Research Topic Highlights
This collection of articles highlights recent advancements in genetic manipulation techniques adapted to non-traditional and emerging model organisms across various taxonomic groups. Novel approaches, including codon-optimized hyperactive piggyBac transposase (hyPBase) for transgenesis in Lepidoptera, allow efficient and stable genetic modifications in moths. Meanwhile, successful CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in non-model nematodes (Panagrolaimus and Propanagrolaimus sp.) is opening avenues to study development, reproduction, and survival strategies across nematode diversity more efficiently. Interestingly, squids exhibit extensive RNA editing mediated by structurally unique ADAR enzymes, which are crucially involved in mRNA recoding via adenosine deamination, uncovering unusual mechanisms in RNA biology. Finally, sophisticated gene editing tools incorporating CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and knock-in approaches and Tol2 transgenesis have been effectively developed for Betta splendens, significantly enhancing functional genomic investigations related to morphology and behavior. Together, these studies demonstrate significant progress in expanding genetic toolkits and innovative methodologies necessary for exploring biological questions in diverse non-model organisms, enhancing comparative, evolutionary, and functional biological research.
Context and Scope
For addressing numerous biological research questions, some organisms are more suited than others. The suitability of an organism for many of these questions has been limited based on genetic tractability, relegating questions about the molecular basis of biological phenomena to traditional model organisms like mice and drosophila, even if the traits of interest were exemplified in other species. Moreover, determining the generalizability from findings in traditional mutant and transgenic models has been hindered due to a dearth of genetic tools available in other diverse species. Now, with the advent of CRISPR/Cas systems for gene editing applications, a vast array of study organisms are now genetically tractable, paving the way for novel discoveries in a variety of different species. This has blurred the line between model and non-model organisms, ushering in a new era of research into fundamental biological mechanisms of physiology and behavior.
In this Research Topic, we aim to highlight the work being done using gene editing technologies in non-traditional model organisms to answer questions related to integrative biology and physiology in vertebrates and invertebrates. Research fields ranging from integrative biology and physiology, and neuroethology will be the focus of this Topic. We will feature the work being done within a comparative framework. As gene editing in integrative and comparative approaches is typically done in emerging model systems, research being done on the development and dissemination of new gene editing technologies in novel species will also be highlighted.
We welcome research providing detailed methods on replicating tools used in novel organisms to advance the field. Furthermore, we invite the submissions of empirical/primary research articles, reviews, perspectives, and commentaries which include the following aspects, but are not limited to:
• Organisms: Vertebrates or invertebrates considered to be “non-traditional”
• Comparative biology
• Integrative Biology and Physiology
• Neuroendocrine mechanisms of physiology and behavior
• Gene editing tool development and advances
• Neuroethology
Research Topic Highlights
This collection of articles highlights recent advancements in genetic manipulation techniques adapted to non-traditional and emerging model organisms across various taxonomic groups. Novel approaches, including codon-optimized hyperactive piggyBac transposase (hyPBase) for transgenesis in Lepidoptera, allow efficient and stable genetic modifications in moths. Meanwhile, successful CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in non-model nematodes (Panagrolaimus and Propanagrolaimus sp.) is opening avenues to study development, reproduction, and survival strategies across nematode diversity more efficiently. Interestingly, squids exhibit extensive RNA editing mediated by structurally unique ADAR enzymes, which are crucially involved in mRNA recoding via adenosine deamination, uncovering unusual mechanisms in RNA biology. Finally, sophisticated gene editing tools incorporating CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and knock-in approaches and Tol2 transgenesis have been effectively developed for Betta splendens, significantly enhancing functional genomic investigations related to morphology and behavior. Together, these studies demonstrate significant progress in expanding genetic toolkits and innovative methodologies necessary for exploring biological questions in diverse non-model organisms, enhancing comparative, evolutionary, and functional biological research.
Context and Scope
For addressing numerous biological research questions, some organisms are more suited than others. The suitability of an organism for many of these questions has been limited based on genetic tractability, relegating questions about the molecular basis of biological phenomena to traditional model organisms like mice and drosophila, even if the traits of interest were exemplified in other species. Moreover, determining the generalizability from findings in traditional mutant and transgenic models has been hindered due to a dearth of genetic tools available in other diverse species. Now, with the advent of CRISPR/Cas systems for gene editing applications, a vast array of study organisms are now genetically tractable, paving the way for novel discoveries in a variety of different species. This has blurred the line between model and non-model organisms, ushering in a new era of research into fundamental biological mechanisms of physiology and behavior.
In this Research Topic, we aim to highlight the work being done using gene editing technologies in non-traditional model organisms to answer questions related to integrative biology and physiology in vertebrates and invertebrates. Research fields ranging from integrative biology and physiology, and neuroethology will be the focus of this Topic. We will feature the work being done within a comparative framework. As gene editing in integrative and comparative approaches is typically done in emerging model systems, research being done on the development and dissemination of new gene editing technologies in novel species will also be highlighted.
We welcome research providing detailed methods on replicating tools used in novel organisms to advance the field. Furthermore, we invite the submissions of empirical/primary research articles, reviews, perspectives, and commentaries which include the following aspects, but are not limited to:
• Organisms: Vertebrates or invertebrates considered to be “non-traditional”
• Comparative biology
• Integrative Biology and Physiology
• Neuroendocrine mechanisms of physiology and behavior
• Gene editing tool development and advances
• Neuroethology
