Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Genetic engineering (GE) relies on the approaches of modern molecular biology to permanently change the genetic makeup of cells. GE is often employed to produce organisms with improved or novel traits, often by transferring genes across species boundaries or making targeted genomic changes. The use of GE ranges from research and medicine to industrial applications and agriculture. As a part of this Topic, we focus on GE applications in agriculture, including crops, livestock, breeding, and more. Historically, GE has been widely used to create insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops. At present, efforts are being made to create a variety of specialty traits, such as improved tolerance to abiotic stress. The genetic engineering of animals has led to various changes, including increased growth, the absence of horns, reduced methane emissions, and more. As GE has enormous potential to change organisms, this Topic is one of both intrigue and controversy. The Topic “Genetic Engineering for Agriculture” provides a platform to publish both reviews (both in support of GE for agriculture and in opposition to its use) and original research papers. Please join us in creating a diverse collection of articles covering a variety of topics. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Amy L. Klocko
Prof. Dr. Jianjun Chen
Dr. Haiwei Lu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.6	6.3	2011	18.8 Days	CHF 2600
Crops crops	1.9	2.4	2021	22.4 Days	CHF 1200
DNA dna	-	-	2021	36 Days	CHF 1000
Genes genes	2.8	5.5	2010	14.6 Days	CHF 2600
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	17.8 Days	CHF 2900
Plants plants	4.1	7.6	2012	16.5 Days	CHF 2700

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Agriculture DNA Genes IJMS Plants Crops

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16 pages, 5290 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Tissue-Specific Expression Analysis of the FtAQP Gene Family in Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)

by Wenxuan Chu, Zhikun Li, Ziyi Zhang, Yutong Zhu, Yan Zeng, Ruigang Wu and Xing Wang

Genes 2026, 17(4), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040479 - 17 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Background: Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) serves as an excellent model for studying plant water adaptation mechanisms due to its exceptional drought tolerance. While aquaporins (AQPs) mediate the transmembrane transport of water and solutes in plants, their fine-tuned regulatory networks underlying stress [...] Read more.

Background: Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) serves as an excellent model for studying plant water adaptation mechanisms due to its exceptional drought tolerance. While aquaporins (AQPs) mediate the transmembrane transport of water and solutes in plants, their fine-tuned regulatory networks underlying stress resilience in Tartary buckwheat remain largely elusive. Methods: Here, we combined bioinformatics and transcriptomics to systematically identify 30 highly conserved FtAQP genes at the genome-wide level. Results: Cross-validated by qRT-PCR, our analysis revealed their distinct expression patterns across different organs. Based on our transcriptomic data, we hypothesize that FtAQP family members potentially participate in a coordinated whole-plant water management network through differential spatiotemporal expression. Specifically, the robust transcription of FtAQP8, FtAQP12, and FtAQP28 in roots is associated with the initial water uptake process. As water undergoes long-distance transport, the synergistic upregulation of FtAQP13, FtAQP17, FtAQP20, and FtAQP29 in the stem suggests a potential role in facilitating critical lateral water flow. Furthermore, during reproductive development, FtAQP27 exhibits extreme tissue specificity in floral organs, implying its possible involvement in maintaining local osmotic homeostasis. Furthermore, the promoter regions of FtAQPs are highly enriched with cis-acting elements responsive to light, abscisic acid (ABA), and cold stress, suggesting they are intimately regulated by a coupling of endogenous phytohormones and environmental cues. Conclusions: Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into the potential molecular basis of multidimensional water regulation in Tartary buckwheat, and identifies candidate genetic targets for improving water use efficiency in dryland agriculture through the precise manipulation of aquaporins. Collectively, while these observational findings provide valuable predictive models, future in vivo experimental validations are required to confirm their exact biological functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 2725 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Transgenic Tobacco as a Bioreactor for the Production of Bioactive and Triple-Helical Recombinant Type III Collagen

by Tairu Wu, Weisong Pan, Jiahao Pan, Yahui Wu, Wai Chin Li, Eric Po Keung Tsang and Chuan Wu

Plants 2026, 15(5), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050774 - 3 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Collagen is the primary protein in the extracellular matrix of human cells and the body and is essential for cell structure and function. Here, for the first time, we report a method for producing recombinant triple-helical collagen type III (rhCOL3) in transgenic tobacco [...] Read more.

Collagen is the primary protein in the extracellular matrix of human cells and the body and is essential for cell structure and function. Here, for the first time, we report a method for producing recombinant triple-helical collagen type III (rhCOL3) in transgenic tobacco as a bioreactor. We constructed a pMDV-COL3A1 vector containing the human type III collagen gene COL3A1, as well as a pMDV-COL3A1:5E vector that coexpressed COL3A1 and the enzymes required for its posttranslational modification. These two vectors were used to transform tobacco genetically. The COL3A1 gene was successfully coexpressed in tobacco plants with four enzymes that promote its posttranslational modification. The transcriptional level of COL3A1 in the transgenic lines coexpressing posttranslational modification genes was greater than that in the transgenic lines expressing only COL3A1. The enzyme-modified recombinant collagen was subsequently purified from a COL3A1:5E transgenic line. Our experimental results demonstrated that the terminal propeptides of plant-derived rhCOL3 can be correctly cleaved through the enzymatic hydrolysis of procollagen by coexpressed procollagen C proteinase (PCP) and procollagen N proteinase (PNP). The plant-derived rhCOL3 was thermally stable because the purified peptide chains can form a triple helix structure. Experiments have shown that plant-derived rhCOL3 has biological activity. In this study, functional recombinant full-length mature type III collagen with a triple-helix structure was successfully expressed in tobacco, providing a foundational plant-made material for future applications of collagen in human skin and bone repair in regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 3261 KB  

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Leaf-Based Method for Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Sugar Beet

by Dmitry N. Miroshnichenko, Anna Klementyeva, Lilia Mourenets, Alexander S. Pushin, Aleksey P. Firsov and Sergey V. Dolgov

Crops 2026, 6(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops6010012 - 13 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Sugar beet, one of the most important natural sources of sugars in the world, is well known as a recalcitrant crop for genetic transformation. In the present study, several key components of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugar beet have been studied. The correct [...] Read more.

Sugar beet, one of the most important natural sources of sugars in the world, is well known as a recalcitrant crop for genetic transformation. In the present study, several key components of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugar beet have been studied. The correct choice of explant and plant regeneration potential of domestic breeding lines was evaluated; however, most attention was paid to the search for the most efficient selectable marker gene and selection agents. To produce transgenic plants, we applied a method based on the agrobacterial inoculation of wounded morphogenic structures previously initiated on in vitro cultivated leaves. Four selective marker genes conferring antibiotic or herbicide resistance were evaluated. In the case of selection using kanamycin or G418 (nptII gene controlled by the nos promoter), no transgenic plants were obtained, while the addition of the aminoglycoside antibiotic hygromycin (hpt gene, driven by the nos promoter) to the medium ensured the successful production of transgenic plants from three breeding lines with a frequency ranging from 1.5 to 5.1%. The selection of transgenic tissues using herbicides such as phosphinothricin and glyphosate after transformation with the bar and cp4-epsps genes (both controlled by the CaMV 35S promoter) also ensured the obtaining of transgenic plants, but the transformation efficiency was significantly low, reaching only 1.0 and 0.4%, respectively. Primary transgenic sugar beet plants grown in the greenhouse demonstrated enhanced resistance to herbicides in dosages commonly used in the field. In addition, after self-pollination of the primary T0 transgenic lines, homozygous T2 offspring were successfully selected, which demonstrated stable resistance to glyphosate due to the constitutive expression of the introduced cp4-epsps gene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 888 KB  

Open AccessReview

From Structure to Function of Promoters and 5′UTRs in Maize

by Nikita V. Sytov, Vladimir V. Choob, Sileshi Nemomissa, Alexander S. Mishin and Maxim M. Perfilov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010548 - 5 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1531

Abstract

As a cornerstone of global agriculture, maize (Zea mays) is a crucial component of sustainable food systems and industrial uses. However, global agricultural production faces pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and rising nutritional demands. To adapt to changes in their [...] Read more.

As a cornerstone of global agriculture, maize (Zea mays) is a crucial component of sustainable food systems and industrial uses. However, global agricultural production faces pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and rising nutritional demands. To adapt to changes in their environment, plants evolved precise and sophisticated gene expression regulatory mechanisms. A majority of gene expression regulatory elements are located in promoters and untranslated regions of mRNA. This review aims to elucidate how promoters and 5′ untranslated regions function in complex synergy to regulate gene expression in maize. We discuss the structural organization of these regulatory elements, from their basic components to their integrated roles in shaping plant gene expression. Particular emphasis is placed on their significant impact on maize biotechnology, including strategies for controlling, fine-tuning, and enhancing gene expression for crop improvement. With this review we wish to guide future biotechnological innovations and food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 953 KB  

Open AccessReview

Genome Editing in the Chicken: From PGC-Mediated Germline Transmission to Advanced Applications

by Jiliang He, Ningkun Shi, Hongqin Yao, Juan Li, Yajun Wang and Jiannan Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199426 - 26 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4232

Abstract

Avian genome editing has historically lagged behind mammalian research. This disparity is primarily due to a unique reproductive biology that precludes standard techniques like pronuclear injection. A pivotal breakthrough, however, came from the development of efficient in vitro culture systems for primordial germ [...] Read more.

Avian genome editing has historically lagged behind mammalian research. This disparity is primarily due to a unique reproductive biology that precludes standard techniques like pronuclear injection. A pivotal breakthrough, however, came from the development of efficient in vitro culture systems for primordial germ cells (PGCs). This has established the chicken as a tractable and powerful model for genetic engineering. Our review chronicles the technological evolution this has enabled, from early untargeted methods to the precision of modern CRISPR-based systems. We then analyze the broad applications of these tools, which are now used to engineer disease resistance, enhance agricultural traits, and develop novel platforms such as surrogate hosts and oviduct bioreactors. Collectively, these advances have established PGC-based genome editing as a robust and versatile platform. Looking forward, emerging precision editors and the expansion of these techniques to other avian species are poised to drive the next wave of innovation in poultry science and biotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, 2nd Edition)

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