Crop bioengineering via gene editing: reshaping the future of agriculture

Abstract

Genome-editing technologies have revolutionized research in plant biology, with major implications for agriculture and worldwide food security, particularly in the face of challenges such as climate change and increasing human populations. Among these technologies, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats [CRISPR]–CRISPR-associated protein [Cas] systems are now widely used for editing crop plant genomes. In this review, we provide an overview of CRISPR–Cas technology and its most significant applications for improving crop sustainability. We also review current and potential technological advances that will aid in the future breeding of crops to enhance food security worldwide. Finally, we discuss the obstacles and challenges that must be overcome to realize the maximum potential of genome-editing technologies for future crop and food production.