CRISPR-Cas Mediated Editing of Susceptibility (S) Genes for Broad-Spectrum Disease Resistance

AbstractSusceptibility (S) genes are host genes that pathogens rely on to infect and multiplywithin plant tissues. Unlike resistance genes, which activate defense responses, S-genessupport processes that microbes exploit. With CRISPR technologies, these genes can nowbe precisely modified through gene disruption, promoter changes, or subtle nucleotide editsto block pathogen compatibility while reducing negative consequences for plant growth.CRISPR tools have shown effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens fungal, bacterial,viral, and nematode by targeting plant features essential for infection. Editing can disrupthost molecules that pathogens depend on or modify interaction points needed for diseasedevelopment. Although there are concerns such as potential fitness costs or pathogenadaptation, modifying S-genes continues to be one of the most promising strategies forproducing stable, eco-friendly, and combinable plant resistance traits. Overall, theintegration of CRISPR technologies with advanced genomic knowledge provides anefficient platform for designing next-generation disease-resistant crops and transformingmodern plant breeding.