Progress toward Precision Genomics in Soybean

Genomic studies in crop plants are shifting from an era of random mutations to directed genomic modifications.   This process has been driven by the development of genome engineering technologies, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and meganucleases (MN).  Here we describe a method for engineering ZFNs for the purpose of creating targeted mutations in the paleopolyploid soybean genome.  We have used ZFNs for targeted mutation in many genes related to small RNA processing in both somatic and germline cells.  We will report of current progress towards using ZFNs to enable targeted large structural rearrangements and increased rates of homologous recombination in soybean.