Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 285-295 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 285 Research Insight Open Access Research Insight into the Genetic Regulation of Photosynthesis in Sweet Potato Hongyun Zhang1, TongChen1, LinZhao2 1 Zhejiang Wuwangnong Seeds Shareholding Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China 2 Crop (Ecology) Research Institute of Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: zhaolin0227@163.com Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0031 Received: 29 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 07 Nov., 2024 Published: 22 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang H.Y., Chen T., and Zhao L., 2024, Research insight into the genetic regulation of photosynthesis in sweet potato, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(6): 285-295 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0031) Abstract In sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), improvements in photosynthetic capacity have significant implications for increasing yield, starch production, and resilience under environmental stress. This study explores the genetic regulation of photosynthesis in sweet potato, focusing on key genes, transcription factors, and pathways that enhance photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrate metabolism. Genes such as IbVP1 and IbMIPS1 play pivotal roles in optimizing photosynthesis, while transcription factors like IbBBX29 and IbC3H18 are critical for stress tolerance and efficient light utilization. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, including CRISPR/Cas9 applications, provide new avenues for precisely modifying photosynthetic traits to boost productivity. Additionally, insights from high-photosynthetic sweet potato varieties and their genetic profiles offer valuable guidance for future breeding programs aimed at achieving higher yield and better adaptability. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these genetic factors can facilitate the development of resilient, high-yield sweet potato cultivars, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. Keywords Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas); Photosynthesis; Genetic regulation; CRISPR/Cas9; Crop improvement 1 Introduction Photosynthesis is the fundamental process driving plant growth and productivity, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates. This process is crucial for the biosphere, fixing over 100 billion tons of CO2 annually, which forms the basis of crop production and, consequently, animal and human food supply (Baslam et al., 2020). Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency has been identified as a key strategy to increase crop yields, especially under varying environmental conditions. Genetic modifications and breeding strategies targeting photosynthetic traits have shown promise in improving crop productivity by optimizing the capture and utilization of solar energy (Theeuwen et al., 2022; Keller et al., 2023). Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a vital crop for food security and nutrition, particularly in developing countries. The efficiency of photosynthesis in sweet potato directly influences its yield and starch production, which are critical for its role as a staple food. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of genetic interventions to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and, consequently, crop yield. For instance, overexpression of the H+-pyrophosphatase gene (IbVP1) in sweet potato has been shown to improve photosynthesis and sucrose content in source leaves, leading to increased starch content and total yield in storage roots (Fan et al., 2021). This underscores the importance of photosynthetic efficiency in maximizing the productivity of sweet potato (Long et al., 2022; Vijayakumar et al., 2023; Tao and Han, 2024). This study investigates the genetic regulation of photosynthesis in sweet potato, identifying key gene targets for manipulation, elucidating the role of specific genes (such as IbVP1) in regulating photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, and exploring the genetic variation of photosynthetic traits and their impact on yield under different environmental conditions. By developing genetic engineering and breeding strategies to improve photosynthetic performance and stress resistance in sweet potato varieties, this study aims to contribute to the development of high-yield, stress-resistant cultivars, thereby enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.
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