Current advances in plant mitochondria: Application revolution of cytoplasmic male sterility

Abstract

Plant mitochondria are vital organelles that play a decisive role in key agricultural traits, including cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). CMS has been a cornerstone in the hybrid breeding of crops. Although many genes responsible for CMS in mitochondria have been identified, due to the lack of efficient plant mitochondrial transgenic technology and rapid mitochondrial isolation technology, the molecular mechanisms of their function and coordination with nuclear-encoded fertility recovery (Rf) genes are not fully understood. The double-layer membrane of plant mitochondria encases a relatively complex genome, posing challenges for direct genetic transformation and complicating the understanding of the CMS/Rf system. This review focuses on recent advances in the general characteristics, gene editing, and isolation techniques of plant mitochondria. We further explore the potential revolutionary applications of CMS by improving or creating new CMS or restoration lines based on the progress of plant mitochondria.