Classification of CRISPR/Cas system and its application in tomato breeding

Abstract

Remarkable diversity in the domain of genome loci architecture, structure of effector complex, array of protein composition, mechanisms of adaptation along with difference in pre-crRNA processing and interference have led to a vast scope of detailed classification in bacterial and archaeal CRISPR/Cas systems, their intrinsic weapon of adaptive immunity. Two classes: Class 1 and Class 2, several types and subtypes have been identified so far. While the evolution of the effector complexes of Class 2 is assigned solely to mobile genetic elements, the origin of Class 1 effector molecules is still in a haze. Majority of the types target DNA except type VI, which have been found to target RNA exclusively. Cas9, the single effector protein, has been the primary focus of CRISPR-mediated genome editing revolution and is an integral part of Class 2 (type II) system. The present review focuses on the different CRISPR types in depth and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 for epigenome modification, targeted base editing and improving traits such as abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, yield and nutritional aspects of tomato breeding.