The application of gene-editing technologies in plants

Abstract

In recent years, we have witnessed a spurt of progress in modern molecular biology, thus enabling the perfection of genome sequencing.  As a result, research into gene function has gained popularity among scientists. Since gene editing has served as an essential tool for the exploration of plant gene function, the utilization of genome editing technology contributes most to the genetic upgrading and crop breeding through modification on plant genome. Typical cases where CRISPR/Cas system has been applied to model species including Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum and Oryza sativa to alleviate salinity stress and figure out the gene behind traits relative to their architecture and yield. The modified CRISPR/Cas9 system requires only simple cloning compared with the other two types of gene editing tools and the design of target sequences is easy, the construction of backbone vectors is simple, and the cost is relatively low. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, which was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, has transformed the molecular life sciences by enabling researchers to accurately modify the DNA of animals, plants, and microorganisms. This review thoroughly introduced gene editing technologies currently applied in plants, including map cloning, RNAi technology and targeted genome editing technology, containing ZFNs, TALEN, CRISPR/Cas9. The review revealed the difficulties and potential uses of genome editing technology in plants while concentrating on its theory and viability.