Review: CRISPR/Cas-mediated plant genome editing, a decade after implementation

I’ll be honest, I was surprised to see “a decade after implementation” in this title, but indeed, the first publication describing CRISPR/Cas in plants was in 2013. We’ve learned a lot in the past 10 years and the technology provides many opportunities, but challenges remain, both of which are highlighted in this excellent review by Cardi et al. One of the most impressive developments has been that of advanced CRISPR/Cas variants capable of modifying DNA in various ways such as prime editing and introduction of deletions. An ongoing challenge remains in how to introduce the editing enzymes and guide RNAs into plant cells, and the review does an excellent job of summarizing several options. Regeneration of the transformed or edited plants through tissue culture is yet another challenge, although the use of developmental regulators (BABY BOOM, SHOOT MERISTEMLESS) can help. Various methods to detect the outcomes, including unintended consequences, are discussed, as well as several excellent and important applications of gene editing technologies in plants (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) Trends Plant Sci 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.05.012