Manuscript Topics

The field of genetic engineering has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by advanced genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas systems. Central to these advancements are CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, which have enabled precise genome modifications across diverse organisms. Cas12 excels in multiplex genome editing, while Cas13’s RNA-targeting ability has paved the way for transcriptome engineering and RNA-based therapeutics. Beyond these well-known systems, newer tools like Cas4, Cas7-11, base editors, prime editors, and transposases (e.g., R2 retrotransposons, PiggyBac, and Sleeping Beauty) have expanded the range of genetic modifications possible.

Recent innovations include multiplex editing platforms like mvGPT, gRNA arrays, and CAST, enabling complex modifications at multiple loci. Advances in gene knock-in methods, such as CRISPR-HDR, PASTE, and dCas9-SSAP editors, have significantly improved the precision of targeted insertions. High-precision tools like Seek RNA, Click Editing, Bridge RNA, and the cssDNA-based GATALYST have achieved high knock-in efficiencies with minimal cytotoxicity. PEmax stands out as one of the most advanced systems, evolved from the Prime Editing platform into a more refined and versatile tool with superior efficiency and precision across various editing applications. Amplification Editing (AE) facilitates large-scale programmable DNA replication for disease modeling, while the Multitron system, based on retron arrays, enables simultaneous multi-site genome modifications and generates multiple donor DNAs from a single transcript, making it highly suitable for genome design and metabolic engineering. Additionally, CRISPR-based diagnostics, such as CRISPR-StAR, have proven valuable in real-time pathogen detection and animal disease management.

In animal breeding and production, genome editing offers opportunities to enhance traits like growth, abiotic stress resistance, and disease resilience. This has important implications for aquaculture and livestock improvement, where optimized genetic traits can improve productivity and sustainability. Moreover, emerging epigenetic editing, transcriptional regulation, and AI-driven guide RNA design promise further advancements. Genome screening for disease resistance and selective breeding in aquaculture exemplify the potential for sustainable biotechnology.

Objective of the Special Issue:

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for exploring cutting-edge research and developments in animal genome editing, with a focus on both terrestrial and aquatic species. The objective is to present innovative solutions, interdisciplinary approaches, and thoughtful analyses that address key challenges in genome editing. The issue also seeks to promote a balanced dialogue on ethical and policy dimensions to guide the responsible application of these powerful technologies.

Topics of Interest:

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspective pieces covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

 1. Technological Innovations in Genome Editing:

o The development and application of novel genome editing tools and techniques, such as prime editing, base editing, and RNA-guided transposon systems, have significantly expanded the scope of precise genetic modifications across various species.

o Advances in multiplex gene editing and targeted gene insertions.
o Comparative studies on editing efficiency across different species.

2. Applications in Animal Breeding and Reproduction:    

o Enhancing growth performance, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.    
o Genetic adaptation to extreme environments, including high temperatures, salinity, and low oxygen levels.    
o Genome editing for improved fertility, reproduction rates, and health.

3. Animal Nutrition and Health:    

o Exploring genome editing for improving nutrient utilization and feed efficiency.    
o Genetic strategies for disease prevention and improved immune response.    
o Case studies on genome-edited animals with enhanced nutritional profiles.

 4. Animal Behavior, Welfare, and Management:

o Genetic approaches to improve animal welfare and reduce stress behaviors.
o Genome editing in the context of animal behavior studies.

o Development of rapid detection systems for pathogens to ensure timely management of infectious diseases in genetically edited livestock and aquaculture species.

o Ethical considerations in managing genetically modified animals.

 5. Epigenetic and Functional Genomics Approaches:    

o Epigenetic editing to modulate gene expression and study complex traits.    
o High-throughput approaches for functional genomic analysis.    
o Integration of genome and epigenome editing for advanced animal models.

6. Animal, Environment, and Climate Interaction:    

o Genome editing strategies to develop climate-resilient livestock and aquaculture species.    
o Enhancing the adaptability of animals to changing environmental conditions.    
o Long-term ecological impacts of genome-edited species in various ecosystems.

7. Ethical, Regulatory, and Ecological Considerations:    

o Ethical implications of genome editing in animals.    
o Regulatory frameworks for genome-edited animals in agriculture and research.    
o Assessing ecological risks and benefits of releasing genetically modified species.

8. Interdisciplinary Approaches and AI Integration:    

o Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optimizing genome editing procedures.    
o Interdisciplinary studies combining molecular biology, animal science, ethics, and computational tools.    
o Policy development for sustainable and responsible genome editing.

Keywords:
 
Animal Biotechnology; Genome Editing; CRISPR Technologies; Functional Genomics; Gene Knock-in & Knockout; Ethics and Regulation

Expected Contributions:

We invite researchers from diverse fields to contribute high-quality manuscripts that push the boundaries of current knowledge in genome editing technologies. Submissions should emphasize novelty, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical relevance. Contributions addressing global challenges in animal science and proposing innovative solutions for sustainable animal husbandry are highly encouraged. Additionally, manuscripts that explore AI-driven approaches, ethical guidelines, and regulatory insights will be particularly valued, as they provide a broader perspective on the future trajectory of genome editing.

Impact of the Special Issue:

This Special Issue seeks to advance a comprehensive understanding of potential and limitations of genome editing technologies in animal science. By fostering multidisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, we seek to build a robust knowledge base that informs both scientific advancement and ethical governance. Through this initiative, we aspire to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on sustainable, ethical, and innovative animal biotechnology.

Serving as a critical resource, this Special Issue will provide a platform for sharing pioneering research, discussing ethical and regulatory frameworks, and fostering innovation. The insights gained through this collection of articles will help shape the future of responsible genetic engineering practices, ensuring that these transformative technologies  benefit both science and society —advancing not only fundamental principles but also addressing practical challenges.

Paper Submission

We welcome submissions that contribute to advancements in genome editing and its applications in animal science. Manuscripts may include research articles, review articles, short communications, methodological studies, and perspective pieces. Authors planning to submit a manuscript are encouraged to send a title and a short abstract (approximately 200 words) to the Editorial Office for consideration and potential announcement on the journal’s website. All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed prior to acceptance. The deadline for manuscript submission is October 31st, 2025.

No publication fee

The article processing charge (APC) is waived for this inaugural issue.

Instructions for authors
https://www.aimspress.com/aas/news/solo-detail/instructionsforauthors
Please submit your manuscript to online submission system
https://aimspress.jams.pub/