Evidence and opportunities for developing non-transgenic genome edited crops using site-directed nuclease 1 approach

Abstract

The innovations and progress in genome editing/new breeding technologies have revolutionized research in the field of functional genomics and crop improvement. This revolution has expanded the horizons of agricultural research, presenting fresh possibilities for creating novel plant varieties equipped with desired traits that can effectively combat the challenges posed by climate change. However, the regulation and social acceptance of genome-edited crops still remain as major barriers. Only a few countries considered the site-directed nuclease 1 (SDN1) approach-based genome-edited plants under less or no regulation. Hence, the present review aims to comprise information on the research work conducted using SDN1 in crops by various genome editing tools. It also elucidates the promising candidate genes that can be used for editing and has listed the studies on non-transgenic crops developed through SDN1 either by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or by ribo nucleoprotein (RNP) complex. The review also hoards the existing regulatory landscape of genome editing and provides an overview of globally commercialized genome-edited crops. These compilations will enable confidence in researchers and policymakers, across the globe, to recognize the full potential of this technology and reconsider the regulatory aspects associated with genome-edited crops. Furthermore, this compilation serves as a valuable resource for researchers embarking on the development of customized non-transgenic crops through the utilization of SDN1.

Keywords:

• Genome editing
• CRISPR/Cas9
• site-directed nuclease 1 (SDN1)
• non-transgenic
• RNAi
• tilling
• regulatory policies
• crops

Author contributions

HMM: conceptualization; WZ, DK, NB, DT, and KR: data curation; HMM, WZ, KR, and GK: writing – review and editing; GS and GPS: resources and editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work is financially supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India, under the projects entitled “ICAR Network Project on Functional Genomics and Genetic Modification in Crops (NPFGGM)” (Project No. 1006474) and CRISPR/cas9 Genome Editing and Physiological Interventions for Wheat Improvement (CRSCIIWBRCL202000400197).