Precise genomic editing technology and its application in the improvement of woody plants

JIANG Bo, AN Xinmin

JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2025, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (1) : 11-20.

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南京林业大学学报（自然科学版）
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JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2025, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (1) : 11-20. DOI: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202402006

Precise genomic editing technology and its application in the improvement of woody plants

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Abstract

The rapid advancement of genome precision editing technologies has revolutionized our understanding of life’s mysteries. Central to these technologies is the capacity to precisely insert, delete, and substitute DNA sequences at designated genomic positions, facilitating the targeted modification of genetic information within living organisms. These technologies have become the cornerstone of research in the field of biology, from early explorations to the groundbreaking application of the CRISPR system, emphasizing the profound impact of scientific inquiry. The application of the CRISPR system has brought about a significant leap in genomic editing, catalyzing the emergence of more precise editing tools, such as base editors and prime editors, which have significantly enhanced the ability to edit genomes with precision. This milestone shift has already demonstrated tremendous potential in a wide range of fields, including agricultural improvement and disease treatment. The potential applications for gene editing technology are vast, especially in forestry and grass breeding. The CRISPR/Cas system can knock out multiple genes, offering high targeting efficiency, ease of design and operation, and low costs, making it widely applicable in crop genetic improvement. However, it is also associated with numerous limitations, which can be overcomed by new editing tools. As the technologies continues to advance, gene editing technology is expected to solve complex biological problems in the future, bringing more innovation and breakthroughs to human health and agricultural development.

Key words

CRISPR / Cas9 / cytosine base editor / adenine base editor / glycosylase base editor / dual base editor / prime editor

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JIANG Bo , AN Xinmin. Precise genomic editing technology and its application in the improvement of woody plants[J]. JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY. 2025, 49(1): 11-20 https://doi.org/10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202402006

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