Application of Gene-editing Technology for Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement in Cotton

doi:10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2023-1054

Abstract

Abstract:

Cotton is a globally important cash crop and a crucial raw material for the textile industry. Breeding superior cultivars is the primary approach for increasing cotton yield, fiber quality and agronomic benefits. While traditional breeding methods are increasingly limited in improving the genetic traits of crops, gene editing technology offers opportunities to promote germplasm innovation and genetic improvement in cotton. Gene editing is a technology that utilizes engineered nucleases to precisely edit the DNA sequences of an organism's genome by deleting, modifying, inserting or replacing individual or multiple nucleotides in specific target genes. This article reviews the principles of three major gene editing systems, namely ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR, aiming to better understand how gene editing technology can be used to enhance cotton growth, development, and stress tolerance. Specifically, a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR gene editing system, which has gained significant attention, is provided, summarizing its current applications in improving cotton stress tolerance and other desirable traits. In addition, this article analyzes the shortcomings and limitations of gene editing technology, emphasizes the need for further research of optimizing and developing gene editing system with intellectual property right as well as increasing its accuracy and safety, and thus leverage its application in germplasm innovation and genetic improvement in cotton.

Key words: gene editing, cotton, genetic improvement, CRISPR/Cas9

HOU Wen-ting, SUN Lin, ZHANG Yan-jun, DONG He-zhong. Application of Gene-editing Technology for Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement in Cotton[J]. Biotechnology Bulletin, 2024, 40(7): 68-77.

Figures/Tables 1

References 84

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