RNA Interference and CRISPR/Cas Gene Editing for Crop Improvement: Paradigm Shift Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

With the rapid population growth, there is an urgent need for innovative crop improvement approaches to meet the increasing demand for food. Classical crop improvement approaches involve, however, a backbreaking process that cannot equipoise with increasing crop demand. RNA based approaches i.e. RNAi-mediated gene regulation and site-specific nuclease based CRISPR/Cas9 system for gene editing has made advances in the efficient targeted modification in many crops for the higher yield and resistance to diseases and different stresses. In functional genomics, RNA interference (RNAi) is a propitious gene regulatory approach that plays a significant role in crop improvement by permitting down-regulation of gene expression by small molecules of interfering RNA without affecting the expression of other genes. Gene editing technologies viz. clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) have appeared prominently as a powerful tool for precise targeted modification of nearly all crops genome sequence to generate variation and accelerate breeding efforts. In this regard, the review highlights the diverse roles and applications of RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 system as powerful technologies to improve agronomically important plants to enhance crop yields and increase tolerance to environmental stress (biotic or abiotic). Ultimately, these technologies can prove to be important in view of global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Genome editing for crop improvement: challenges and opportunities

“…RNA molecules perform several important tasks in cells, such as transporting genetic information (rRNA -reading the genetic code, and tRNA, protein synthesis). Contrary to what was thought, recently several studies [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] have demonstrated the importance that non-coding RNAs have in the performance of numerous genome protection functions against viruses and transposable elements but also in the regulation of gene expression. Some of these newly discovered RNAs will be discussed throughout the introduction of the thesis.…”

“…Finally, the use of CRISPR raises ethical questions, particularly regarding its use in human cells (germ cells and embryos) [5,6,29,30].…”

“…In recent years, the number of tools and techniques that allow adding, removing, or altering genetic material at specific locations in the genome has increased significantly [4,5]. RNA molecules perform several important tasks in cells, such as transporting genetic information (rRNA -reading the genetic code, and tRNA, protein synthesis).…”