Synthetic Directed Evolution in Plants: Unlocking Trait Engineering and Improvement

Abstract

ABSTRACT Genetic variation accelerates adaptation and resilience and enables the survival of species to their changing environment. Increasing the genetic diversity of crop species is essential to improve their yield and enhance food security. Synthetic directed evolution (SDE) employs localized sequence diversification (LSD) of gene sequence and selection pressure to evolve gene variants with better fitness, improved properties, and desired phenotypes. Recently, CRISPR-Cas dependent and independent technologies have been applied for LSD to mediate synthetic evolution in diverse species, including plants. SDE holds excellent promise to discover, accelerate, and expand the range of traits of value in crop species. Here, we highlight the efficient SDE approaches for the LSD of plant genes, selection strategies, and critical traits for targeted improvement. We discuss the potential of emerging technologies, including CRISPR-Cas base editing, retron editing, EvolvR, and prime editing, to establish efficient SDE in plants. Moreover, we cover CRISPR-Cas independent technologies, including T7 polymerase editor for continuous evolution. We highlight the key challenges and potential solutions of applying SDE technologies to improve plant traits of value.