Application and prospects of synthetic biology in the genetic improvement of rice.
- Author:
Luyao TANG
1
;
Yiting WEI
1
;
Yuqing XU
1
;
Yuexing WANG
2
;
Yuchun RAO
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords: agriculture; crop improvement; rice; synthetic biology
- MeSH: Oryza/growth & development*; Synthetic Biology/methods*; Metabolic Engineering; Plant Breeding/methods*; Gene Editing; Genetic Engineering/methods*; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics*; Disease Resistance/genetics*
- From: Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3840-3862
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: Synthetic biology, recognized as one of the most revolutionary interdisciplinary fields in the 21st century, has established innovative strategies for the genetic improvement of rice through the integration of multidisciplinary technologies including genome editing, genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, and artificial intelligence. This review systematically summarizes recent research advancements and breakthrough achievements in the application of synthetic biology in the genetic improvement of rice, focusing on three critical domains: yield improvement, nutritional quality fortification, and reinforcement of disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. It elucidates that synthetic biology enables precise genomic and metabolic pathway engineering through modular, standard, and systematic approaches, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional breeding methods characterized by prolonged cycles and restricted trait modification capabilities. The implementation of synthetic biology has facilitated synergistic improvement of multi-traits, thereby providing critical technical references for developing elite rice cultivars with superior productivity and nutritional value. These technological breakthroughs hold significant implications for ensuring global food security and promoting green and sustainable development of agriculture.
