CRISPR-Based Genome Editing Tools: Insights into Technological Breakthroughs and Future Challenges

Abstract

Genome-editing (GE) is having a tremendous influence around the globe in the life science community. Among its versatile uses, the desired modifications of genes, and more importantly the transgene (DNA)-free approach to develop genetically modified organism (GMO), are of special interest. The recent and rapid developments in genome-editing technology have given rise to hopes to achieve global food security in a sustainable manner. We here discuss recent developments in CRISPR-based genome-editing tools for crop improvement concerning adaptation, opportunities, and challenges. Some of the notable advances highlighted here include the development of transgene (DNA)-free genome plants, the availability of compatible nucleases, and the development of safe and effective CRISPR delivery vehicles for plant genome editing, multi-gene targeting and complex genome editing, base editing and prime editing to achieve more complex genetic engineering. Additionally, new avenues that facilitate fine-tuning plant gene regulation have also been addressed. In spite of the tremendous potential of CRISPR and other gene editing tools, major challenges remain. Some of the challenges are related to the practical advances required for the efficient delivery of CRISPR reagents and for precision genome editing, while others come from government policies and public acceptance. This review will therefore be helpful to gain insights into technological advances, its applications, and future challenges for crop improvement.

Genetic Architecture of Grain Yield-Related Traits in Sorghum and Maize

“…With a more robust knowledge of these QTLs and their gene functions, we believe that genetic researchers and breeders could make good use of these molecular markers and beneficial alleles and remove linked harmful mutations to raise crop production by marker-assist breeding system (MAS). Furthermore, CRISPR-based genome editing [ 186 ], a new kind of revolutionary “5G-plant” technology and a transgene (DNA)-free approach to develop genetically modified organism (GMO), can rapidly allow for an optimum combination of various grain yield-related traits for designing ideal crops by directly, artificially, and accurately editing of target sequence in the future.…”

CRISPR/Cas9 Technique for Temperature, Drought, and Salinity Stress Responses

“…Genome-editing technology plays a role in the characterization of gene function and crop improvement [ 10 ]. There are three main types of genome-editing technology: zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the CRISPR/Cas system [ 11 ].…”

Genetically modified organisms: adapting regulatory frameworks for evolving genome editing technologies

“…Nonetheless, the delivery methods used to insert genome editor expression cassettes or ribonucleoprotein complexes represent an obstacle to obtain commercial varieties free of exogenous DNA. This is noteworthy not only for regulatory concerns but also for the acceptance of the final products by consumers [ 18 , 19 ].…”