Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 81-89 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 81 Feature Review Open Access Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Editing Poplar Drought Resistance Genes YepingHan Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: liviayphhan@gmail.com Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0010 Received: 08 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 16 Mar., 2024 Published: 31 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Han, 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: Han Y.P., 2024, Application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in editing poplar drought resistance genes, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(2): 81-89 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0010) Abstract Poplars (genus Populus), as fast-growing deciduous trees, hold significant ecological and economic importance. They contribute to carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and provide habitats for wildlife, while also being widely used in timber, paper production, and bioenergy. However, drought stress poses a major challenge to the growth, productivity, and survival of poplars. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized plant genetic engineering, offering precise and efficient genome editing capabilities. This study systematically introduces the basic principles of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its applications in plant science, particularly how editing key drought-resistance genes can enhance the drought tolerance of poplars. Additionally, we discuss practical applications of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in poplars, as well as challenges such as off-target effects, regulatory and ethical considerations, and environmental and ecological impacts. In the future, continuous innovation in CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its combination with other biotechnological methods are expected to further improve the drought resistance of poplars, promoting their commercial application and large-scale deployment. This study not only provides new approaches for improving the drought resistance of poplars but also offers valuable references for the research and application of stress resistance in other forest species. Keywords Poplar; CRISPR/Cas9; Drought resistance; Gene editing; Plant genetic engineering 1 Introduction Poplars (genus Populus) are fast-growing deciduous trees that play a significant role in various ecosystems. They are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their rapid growth and adaptability to different environmental conditions. Poplars are crucial for their ecological functions, including carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and providing habitat for wildlife. Additionally, they are economically important for their use in timber, paper production, and as bioenergy crops (Fan et al., 2015). Despite their adaptability, poplar trees are not immune to abiotic stresses, particularly drought. Drought stress poses a significant challenge to poplar cultivation, affecting growth, productivity, and survival. Drought conditions lead to reduced water availability, which can cause physiological and biochemical changes in poplars, ultimately impairing their growth and development. Addressing drought stress in poplars is essential for maintaining their ecological and economic benefits, especially in the face of climate change (Zafar et al., 2020). CRISPR/Cas9, derived from the prokaryotic adaptive immune system, allows for targeted modifications of specific genes, making it a powerful tool for crop improvement (Arora and Narula, 2017; Borrelli et al., 2018; Ahmad et al., 2020). This technology has been successfully applied to enhance disease resistance, improve nutritional content, and develop abiotic stress tolerance in various plant species (Bortesi and Fischer, 2015; Chandrasekaran et al., 2016; Ma et al., 2016). In the context of poplar trees, CRISPR/Cas9 presents a promising approach to edit genes associated with drought resistance, thereby enhancing their resilience to water scarcity (Fan et al., 2015; Badhan et al., 2021). This study aims to utilize CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit drought resistance genes in poplar trees, exploring its potential to enhance poplars' adaptability to drought conditions. By precisely targeting and modifying drought-responsive genes, we hope to develop poplar varieties better suited to withstand drought conditions,
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