Grape Biotechnology: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Genetic improvement of grapevine relies on conventional breeding and genetic engineering, but the latter often seems far from having a significant impact. A small but important difference with previous breeding efforts is that, today, genome studies and technology advances in grapevine genetic engineering have become available in such a way that new varieties can be developed that are compatible with market challenges. Since the completion of the first reference grapevine genome sequence, relevant information has been gathered that allows for the identification of novel genes, analysis of structural gene variants, and discovery of SNPs. Also, regulatory regions for coding sequences, analyses of small RNA populations, and modulation processes coupled to DNA modification (i.e., methylations) have started to be elucidated, thereby enabling the New Breeding Techniques (NBTs), also referred to as precision breeding. RNA interference (RNAi) and RNA-guided editing of genomes are among the most promising new techniques for RNA-based systems that affect gene expression. Also, both RNAi and RNA-guided editing of DNA are expanding technical platforms by which DNA methylation can also be proposed, thus adding possibilities for epigenetic regulation. Here, we will present and discuss advances in gene transfer procedures from a NBTs' perspective. We will use a chronological arrangement of gene transfer experimentation carried out over the last 10 years as a complementary view to recent excellent works already available. Also, our experience in the use of the editing systems will be introduced.