Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 285-295 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 289 Additionally, the regulatory landscape for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) varies globally, posing challenges for the commercialization and acceptance of genome-edited crops (Wang et al., 2022). There are also technical challenges, such as optimizing gene-editing efficiency and ensuring stable expression of the modified traits. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing research and the development of more precise and reliable genome-editing tools, as well as robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and effective use of genetic modification in agriculture. Figure 2 Delivery strategies for CRISPR/Cas systems to plants (Adopted from Chen et al., 2019) Image caption: (a) Traditional delivery methods for CRISPR/Cas DNA combined with herbicide or antibiotic selection. Transgene-free plants can be obtained through genetic segregation by selfing and crossing. (b,c) Transient delivery systems for transgene-free and DNA-free genome editing. CRISPR reagents include DNA, mRNA, and RNP. After transient expression, CRISPR/Cas DNA, mRNA, or RNP will be degraded, and the edited plants can be regenerated without selection pressure. Abbreviations: mRNA, messenger RNA; PEG, polyethylene glycol; RNP, ribonucleoprotein (Adopted from Chen et al., 2019) The integration of advanced genome-editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, into sweet potato breeding programs offers significant potential for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and overall crop performance. By learning from the successes and challenges of genetic engineering in other crops, researchers can develop targeted strategies to improve sweet potato traits. However, careful consideration of the potential risks and regulatory challenges is essential to ensure the safe and sustainable application of these technologies in agriculture. 5 Case Study: Genetic Insights from High-Photosynthetic Sweet Potato Varieties 5.1 Selection criteria for high-photosynthetic sweet potato varieties The selection of high-photosynthetic sweet potato varieties involves identifying genotypes that exhibit superior photosynthetic efficiency and related traits. Key criteria include enhanced chlorophyll content, efficient carbon flux, and improved leaf anatomical morphology. 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 yield in sink tissues (Figure 3) (Fan et al., 2021). Additionally, the identification of genetic loci associated with photosynthetic traits, such as the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), can aid in selecting varieties with superior photosynthetic performance (Prinzenberg et al., 2018). 5.2 Comparative genetic analysis of high-photosynthetic and standard varieties Comparative genetic analysis between high-photosynthetic and standard sweet potato varieties reveals significant differences in gene expression and genetic loci. For example, high-throughput sequencing has identified numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) in genes involved in starch biosynthesis and sucrose metabolism, which are critical for photosynthetic efficiency (Zhang et al., 2020). Furthermore, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis has uncovered regulatory networks that control gene expression variations in storage roots, highlighting the role of master regulators like IbMYB1-2 in anthocyanin biosynthesis and potentially influencing photosynthetic traits (Zhang et al., 2020).
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