Animal Transgene and Gene Editing Technologies: Applications and Future Perspectives
A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editors
Interests: host-pathogen/parasite interaction; non-coding RNA; epigenetics; transgene; omics; precision medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: host–pathogen/parasite interaction; circadian clock; insect physiology; gene editing; omics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapid development of transgenic and gene-editing technologies has ushered in a new era of animal biotechnology. CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, ZFNs, and emerging base/prime editing systems now enable precise genetic modifications across diverse animal species, from livestock and aquatic organisms to wildlife. These innovations are transforming agriculture, biomedicine, and conservation, enhancing disease resistance, improving production traits, advancing xenotransplantation, and supporting ecosystem preservation. However, alongside these opportunities come critical considerations regarding ethics, welfare, regulatory frameworks, and global equity in technology access.
This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research on the design, application, and implications of genetic engineering in animals, including insects. We seek to publish interdisciplinary studies that bridge technical innovation with real-world impact while addressing societal concerns. We invite original research, reviews, and case studies that advance the field.
Scope and Themes:
We invite contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
Technology Development: Novel gene-editing tools (e.g., CRISPR variants, epigenetic editing), delivery systems (e.g., viral vectors, nanoparticles), and strategies to improve efficiency/specificity.
Agricultural Applications: Genetic improvements in livestock (e.g., disease-resistant pigs, heat-tolerant cattle) and aquaculture (e.g., fast-growing fish), with emphasis on welfare and sustainability.
Wildlife and Conservation: Gene drives for invasive species control, genetic rescue of endangered populations, and ethical debates.
Societal Implications: Regulatory policies, public perception, animal welfare considerations, and global disparities in technology adoption.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Rui Guo
Dr. Jianfeng Qiu
Dr. Xueling Xu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- CRISPR
- transgenic animals
- genome editing
- livestock biotechnology
- disease resistance
- animal welfare
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