Analysis of the Utilization and Prospects of CRISPR-Cas Technology in the Annotation of Gene Function and Creation New Germplasm in Maize Based on Patent Data

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a food crop with the largest planting area and the highest yield in the world, and it plays a vital role in ensuring global food security. Conventional breeding methods are costly, time-consuming, and ineffective in maize breeding. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas editing technology has been used to quickly generate new varieties with high yield and improved grain quality and stress resistance by precisely modifying key genes involved in specific traits, thus becoming a new engine for promoting crop breeding and the competitiveness of seed industries. Using CRISPR-Cas, a range of new maize materials with high yield, improved grain quality, ideal plant type and flowering period, male sterility, and stress resistance have been created. Moreover, many patents have been filed worldwide, reflecting the huge practical application prospects and commercial value. Based on the existing patent data, we analyzed the development process, current status, and prospects of CRISPR-Cas technology in dissecting gene function and creating new germplasm in maize, providing information for future basic research and commercial production.

CRISPR/Cas9 Mutagenesis through Introducing a Nanoparticle Complex Made of a Cationic Polymer and Nucleic Acids into Maize Protoplasts

“…Since the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for plant genome editing requires the coexpression of a generic Cas9 endonuclease and one or more specific single guide RNAs, the efficiency of this multicomponent system largely depends on the means of delivery of responsible macromolecules into plant cells or organs [7,27]. The above-described experiments and results have demonstrated the successful use of a novel cationic polymer (PHPI) for the introduction of functional plasmids into maize cells.…”