Kausch AP, Wang K, Kaeppler HF, Gordon-Kamm W. Maize transformation: history, progress, and perspectives.
MOLECULAR BREEDING : NEW STRATEGIES IN PLANT IMPROVEMENT 2021;
41:38. [PMID:
37309443 PMCID:
PMC10236110 DOI:
10.1007/s11032-021-01225-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Maize functional genomics research and genetic improvement strategies have been greatly accelerated and refined through the development and utilization of genetic transformation systems. Maize transformation is a composite technology based on decades' efforts in optimizing multiple factors involving microbiology and physical/biochemical DNA delivery, as well as cellular and molecular biology. This review provides a historical reflection on the development of maize transformation technology including the early failures and successful milestones. It also provides a current perspective on the understanding of tissue culture responses and their impact on plant regeneration, the pros and cons of different DNA delivery methods, the identification of a palette of selectable/screenable markers, and most recently the development of growth-stimulating or morphogenic genes to improve efficiencies and extend the range of transformable genotypes. Steady research progress in these interdependent components has been punctuated by benchmark reports celebrating the progress in maize transformation, which invariably relied on a large volume of supporting research that contributed to each step and to the current state of the art. The recent explosive use of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has heightened the demand for higher transformation efficiencies, especially for important inbreds, to support increasingly sophisticated and complicated genomic modifications, in a manner that is widely accessible. These trends place an urgent demand on taking maize transformation to the next level, presaging a new generation of improvements on the horizon. Once realized, we anticipate a near-future where readily accessible, genotype-independent maize transformation, together with advanced genomics, genome editing, and accelerated breeding, will contribute to world agriculture and global food security.
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