Targeted genome modifications in cereal crops

Abstract

The recent advent of customizable endonucleases has led to remarkable advances in genetic engineering, as these molecular scissors allow for the targeted introduction of mutations or even precisely predefined genetic modifications into virtually any genomic target site of choice. Thanks to its unprecedented precision, efficiency, and functional versatility, this technology, commonly referred to as genome editing, has become an effective force not only in basic research devoted to the elucidation of gene function, but also for knowledge-based improvement of crop traits. Among the different platforms currently available for site-directed genome modifications, RNA-guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) endonucleases have proven to be the most powerful. This review provides an application-oriented overview of the development of customizable endonucleases, current approaches to cereal crop breeding, and future opportunities in this field.

Regulation of germination by targeted mutagenesis of grain dormancy genes in barley

“…Genome editing makes it possible to create single or multiple mutations at the target site(s) of choice without any alteration in the genetic background, allowing for powerful analyses of the effects of individual genes and their genetic interactions. Currently, RNA‐guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated (Cas) endonucleases are the molecular tools of choice for targeted mutagenesis in cereal crops (Hisano et al ., 2021 ; Koeppel et al ., 2019 ). Higher‐order gene‐edited mutants can be generated at once, as demonstrated by the simultaneous targeting of all three Qsd1 homeoalleles in the wheat ABD subgenomes, which produced prolonged grain dormancy (Abe et al ., 2019 ).…”

Impact of ultrasonication applications on color profile of foods

“…In addition to meats, US cooking is also used for cereal products. Advances in genetics and omics technologies enabled the improvement of the quality and the nutritional value of cereals [69] , applied genetics being used for enhancing the nutritional quality, especially in improved colored cereals, by targeting specific genes engineered for improving or reducing the value of key nutritional compounds [41] . Apart from production technologies, the processing technologies such as US also play a major role in maintain the color profile of food.…”

CRISPR-Cas technology opens a new era for the creation of novel maize germplasms

“…Breeding elite maize lines with multiple traits is a timeconsuming and low efficiency process. Genome editing technology has revolutionized cereal crop improvement, and will shape future agricultural practices by integrating with traditional breeding (Hisano et al, 2021;Matres et al, 2021). In particular, CRISPR-Cas technology has shown the most exciting potential for the rapid and precise development of desirable varieties with multiple agronomic traits and stress tolerance (Figure 1).…”