The application of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing machinery in food and agricultural science: Current status, future perspectives, and associated challenges

The recent progress in genetic engineering has brought multiple benefits to the food and agricultural industry by enhancing the essential characteristics of agronomic traits. Powerful tools in the field of genome editing, such as siRNA-mediated RNA interference for targeted suppression of gene expression and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) for DNA repair have been widely used for commercial purposes. However, in the last few years, the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized genome editing and has attracted attention as a powerful tool for several industrial applications. Herein, we review current progresses in the utilization of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in the food and agricultural industry, particularly in the development of resistant crops with improved quality and productivity. We compare the CRISPR system with the TALEN and ZFN nucleases–based methods and highlight potential advantages and shortcomings. In addition, we explore the state of the global market and discuss the safety and ethical concerns associated with the application of this technology in the food and agricultural industry. •CRISPR faster, easier, more precise and cheaper than traditional genetic methods•CRISPR/Cas9 technology could improve productivity of fermentation processes•No clear mechanism of Cas9 dissociation from designed sgRNA and consequent recycle•Multiple sgRNAs+delivery system open opportunities for gene clusters deletion•Great importance in creating of a global-available database on CRISPR/Cas9 design