Genome Editing in Animals: Innovations, Applications, and Ethical Frontiers

Genetic engineering of animals has been recently revolutionized with the development of genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 and other CRISPR systems like Cas12 and Cas13. Genome editing provides an efficient approach for studying functional genomics, gene knockout, targeted gene insertion, and a broad range of other applications. Additionally, epigenetic editing now allows for the modulation of gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, opening avenues for studying gene activation and repression in developmental contexts and disease states. Revealing gene functions can help select the best candidates for genetic enhancement programs. Moreover, genome editing technologies can be used to generate transgenic animals more effectively and precisely by inserting genes at specific targets in the host's genome. These technologies are also crucial for investigating the molecular mechanisms of biological processes and generating animal models to study complex genetic traits. Enhancements enabled by these technologies span various fields, including aquaculture, animal production, functional genomics, and have significant beyond traditional applications, such as agricultural biofortification and biodiversity conservation. The contemporary advancements in genome editing technologies, particularly with tools like CRISPR-Cas9, have also broadened the potential for both beneficial and dual-use applications. This expansion raises urgent ethical and regulatory concerns globally about their use specifically in animals, necessitating an integrated approach to mitigate risks associated with misuse and ensure international security.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explores the latest innovations in genome editing in animals and fish, their applications, and ethical considerations. Also, it aims to address the challenges and opportunities for genome editing in animals. Although much progress has been made in this field, there are still significant issues to be addressed to harness the full potential of genome editing in animal biotechnology. These include, but not limited to, optimizing gene editing technologies for diverse species and genetic targets, assessing long-term impacts of genome edits, and addressing ethical and ecological concerns for the use of gene editing technologies in animals. This topic will contribute to the development of innovative and responsible practices in animal and fish genome editing, inviting contributions that push the boundaries of current knowledge and technology. The aim is to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that will enhance understanding and application of genome editing within the global context of sustainable and ethical animal husbandry.

This Research Topic invites contributions on all topics related to genome editing in terrestrial and aquatic animals. We consider original research and review articles covering issues around genome editing technologies, practical applications to improve growth and resistance to environmental stressors, such as saline-alkaline water bodies, ammonia toxicity, decreased dissolved oxygen levels, and high temperatures, particularly in the context of global warming. Additionally, we seek contributions that delve into increasing resilience against diseases, enhancing targeted insertion of genes, and employing advanced techniques in multiplex genome engineering. Each manuscript should aim to provide innovative solutions or insights into the complex challenges faced by terrestrial and aquatic animals in adapting to these adversities. We welcome submissions on ethical, ecological, and regulatory dimensions of genome editing in animals. Also, manuscripts proposing creative solutions or frameworks for responsible genome editing practices are encouraged. Additionally, we highly value papers that explore the integration of AI and machine learning technologies in genome editing. Submissions should detail these innovations, provide comparative studies, or showcase successful applications of these technologies in enhancing the precision and efficiency of genome editing procedures. Such interdisciplinary approaches are essential and should integrate insights from cellular and molecular biology, animal husbandry, aquaculture, marine biology, ethical considerations, and policy development. This comprehensive integration will facilitate a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges and innovative solutions in genome editing technologies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: CRISPR-Cas system, Genetic Engineering, Genome Editing, Epigenetic Editing, Gene Delivery Systems, Ethical Considerations, Regulatory Challenges

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.