Plant Virus-Derived Vectors for Plant Genome Engineering

Abstract

Advances in genome engineering (GE) tools based on sequence-specific programmable nucleases have revolutionized precise genome editing in plants. However, only the traditional approaches are used to deliver these GE reagents, which mostly rely on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or particle bombardment. These techniques have been successfully used for the past decades for the genetic engineering of plants with some limitations relating to lengthy time-taking protocols and transgenes integration-related regulatory concerns. Nevertheless, in the era of climate change, we require certain faster protocols for developing climate-smart resilient crops through GE to deal with global food security. Therefore, some alternative approaches are needed to robustly deliver the GE reagents. In this case, the plant viral vectors could be an excellent option for the delivery of GE reagents because they are efficient, effective, and precise. Additionally, these are autonomously replicating and considered as natural specialists for transient delivery. In the present review, we have discussed the potential use of these plant viral vectors for the efficient delivery of GE reagents. We have further described the different plant viral vectors, such as DNA and RNA viruses, which have been used as efficient gene targeting systems in model plants, and in other important crops including potato, tomato, wheat, and rice. The achievements gained so far in the use of viral vectors as a carrier for GE reagent delivery are depicted along with the benefits and limitations of each viral vector. Moreover, recent advances have been explored in employing viral vectors for GE and adapting this technology for future research.

WITHDRAWN: Unveiling The Research Trends And Visualization of Vector Borne Plant Virus Diseases Through Bibliometric Analysis

“…Researchers are studying the precise mechanisms by which plant viruses are transmitted by vectors. This includes investigating how viruses interact with the vector's anatomy, physiology, and immune system, as well as the molecular interactions that occur during the transmission process (Mahmood et al,2023). Scientists now are exploring various approaches, including the use of insecticides, biological control agents, genetic manipulation of vectors, and disruption of vector-plant interactions .…”

Omics-driven exploration and mining of key functional genes for the improvement of food and fiber crops

“…This is possible by using silencing tools such as RNA interference (RNAi) and VIGS, which reduce the expression of specific host target genes and accelerate the plant’s functional genomics. As recently reviewed ( Lacomme, 2015 ; Mahmood et al., 2023 ), many agricultural VIGS vectors derived from both DNA and RNA viruses are presently available for a wide range of plant species to knock out/down gene expression for functional genomics. The innovative virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) approach is an upgrade of VIGS based on a CRISPR system that offers gene editing with higher efficiency without typical laborious transformation protocols ( Zhang C. et al., 2022 ).…”

CRISPR-Cas system: revolutionizing plant breeding and gene therapy

“…After entering cells through infected plant wounds, Agrobacterium can insert T-DNA into the plant genome, and it also can then reliably pass on to the offspring through meiosis [18]. In order to deliver the gRNA and Cas's protein gene into plant cells, researchers can introduce the Cas gene and gRNA into Ti plasmid with various promoters [19].…”