Sequence-Specific Nucleases for Genetic Improvement of Potato

Genome editing using sequence-specific nucleases (SSNs) is rapidly becoming a standard tool for genetic engineering in crop species. The implementation of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated systems (Cas)) for inducing double-strand breaks enables targeting of virtually any sequence for genetic modification. Targeted mutagenesis via nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and gene targeting via homologous recombination (HR) have been demonstrated in a number of plant species but reports have been limited in vegetatively propagated crops, such as potato (Solanum tuberosum Group Tuberosum L.). This review provides a historical overview of genetic engineering in agriculture, applications of SSN technologies for genome editing in plant species, and prospects of using SSNs for genetic improvement of potato.