Genome-Engineered Synthetic Biology for Plant Metabolic Pathway Optimization: From Design to Deployment

The emergence of precision genome editing technologies, like CRISPR-Cas9 and TALENs, represents a paradigm shift from traditional random mutagenesis, allowing for the precise modification of genes with unprecedented efficiency. Concurrently, synthetic biology provides the engineering framework to design novel biological systems. The true transformative potential lies not only in the advances of each field individually, but more importantly, in their integration. Genome editing offers the scalpel for precise genomic changes, while synthetic biology supplies the blueprint and components. Together, they enable the assembly of complex genetic circuits, the refactoring of natural pathways, and the introduction of entirely new functionalities. This synergy moves plant engineering beyond single-gene traits towards the comprehensive redesign of complex metabolic networks. This integration is critical for addressing global challenges by rewiring plant metabolism to enhance nutritional content, improve stress resilience, and enable the sustainable bioproduction of high-value compounds, thereby accelerating the transition from foundational discovery to real-world deployment.

This Research Topic aims to tackle the challenge of moving from single-gene edits to the sophisticated redesign of complex metabolic pathways. While tools are advanced, the systematic integration of editing with computational design and synthetic biology to predictably optimize traits remains a key hurdle. Our goal is to collate research that bridges this gap, showcasing recent advances in multiplexed editing, dynamic control systems, and AI-driven design to create robust, deployable solutions for plant metabolic engineering. We seek to highlight strategies that accelerate the transition from foundational discovery to real-world application.

We welcome the submission of Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Methods, and Perspectives that explore the integration of genome editing and synthetic biology in plants. Specific themes include, but are not limited to:

• Multiplexed editing for the assembly and refactoring of complex metabolic pathways.
• Engineering dynamic control systems (e.g., synthetic promoters, riboswitches) for fine-tuned regulation of metabolic flux.
• Development of orthogonal metabolic systems and synthetic organelles to expand plant capabilities.
• Application of AI, machine learning, and genome-scale models for predictive pathway design and CRISPR target identification.
• Bioproduction of high-value pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and industrial compounds in engineered plants.

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
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• 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
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Genome Editing, Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Plant Biotechnology, Metabolic Pathways

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.