Genome editing is a crucial strategy for ensuring global food security and achieving sustainable agricultural development. CRISPR-Cas systems are the most prevalent and promising genome editing tools currently available. This review summarizes the development, classification, and distinctive features of CRISPR-Cas systems, detailing their natural mechanisms in plant genome editing and their applications in plant research. Both classical and recently discovered CRISPR-Cas systems are included, along with challenges and potential solutions. The authors anticipate that the gene editing toolbox will be significantly enriched, opening new avenues for more efficient and precise breeding of climate-resilient crops.

F Zhang, T X Neik, W J W Thomas, J Batley