Genome Editing in Crop Plant Research-Alignment of Expectations and Current Developments.

Meike Hüdig,Natalie Laibach,Anke-Christiane Hein

doi:10.3390/plants11020212

Meike Hüdig, Natalie Laibach + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11020212

Copy DOI

Abstract

The rapid development of genome editing and other new genomic techniques (NGT) has evoked manifold expectations on purposes of the application of these techniques to crop plants. In this study, we identify and align these expectations with current scientific development. We apply a semi-quantitative text analysis approach on political, economic, and scientific opinion papers to disentangle and extract expectations towards the application of NGT-based plants. Using the sustainable development goals (SDG) of the 2030 agenda as categories, we identify contributions to food security or adaptation to climatic changes as the most frequently mentioned expectations, accompanied by the notion of sustainable agriculture and food systems. We then link SDG with relevant plant traits and review existing research and commercial field trials for genome-edited crop plants. For a detailed analysis we pick as representative traits drought tolerance and resistance against fungal pathogens. Diverse genetic setscrews for both traits have been identified, modified, and tested under laboratory conditions, although there are only a few in the field. All in all, NGT-plants that can withstand more than one stressor or different environments are not documented in advanced development states. We further conclude that developing new plants with modified traits will not be sufficient to reach food security or adaption to climatic changes in a short time frame. Further scientific development of sustainable agricultural systems will need to play an important role to tackle SDG challenges, as well.

Highlights

In the last decade, plant biotechnology has undergone a profound development
SDN1 triggers DNA repair via non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) after the nucleolytic cut, which may lead to insertion or deletion of random sequences at the intersection, whereas SDN2 alters short nucleotide sequences or introduces point mutations via homology directed repair (HDR)
Our analyses revealed that expectations of different stakeholders and groups with political, economic, or scientific backgrounds differ among these groups and mainly refer to social or environmental goals for the near future, in line with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals

Summary

Introduction

Genome-editing techniques based on CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats) have rapidly advanced research in plant biology. These and other new genomic techniques (NGT) have evolved many different facets compared to its beginnings several years ago. Besides site-directed nucleases, such as CRISPR/Cas, TALEN (transcription activator-like effector nuclease) or zinc finger nucleases, other techniques, including ODM (oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis), RdDm (RNA dependent DNA methylation), cis- and intragenesis, or trans-grafting or agroinfiltration (“sensu stricto”), were broadly applied in plant development after Directive 2001/18/EC entered the force [1]. SDN3 allows for the insertion of foreign DNA or complete exchanges of entire gene and cis-regulatory elements via HDR. SDN3 can include transgenesis, but in contrast to classical engineering, at pre-defined sequence positions [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion