Groover et al. (2026): Genome engineering of plant photosynthesis for carbon sequestration
Evan D. Groover, Flora Z. Wang, Amala John, Jianqiang Shen, Peggy G. Lemaux, David F. Savage and Krishna K. Niyogi, IN: Nature Reviews Bioengineering, https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-026-00453-3
Anthropogenic carbon emissions have destabilized Earth’s carbon cycle, triggering cascading effects on climate and biodiversity. Plant-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) presents a scalable, economically viable path to atmospheric carbon sequestration through soil carbon deposition, dedicated biomass cultivation and strategic agroforestry. Although photosynthesis drives terrestrial carbon capture, effective CDR strategies demand genetic optimization of carbon assimilation, retention and storage. The regulatory landscape is restrictive towards transgenic crops yet permissive of genome editing, creating a window for intervention. Advances in CRISPR-based editing, computational plant trait prediction and delivery systems for gene-editing tools in planta enable precision engineering of plant phenotypes to increase photosynthetic efficiency and carbon sequestration capacity. The authors map the molecular and physiological innovations required to realize plant-based CDR at climate-relevant scales. Beyond optimizing carbon capture itself, they examine strategies to engineer enhanced biomass accumulation, improve nitrogen and water use efficiency, and stabilize carbon storage in plant and soil systems.