CRISPR/Cas9 in soybean research: a measured leap toward genetic refinement

Abstract

Soybean [Glycine max (Linn.) Merr] is a globally important source of plant-based protein and edible oil, widely cultivated in India as a major oilseed crop. However, conventional breeding approaches for soybean are laborious, constrained by the genomic complexity of soybean, and face persistent challenges in genetic transformation. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas-based genome editing has emerged as a precise and efficient tool for rapid trait improvement in soybean. While many existing reviews of soybean have been published, this literature review addresses some fundamental challenges with respect to genome editing. This study summarizes recent advancements in soybean genome editing, offering insights into the practical informatics of soybean-specific genomic databases that are required for successful construct design. It also discusses emerging technologies such as base editing, prime editing, and the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence in accelerating target identification and construct design. It highlights applications in nutritional enhancement, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and improvement of key agronomic traits. Beyond the conventional topics, it addresses the current regulatory landscape that researchers must navigate for releasing genome-edited varieties and provides a comprehensive perspective on practical solutions to overcome major constraints in soybean genetic engineering.