Developing CRISPR Technology in major crop plants

Abstract

Targeted genome modifi cation (TGM) by sequence-specifi c nucleases (SSNs) is a powerful tool for elucidating gene function and improving crops. Very recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system-based RNA-guided endonucleases have been added to the SSN toolbox. TGMs generated by this system rely on a synthetic single guide RNA (sgRNA) to direct the Cas9 protein to cleave a predetermined DNA sequence. Unlike previous SSNs, CRISPR provides a simple, cost-effective and versatile approach to multiplex genome engineering. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms involved in the CRISPR system, and summarize and discuss the applications of this technology in plant genome engineering.