review · Genes
Recent advances in genome editing are shaping the life sciences, particularly through techniques that allow precise modifications without leaving foreign genetic material behind. CRISPR-based tools offer significant potential for crop improvement and sustainable global food security. Key technical developments include transgene-free plant breeding, the introduction of compatible nucleases, and safer, more effective delivery vehicles for plant systems. Researchers have also expanded capabilities to encompass multi-gene targeting, base editing, prime editing, and the fine-tuning of plant gene regulation to achieve complex genetic outcomes. Despite these capabilities, major hurdles persist before these approaches can reach widespread practical use. Key obstacles involve improving the delivery efficiency of CRISPR components and enhancing targeting precision. In addition, broader implementation depends heavily on overcoming non-technical barriers, particularly navigating regulatory government policies and achieving public acceptance for edited agricultural crops.
Genome editing provides a path to improve agricultural crops and support global food security sustainably. Methods that modify plant traits without inserting foreign DNA could address critical food supply demands. However, practical delivery hurdles and differing regulatory policies or public attitudes must be resolved before these scientific innovations can translate into reliable food production systems worldwide.
These tools could enable agricultural developers and plant breeders to produce improved crop varieties through methods such as base editing and transgene-free genetic modifications. The field appears to be at an early to intermediate developmental stage, as real-world use requires overcoming reagent delivery challenges and precision constraints. Commercial viability also depends on resolving government policy requirements and building public acceptance.
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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.
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DOI: 10.3390/genes12060797
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