CRISPR-Cas9 and beyond: what’s next in plant genome engineering

Abstract

Scientists have developed and deployed successive generations of genome engineering technologies for use in plants, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, TAL effector nucleases, and CRISPR nucleases. Each of these tools has been hailed as potentially revolutionary, capable of providing more efficient and precise ways to modify plant genomes toward improving agronomic traits or making fundamental discoveries. The CRISPR nucleases, in particular, have accelerated the pace of innovation and expanded the boundaries of what is achievable within the plant research space. This review will take care to discuss current plant genome engineering technologies, covering both well-established and up-and-coming tools, as well as describe potential and real-world applications.