Advances in Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Sugar Beet from Mitochondrial Genome Structural Dynamics and Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Coordination

TL;DR

This review discusses recent advances in understanding and manipulating cytoplasmic male sterility in sugar beet using genomics and gene editing.

Contribution

The paper integrates genomic and gene editing technologies to advance the understanding of CMS in sugar beet.

Findings

High-quality reference genomes and organellar genome characterization have improved understanding of CMS mechanisms.

Gene editing allows targeted investigation of CMS-associated mitochondrial and nuclear genes.

Integration of genomic and gene editing tools is expected to accelerate CMS research and hybrid development.

Abstract

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a globally important sugar crop whose hybrid breeding system relies heavily on cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines. Recent advances in sugar beet genomics, particularly the release of high-quality reference genomes and the characterization of organellar genomes, have provided a foundation for elucidating the molecular genetic mechanisms of CMS. Furthermore, innovations in gene editing technologies are enabling transformative functional studies in this field. The precise targeting of CMS-associated mitochondrial genes and nuclear restorer-of-fertility genes not only allows for direct investigation of theoretical models governing fertility regulation through nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions but also holds promise for the targeted development of sterile and restorer lines. This review systematically summarizes progresses in sugar beet genomics, the development of gene editing tools, and the current understanding of the molecular genetics of CMS and fertility restoration in sugar beet. Although challenges remain—such as efficient delivery of editing tools into mitochondria and coordinated editing of multiple genes—the integration of genomic and gene editing technologies is expected to accelerate multi-omics-guided dissection of CMS mechanisms. These advances will facilitate the precise design of high-yield, high-sugar, and stress-resistant sugar beet hybrids, thereby providing core scientific and technological support for the sustainable development of the global sugar industry.

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