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Hereditas(Beijing) ›› 2020, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (7): 657-668.doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.20-092

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing in trees

Yingnan Chen1,2, Jing Lu1,2   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
    2. Nanjing Forestry University, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing 210037, China
  • Received:2020-04-04 Revised:2020-05-25 Online:2020-07-20 Published:2020-06-15
  • Supported by:
    Supported by the Youth Elite Science Sponsorship Program by CAST No(YESS20160121);the Qing Lan Talent Support Program at Jiangsu Province, and the Priority Academic Program Development Program of Jiangsu Province

Abstract:

The CRISPR/Cas9 system, which can induce precise modifications at a target gene, has been recognized as the most promising gene editing technology, and has played an important role in precision crop breeding. It also provides a new strategy for fundamental researches and molecular breeding of forest trees. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing has been applied more extensively in tree genetic studies. It has not only succeeded in developing new drought- resistance or disease-resistant cultivars, but also shows a great potential in regulating lignin biosynthesis and shortening the breeding cycle of forest trees. In this review, we summarize the application and advance of CRISPR/Cas9 in gene function identification and genetic improvement of forest plants. We also discuss the related problems and future perspectives. This review aims to provide a useful reference for tree functional genomics and genetic engineering breeding.

Key words: CRISPR/Cas9, gene editing, trees, gene function, genetic improvement