CRISPR–Cas9-based genetic engineering for crop improvement under drought stress

Figures & data

Figure 1. Drought stress significantly suppresses plant growth and development

Table 1. Application of the CRISPR-based genome editing approach in plants for improvement of drought stress tolerance

Species	Target gene/site	Transformation method/Strategy	Target trait/Improved trait	Reference
Arabidopsis	Open stomata 2 (OST2)	Agrobacterium-mediated transformation	Drought stress tolerance by altering stomatal closing	[52]
Arabidopsis	miR169a	Agrobacterium-mediated transformation/ dual-sgRNA/Cas9-mediated targeted deletion to create null mutations	Targeting sensitive gene replacement by HDR	[53]
Maize	Auxin-regulated gene involved in organ size [ARGOS]	Biolistic mediated transformation/ CRISPR/Cas9-mediated DNA repair in untranslated regions of target genes to produce over expression	Overexpression of ARGOS8 to reduce ethylene sensitivity to enhance flowering/ increase grain yield under drought stress	[32]
Arabidopsis	Arabidopsis thaliana vacuolar H+- pyrophosphatase [AVP1]	Agrobacterium-mediated transformation/CRISPR/Cas9 activation system to produce overexpression of target gene	Enhanced number of leaves and leaf area	[54]
Arabidopsis	ABA-responsive element- binding protein 1 (AREB1)	Agrobacterium-mediated transformation/CRISPR activation system to enhance the expression of target gene	Increased chlorophyll cornetts and faster stomatal opening	[55]
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)	Mitogen-activated protein kinases 3	A. tumeficiens/CRISPR cas9 system to knockout expression of Slmpak3 expression	Protecting cell membrane from oxidative damage	[70]
Rice	SNF 1-related protein kinase 2	A. tumeficiens/CRISPR generated mutation in targeted genes	Inducing compatible solutes and decrease damage by ROS	[72]
Arabidopsis, Poplar	PtoMYB216	CRISPR Cas9 generated mutation of targeted gene	Regulates lignin deposition leading to flexible and collapsed xylem during wood formation	[56]
Arabidopsis	UGT79B2, UGT79B3	CRISPR generated mutations	Modulating anthocyanin accumulation	[57]
Cassava	MeKUPs	CRISPR generated analysis of KUP genes	Maintaining osmotic balance	[58]
Cassava	MeMAPKK	Activates MAPKK genes	Tissue development	[59]
Cotton	GhPIN1-3 GhPIN2	CRISPR based gene targeting to control auxin distribution	Controls the cell growth and development	[60]
Cotton	GhRDL1	Characterizing promoter of a dehydration-responsive gene	GUS activity in trichomes also expression was observed in leaves, stems and floral tissues	[61]
Sugarcane	ScNsLTP	Targeting soluble proteins/nonspecific lipid transfer protein	Catalyzing phospholipids response	[62]
Wheat	TaDREB2 TaERF3	CRISPR Cas9 genome editing in wheat protoplast for targeted genes manipulation	Maintained the expression of wheat dehydration responsive element binding protein 2 (TaDREB2) and wheat ethylene responsive factor 3 (TaERF3)	[63]
Papaya	CpDreb2	CRISPR generated gene disruption	Overexpression of targeted gene responsible for transmitting signals under water stress	[64]

Figure 2. CRISPR–Cas9 alleviates drought stress and promotes plant growth and development

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