Detail oriented researcher with a strong dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of plant biotechnology. Currently involved in developing CRISPR/Cas-mediated nucleic acid-based methodology for detection of plant diseases. Previous work experience involved various projects related to oil palm genetic studies and biomass conversion of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB). Studied the role of oil palm transcription factors in regulating palm oil production for her Master's degree.
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CRISPR/Cas-mediated nucleic acid-based approach for early detection of plant diseases
M.Y. CHIN1,2, S.N.A. ABDULLAH2, L. MELLING1
1Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI), 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MALAYSIA
2Laboratory of Science and Technology, Institute of Plantation Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA
Plant diseases cause significant economic losses in the agricultural industry worldwide. Early detection of plant diseases is essential to curb disease spread and implement effective management practices. Traditional nucleic acid detection methods are sensitive and specific, but not reliable during the early stages of infection due to low titres. Advanced disease detection methods that are more sensitive, accurate, and rapid are needed to minimize crop damage and maximize productivity. The CRISPR/Cas system has emerged as a powerful tool for genome editing and diagnostic applications. In this review, we provide an overview of CRISPR/Cas technology and its application in the sensing of a wide range of molecular targets relevant to plant diseases. We discuss target selection and guide RNA design for CRISPR/Cas13a-based assays, focusing on pathogen-based DNA and transcriptomic biomarkers of the plant host response to pathogen infection. The availability of specific and reliable host and pathogen biomarkers is crucial for the success of CRISPR/Cas-mediated plant disease detection. This approach can be extended from laboratory to field-based detection with the advent of lateral flow strip assays and portable fluorescence signal detectors, which will be valuable for qualitative and quantitative measurements of disease prevalence in plants. However, several challenges need to be addressed before CRISPR-based detection methods can be widely adopted for plant disease diagnosis. The CRISPR/Cas-mediated detection has the potential to revolutionize plant disease diagnosis by enabling early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks, contributing to agricultural sustainability and global food security.