Genome editing of pea (Pisum sativum L.) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology: Review

Abstract

The review article discusses advances in genome editing of pea (Pisum sativum L.) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Despite more than a decade of CRISPR/Cas9 application in plant biotechnology, the first successful genome editing in pea was achieved only in 2023, when researchers induced mutations in the model gene PsPDS, whose disruption leads to plant albinism. To date, CRISPR/Cas9 has also been used to introduce mutations in the PsLOX2 gene, encoding lipoxygenase, resulting in a reduced concentration of volatile compounds responsible for the undesirable odor of seeds, and in the PsBAS1 gene, leading to blocked saponin biosynthesis and improved seeds’ palatability. Researchers emphasize the need to further optimize transformation protocols to enhance their efficiency and address the low regenerative capacity of pea. The review also briefly outlines the history of CRISPR-Cas9 discovery and its development as a key genome editing tool. In addition, it examines CRISPR/Cas9 modifications that improve editing precision and their potential applications in pea genome engineering. A key aspect of the article is the discussion of CRISPR/Cas9 as a tool for modulating the specificity and efficiency of pea symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which may contribute to the development of resilient and productive agroecosystems.

Keywords

Pisum sativum L. / CRISPR/Cas9 / legume symbiosis / pea genome editing / microbe-plant systems / efficient crop production

Funding

Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian FederationМинистерство науки и высшего образования РФ(075-15-2022-320)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

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