible bottlenecks, and future research directions in potato genome editing using CRISPR/Cas technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Anna Chincinska
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Miklaszewska
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Division of Molecular Systems Biology (MOSYS), Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorota Sołtys-Kalina
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute-National Research Institute, Platanowa 19, 05-831, Młochów, Poland
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14
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Rustgi S, Naveed S, Windham J, Zhang H, Demirer GS. Plant biomacromolecule delivery methods in the 21st century. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:1011934. [PMID: 36311974 PMCID: PMC9614364 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.1011934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The 21st century witnessed a boom in plant genomics and gene characterization studies through RNA interference and site-directed mutagenesis. Specifically, the last 15 years marked a rapid increase in discovering and implementing different genome editing techniques. Methods to deliver gene editing reagents have also attempted to keep pace with the discovery and implementation of gene editing tools in plants. As a result, various transient/stable, quick/lengthy, expensive (requiring specialized equipment)/inexpensive, and versatile/specific (species, developmental stage, or tissue) methods were developed. A brief account of these methods with emphasis on recent developments is provided in this review article. Additionally, the strengths and limitations of each method are listed to allow the reader to select the most appropriate method for their specific studies. Finally, a perspective for future developments and needs in this research area is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Rustgi
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, School of Health Research, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Florence, SC, United States
| | - Salman Naveed
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, School of Health Research, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Florence, SC, United States
| | - Jonathan Windham
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, School of Health Research, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Florence, SC, United States
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gözde S. Demirer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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15
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Selma S, Gianoglio S, Uranga M, Vázquez‐Vilar M, Espinosa‐Ruiz A, Drapal M, Fraser PD, Daròs J, Orzáez D. Potato virus X-delivered CRISPR activation programs lead to strong endogenous gene induction and transient metabolic reprogramming in Nicotiana benthamiana. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:1550-1564. [PMID: 35822533 PMCID: PMC9541417 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Programmable transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR architecture are promising tools for the induction of plant gene expression. In plants, CRISPR gene activation is effective with respect to modulating development processes, such as the flowering time or customizing biochemical composition. The most widely used method for delivering CRISPR components into the plant is Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation, either transient or stable. However, as a result of their versatility and their ability to move, virus-derived systems have emerged as an interesting alternative for supplying the CRISPR components to the plant, in particular guide RNA (gRNA), which represents the variable component in CRISPR strategies. In the present study, we describe a Potato virus X-derived vector that, upon agroinfection in Nicotiana benthamiana, serves as a vehicle for delivery of gRNAs, producing highly specific virus-induced gene activation. The system works in combination with a N. benthamiana transgenic line carrying the remaining complementary CRISPR gene activation components, specifically the dCasEV2.1 cassette, which has been shown previously to mediate strong programmable transcriptional activation in plants. Using an easily scalable, non-invasive spraying method, we show that gRNA-mediated activation programs move locally and systemically, generating a strong activation response in different target genes. Furthermore, by activating three different endogenous MYB transcription factors, we demonstrate that this Potato virus X-based virus-induced gene reprogramming strategy results in program-specific metabolic fingerprints in N. benthamiana leaves characterized by distinctive phenylpropanoid-enriched metabolite profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Selma
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Silvia Gianoglio
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Mireia Uranga
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Marta Vázquez‐Vilar
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Ana Espinosa‐Ruiz
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | | | | | - José‐Antonio Daròs
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto Biología Molecular y celular de PlantasCSIC‐Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValencia46022Spain
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16
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Touzdjian Pinheiro Kohlrausch Távora F, de Assis dos Santos Diniz F, de Moraes Rêgo-Machado C, Chagas Freitas N, Barbosa Monteiro Arraes F, Chumbinho de Andrade E, Furtado LL, Osiro KO, Lima de Sousa N, Cardoso TB, Márcia Mertz Henning L, Abrão de Oliveira Molinari P, Feingold SE, Hunter WB, Fátima Grossi de Sá M, Kobayashi AK, Lima Nepomuceno A, Santiago TR, Correa Molinari HB. CRISPR/Cas- and Topical RNAi-Based Technologies for Crop Management and Improvement: Reviewing the Risk Assessment and Challenges Towards a More Sustainable Agriculture. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:913728. [PMID: 35837551 PMCID: PMC9274005 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.913728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated gene (Cas) system and RNA interference (RNAi)-based non-transgenic approaches are powerful technologies capable of revolutionizing plant research and breeding. In recent years, the use of these modern technologies has been explored in various sectors of agriculture, introducing or improving important agronomic traits in plant crops, such as increased yield, nutritional quality, abiotic- and, mostly, biotic-stress resistance. However, the limitations of each technique, public perception, and regulatory aspects are hindering its wide adoption for the development of new crop varieties or products. In an attempt to reverse these mishaps, scientists have been researching alternatives to increase the specificity, uptake, and stability of the CRISPR and RNAi system components in the target organism, as well as to reduce the chance of toxicity in nontarget organisms to minimize environmental risk, health problems, and regulatory issues. In this review, we discuss several aspects related to risk assessment, toxicity, and advances in the use of CRISPR/Cas and topical RNAi-based technologies in crop management and breeding. The present study also highlights the advantages and possible drawbacks of each technology, provides a brief overview of how to circumvent the off-target occurrence, the strategies to increase on-target specificity, the harm/benefits of association with nanotechnology, the public perception of the available techniques, worldwide regulatory frameworks regarding topical RNAi and CRISPR technologies, and, lastly, presents successful case studies of biotechnological solutions derived from both technologies, raising potential challenges to reach the market and being social and environmentally safe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Ofuji Osiro
- Department of Phytopathology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Embrapa Agroenergy, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wayne B. Hunter
- USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL, United States
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