Advancements in genetic techniques and functional genomics for enhancing crop traits and agricultural sustainability

Surender Kumar; Anupama Singh; Chander Mohan Singh Bist; Munish Sharma

doi:10.1093/bfgp/elae017

Advancements in genetic techniques and functional genomics for enhancing crop traits and agricultural sustainability

Brief Funct Genomics. 2024 Apr 28:elae017. doi: 10.1093/bfgp/elae017. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Surender Kumar¹, Anupama Singh¹, Chander Mohan Singh Bist², Munish Sharma³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230, Himachal Pradesh, India.
² Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171001, Himachal Pradesh, India.
³ Department of Plant Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala-176215, Himachal Pradesh, India.

PMID: 38679487
DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elae017

Abstract

Genetic variability is essential for the development of new crop varieties with economically beneficial traits. The traits can be inherited from wild relatives or induced through mutagenesis. Novel genetic elements can then be identified and new gene functions can be predicted. In this study, forward and reverse genetics approaches were described, in addition to their applications in modern crop improvement programs and functional genomics. By using heritable phenotypes and linked genetic markers, forward genetics searches for genes by using traditional genetic mapping and allele frequency estimation. Despite recent advances in sequencing technology, omics and computation, genetic redundancy remains a major challenge in forward genetics. By analyzing close-related genes, we will be able to dissect their functional redundancy and predict possible traits and gene activity patterns. In addition to these predictions, sophisticated reverse gene editing tools can be used to verify them, including TILLING, targeted insertional mutagenesis, gene silencing, gene targeting and genome editing. By using gene knock-down, knock-up and knock-out strategies, these tools are able to detect genetic changes in cells. In addition, epigenome analysis and editing enable the development of novel traits in existing crop cultivars without affecting their genetic makeup by increasing epiallelic variants. Our understanding of gene functions and molecular dynamics of various biological phenomena has been revised by all of these findings. The study also identifies novel genetic targets in crop species to improve yields and stress tolerances through conventional and non-conventional methods. In this article, genetic techniques and functional genomics are specifically discussed and assessed for their potential in crop improvement.

Keywords: Genetic mapping; epigenomics; functional genomics; gene silencing; genome editing; insertional mutagenesis.