Transforming tomatoes into GABA-rich functional foods through genome editing: A modern biotechnological approach

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which blocks the impulses between nerve cells in the brain. Due to the increasing awareness about the health promoting benefits associated with GABA, it is also artificially synthesized and consumed as a nutritional supplement by people in some regions of the world. Though among the fresh vegetables, tomato fruits do contain a comparatively higher amount of GABA (0.07 to 2.01 mg g⁻¹ FW), it needs to be further enhanced to fully impart its potential health benefits. Achieving this feat through classical breeding approaches is time and resource consuming, and is also associated with linkage drag. On the other hand, precise targeting of specific sites in the genome with less off- target effects is mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool and is widely used to overcome the barriers associated with traditional breeding approaches. Combining genome editing with speed breeding techniques can enable the rapid development of GABA-rich tomato cultivars, paving a way to unlock a new era of functional foods, where every bite contributes to cognitive well-being and holistic health. This review highlights the significance of GABA boosted functional foods and explores the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for developing GABA enriched tomatoes.