SmartNative Genome Editing: A Non-Transgenic Framework for Cisgenic Regulation and Epigenetic Trait Modulation in Crops

In recent decades, the idea to develop crop varieties which can handle environmental stressors has been taking form. Many effective genetic engineering tools have been developed, but many of those techniques are prone to ecological risks and face challenges from regulatory approvals and public perspectives. So this paper outlines a non-transgenic approach which battles transgenic constraints through a method called SmartNative Genome Editing, in which crop resilience is increased by using its native gene sequences. The main components of SmartNative Genome Editing include Cisgenic Regulatory Editing (CRE) and Epigenetic Priming-Based Trait Modulation (EPTM). Cisgenic regulatory editing (CRE) modifies the native regulatory patterns of plants using CRISPR-Cas9. Epigenetic Priming-Based Trait Modulation (EPTM) involves modification through epigenetic modifiers to mimic the actual environmental stress and simulate stress memory in plants, by which plants can easily respond faster when real conditions prevail. With both CRE and EPTM methods regulating gene expression without inserting foreign DNA will be a safer and more acknowledged pathway for crop improvement and have better environmental adaptability.