Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Ankit Kumar Sinha, Ishu Kumari, Subhashree Subhasmita, Jitendra Rajak and Atul Kumar Singh

Abstract:
Antisense RNA is a trimming technique that is rising in popularity in agricultural research. "Sense" refers to the original DNA or RNA molecular sequence. "Antisense" refers to the complementary sequence of DNA or RNA. Since it is the most practical and recent approach accessible, crop breeders employ antisense technology to create different crop species and variations. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), antisense RNA (asRNA), and a number of other enzymes and molecules are all included in the antisense technology category. Using asRNA technology, crops may have their nutritional value increased, undesirable toxic compounds reduced, male sterility created for crop breeding, shelf life extended, etc. The FLAVR SAVR tomato is the result of genetic engineering by the biotechnology company Calgene, which used the modified bacterial parasite Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer genetic material into Flavr Savr plant cells and slow down the ripening of tomatoes. Using RNAi technology, β-carotene and lutein levels in potatoes have been raised by inhibiting beta-carotene hydroxylase (BCH), which transforms β-carotene to zeaxanthins. Auxin response factor 7 (ARF7) was blocked by RNA silencing in Solanum lycopersicum, resulting in parthenocarpic fruits. Scientists have developed tobacco strains that are male sterile by reducing the expression of the TA29 gene, which is in charge of producing pollen. In order to make plants male-sterile again, RNA silencing is also essential. Because they limit or completely remove the expression of genes implicated in the synthesis of harmful compounds in food, antisense technologies are helpful for crop development.