Genome editing for nutritional biofortification in maize: bridging molecular innovation and food security in the Global South
4 affiliations
- 1International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Genetic Resources Program
- 2Department of Biotechnology, TERI School of Advanced Studies
- 3International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Global Maize Program
- 4International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Global Wheat Program
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiency is a prevalent challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa and other geographies of the Global South where populations rely on maize as the primary calorie source. Globally, the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies include iron, zinc, and vitamin A, which are inherently low in maize. Besides, maize grain protein percentage of the essential amino acids falls below the recommended daily allowance. Traditional plant breeding practices have enabled the generation of hybrid plant varieties with superior nutritional value, such as Quality Protein Maize (QPM). However, obtaining novel varieties from existing gene pools often results in linkage drag drawbacks, yield penalties, poor-quality kernels, and requires multiple backcrossing cycles. Thus, genome editing offers a precise strategy for enhancing nutritional value, without the associated trade-offs. CRISPR/Cas, base editors and prime editors reduce breeding timelines and enable precise targeting of nutrient-accumulation pathways. In this review, we explore how genome editing technology could serve as the next-generation approach for maize biofortification. The review outlines various ways CRISPR/Cas allow precise and targeted modification of genes responsible for micronutrient biosynthesis, transport, and storage. We describe the application of CRISPR in disrupting negative regulators of nutrient transport, up-regulating nutrient biosynthesis pathways, and knocking out anti-nutritional factor genes. We further highlight that CRISPR-enabled biofortification is not just a technological innovation but a public health intervention for mitigating nutrient deficiencies. However, fully unlocking the potential of gene-edited biofortified maize will require coordinated efforts in regulatory policy and alignment with farmer/consumer preference.
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BibTeX
@article{syombua2026genome,
title = {{Genome editing for nutritional biofortification in maize: bridging molecular innovation and food security in the Global South}},
author = {Easter D. Syombua and Rafael E. Venado and V. Mohan Murali Achary and Simranjit Kaur and Natalia Palacios Rojas and Maria Itria Ibba and Laurajean Lewis and Sarah J. Hearne and Anindya Bandyopadhyay},
journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2026.1868062},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1868062/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Genome editing for nutritional biofortification in maize: bridging molecular innovation and food security in the Global South
AU - Easter D. Syombua
AU - Rafael E. Venado
AU - V. Mohan Murali Achary
AU - Simranjit Kaur
AU - Natalia Palacios Rojas
AU - Maria Itria Ibba
AU - Laurajean Lewis
AU - Sarah J. Hearne
AU - Anindya Bandyopadhyay
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/20
JO - Frontiers in Plant Science
DO - 10.3389/fpls.2026.1868062
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1868062/full
AB - Micronutrient deficiency is a prevalent challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa and other geographies of the Global South where populations rely on maize as the primary calorie source. Globally, the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies include iron, zinc, and vitamin A, which are inherently low in maize. Besides, maize grain protein percentage of the essential amino acids falls below the recommended daily allowance. Traditional plant breeding practices have enabled the generation of hybrid plant varieties with superior nutritional value, such as Quality Protein Maize (QPM). However, obtaining novel varieties from existing gene pools often results in linkage drag drawbacks, yield penalties, poor-quality kernels, and requires multiple backcrossing cycles. Thus, genome editing offers a precise strategy for enhancing nutritional value, without the associated trade-offs. CRISPR/Cas, base editors and prime editors reduce breeding timelines and enable precise targeting of nutrient-accumulation pathways. In this review, we explore how genome editing technology could serve as the next-generation approach for maize biofortification. The review outlines various ways CRISPR/Cas allow precise and targeted modification of genes responsible for micronutrient biosynthesis, transport, and storage. We describe the application of CRISPR in disrupting negative regulators of nutrient transport, up-regulating nutrient biosynthesis pathways, and knocking out anti-nutritional factor genes. We further highlight that CRISPR-enabled biofortification is not just a technological innovation but a public health intervention for mitigating nutrient deficiencies. However, fully unlocking the potential of gene-edited biofortified maize will require coordinated efforts in regulatory policy and alignment with farmer/consumer preference.
SN - 1664-462X
ER -