Unlocking gene regulatory networks for crop resilience and sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Understanding the complex mechanisms of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) has emerged as a transformative approach in agricultural research. By deciphering the regulatory mechanisms underlying key traits, GRN studies offer opportunities to enhance crop resilience to environmental challenges, improve yield and ensure sustainable food production. In this Review, we highlight the importance of GRN research in agriculture and explore how cutting-edge biotechnology, interdisciplinary approaches and computational modeling techniques are addressing the challenges in the field. We discuss how integrating diverse datasets at different resolutions empowers us to unravel the complex genetic networks governing crop responses to climate change, pests and diseases. By harnessing the power of GRNs, we have the potential to transform crop improvement strategies, develop stress-tolerant varieties and ensure global food security. We provide insights into the current opportunities and challenges of GRN research in agriculture, bridging the gap between scientific advancements and the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices.