title: The CRISPR/Cas9 system for plant genome editing and beyond.
abstract: Targeted genome editing using artificial nucleases has the potential to accelerate basic research as well as plant breeding by providing the means to modify genomes rapidly in a precise and predictable manner. Here we describe the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system, a recently developed tool for the introduction of site-specific double-stranded DNA breaks. We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of this technology compared with two well-established genome editing platforms: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). We summarize recent results obtained in plants using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, discuss possible applications in plant breeding and consider potential future developments.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: luisa.bortesi@molbiotech.rwth-aachen.de.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bortesi
authors.affiliation: Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D064113:CRISPR-Cas Systems; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018390:Gene Targeting; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D018745:Genome, Plant; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D015533:Transcriptional Activation; D016335:Zinc Fingers
chemical_list: D003851:Deoxyribonucleases
keywords: CRISPR; Cas9; Gene targeting; Genome editing; Plants; Site-specific nuclease; Targeted mutagenesis