Pleiotropy, a feature or a bug? Toward co-ordinating plant growth, development, and environmental responses through engineering plant hormone signaling

The advent of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR has simplified co-ordinating trait development. However, identifying candidate genes remains a challenge due to complex gene networks and pathways. These networks exhibit pleiotropy, complicating the determination of specific gene and pathway functions. In this review, we explore how systems biology and single-cell sequencing technologies can aid in identifying candidate genes for co-ordinating specifics of plant growth and development within specific temporal and tissue contexts. Exploring sequence–function space of these candidate genes and pathway modules with synthetic biology allows us to test hypotheses and define genotype–phenotype relationships through reductionist approaches. Collectively, these techniques hold the potential to advance breeding and genetic engineering strategies while also addressing genetic diversity issues critical for adaptation and trait development.