Sunday Evening News 427 - Week 22 - 2025
Weekly report on genetic engineering, genome editing, biotechnology and legal regulation.
May 2025-05-26 - June 2025-06-01
Meetings – Conferences / Treffen - Veranstaltungen
Leopoldina-Podiumsdiskussion: Elfenbeinturm, Straße oder Talkshow – Gesellschaftliche Räume und Rollen für Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler im Angesicht globaler Krisen
Donnerstag, 5. Juni 2025, 18:30 bis 20:30 Uhr, Leopoldina Vortragssaal, Jägerberg 1, 06108 Halle (Saale) und Online
https://www.leopoldina.org/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung/event/3261/
BIH: Neue genomische Techniken in der Pflanzenzüchtung – Chancen und Herausforderungen für Europa
Kaiserin-Friedrich-Haus, Robert-Koch-Platz 7, 10115 Berlin; Hörsaal, 24.06.2025
NewFoodSystems-Konferenz
„Towards New Food Systems – Ernährungs- und Lebensmittelsysteme neu gedacht“ 28.-30.10.2025 in Berlin (Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz)
https://newfoodsystems-konferenz.de/
Press Releases - Media / Presse- und Medienberichte
Leopoldina: Ein neues Verfahren zur direkten Finanzierung und Evaluation wissenschaftlicher Zeitschriften
Tautz, D., Holzer, A., Schmidt, K. M., Buchner, J., Grötschel, M. & Jurburg, S. (2025). Ein neues Verfahren zur direkten Finanzierung und Evaluation wissenschaftlicher Zeitschriften. Diskussion Nr. 38, Halle (Saale): Nationale Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina.
Konsument:innen wollen keine neue Gentechnik ohne verbindliche Regeln
Einstellungen zu neuen gentechnischen Verfahren in der Schweiz - Bevölkerungsbefragung, Mai 2025
POINT NEWSLETTER NR. 275 – MAI 2025 -Aktuelle Biotechnologie
https://www.scienceindustries.ch/_file/37943/point-2025-05-275-d.pdf
Informationsdienst Gentechnik: Bundesumweltminister für Gentechnik-Kennzeichnung
https://www.keine-gentechnik.de/nachricht/koalition-ringt-um-gentechnik-position
Open Letter of Business and Agri-Food Industry stakeholders on the need for a high-performing EFSA to boost the
competitiveness of the EU agri-food sector
Australian OGTR Receives License Application for Commercial Release of GM Purple Tomato
https://www.ogtr.gov.au/gmo-dealings/dealings-involving-intentional-release/dir-218
GMO design, just a prompt away
https://www.saveourseeds.org/news/gmo-design-just-a-prompt-away/
KI entwirft Bauplan für insektengiftige NGT-1-Pflanzen
https://www.testbiotech.org/publikation/ki-entwirft-bauplan-fuer-insektengiftige-ngt-1-pflanzen/
AI-designed insecticidal NGT 1 plants
https://www.testbiotech.org/en/publikation/ai-designed-insecticidal-ngt-1-plants/
Only some selected press releases or media reports are listed here. The daily up-date of the press releases and
media reports are ►here: May week 22
Publications – Publikationen
Molitorisová A., Clemens S.,Fresco L., Wesseler J., Zilberman D., Purnhagen K. (2025):New genomic techniques in organic
production: Considerations for science-based, effective, and acceptable EU regulation. Cell Reports Sustainability, Volume 0, Issue 0, 100405
The EU has a goal of 25% organic farmland by 2030, but lower yields in organic farming versus non-organic farming puts strain on sustainable food production. Utilizing new genomic techniques (NGTs) in organic production could improve yields. However, NGTs are currently banned in the EU organic production rules, and we advocate that incorporating NGTs into organic production with participatory governance will help achieve the EU’s sustainable agriculture goals.
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-sustainability/fulltext/S2949-7906(25)00101-6
Tuncel, A., Pan, C., Clem, J.S. et al. (2025): CRISPR–Cas applications in agriculture and plant research. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol
26, 419–441 |https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-025-00834-3
Growing world population and deteriorating climate conditions necessitate the development of new crops with high yields and resilience. CRISPR–Cas-mediated genome engineering presents unparalleled opportunities to engineer crop varieties cheaper, easier and faster than ever. In this Review, we discuss how the CRISPR–Cas toolbox has rapidly expanded from Cas9 and Cas12 to include different Cas orthologues and engineered variants. We present various CRISPR–Cas-based methods, including base editing and prime editing, which are used for precise genome, epigenome and transcriptome engineering, and methods used to deliver the genome editors into plants, such as bacterial-mediated and viral-mediated transformation. We then discuss how promoter editing and chromosome engineering are used in crop breeding for trait engineering and fixation, and important applications of CRISPR–Cas in crop improvement, such as de novo domestication and enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses. We conclude with discussing future prospects of plant genome engineering.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41580-025-00834-3
Liang, J., Sun, Y., Yang, Y. et al. (2025): Agricultural biotechnology in China: product development, commercialization, and
perspectives. aBIOTECH | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42994-025-00209-4
Meeting the increasing demand for food and industrial products by the growing global population requires targeted efforts to improve crops, livestock, and microorganisms. Modern biotechnology, particularly genetic modification (GM) and genome-editing (GE) technologies, is crucial for food security and environmental sustainability. China, which is at the forefront of global biotechnological innovation and the rapid advancements in GM and GE technologies, has prioritized this field by implementing strategic programs such as the National High-tech Research & Development Program in 1986, the National Genetically Modified Organism New Variety Breeding Program in 2008, and the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project in 2022. Many biotechnological products have been widely commercialized in China, including biofertilizers, animal feed, animal vaccines, pesticides, and GM crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), maize (Zea mays), and soybean (Glycine max). In this review, we summarize progress on the research and utilization of GM and GE organisms in China over the past 3 decades and provide perspectives on their further development. This review thus aims to promote worldwide academic exchange and contribute to the further development and commercial success of agricultural biotechnology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42994-025-00209-4
Lin W, Li C, Li M, Guan Y. (2025): Emerging nucleases in crop genome editing: towards intellectual property independence
and technical flexibility. Seed Biology 4: e008 | doi: 10.48130/seedbio-0025-0007
As the global population grows and food security challenges increase, developing high-yield, stress-resistant crops have become crucial. Although CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cas12a are the most widely utilized gene editing tools, their associated patent protections are notably stringent. This results in significant patent costs for commercializing breeding using these nucleases, highlighting the need for developing novel nucleases that possess autonomy of intellectual property (IP). In addition, novel nucleases exhibiting diverse recognition sites and hypercompact protein structures offer technical flexibility in gene editing. This review examines advancements in novel nuclease-based genome editing technologies and seeks to provide insights into the patent autonomy of plant genome editing, emphasizing the significant role of emerging compact nucleases in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security.
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/seedbio-0025-0007?viewType=HTML
Riesenberg, S., Kanis, P., Karlic, R. et al. (2025): Robust prediction of synthetic gRNA activity and cryptic DNA repair by
disentangling cellular CRISPR cleavage outcomes. Nat Commun 16, 4717 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59947-0
The ability to robustly predict guide RNA (gRNA) activity is a long-standing goal for CRISPR applications, as it would reduce the need to pre-screen gRNAs. Quantification of formation of short insertions and deletions (indels) after DNA cleavage by transcribed gRNAs has been typically used to measure and predict gRNA activity. We evaluate the effect of chemically synthesized Cas9 gRNAs on different cellular DNA cleavage outcomes and find that the activity of different gRNAs is largely similar and often underestimated when only indels are scored. We provide a simple linear model that reliably predicts synthetic gRNA activity across cell lines, robustly identifies inefficient gRNAs across different published datasets, and is easily accessible via online genome browser tracks. In addition, we develop a homology-directed repair efficiency prediction tool and show that unintended large-scale repair events are common for Cas9 but not for Cas12a, which may be relevant for safety in gene therapy applications.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59947-0
Dubock, A. (2025): Nutrition, Rice, and Public Health
Perspectives on Ameliorating Vitamin A and Other Micronutrient Deficiencies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, With Golden Rice as an Example
White rice is the staple crop in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It must be polished for storage and has very small amounts of vitamins and no pro–vitamin A (beta-carotene). People in LMICs often consume huge amounts of rice, and many people little else. Vitamin A deficiency and other micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, and folate, are common as a result. Micronutrient supplements and chemical fortification by adding micronutrients during the processing of foods have both undoubtedly reduced micronutrient malnutrition. However, both are unsustainable due to processing, packaging, and distribution costs. After decades of the use of these strategies, micronutrient deficiencies remain high in LMICs. Biofortification is an additional method of ameliorating micronutrient deficiencies. The earliest example, Golden Rice, has great potential, by itself and as a carrier for other biofortified micronutrients. However, unwarranted suspicions of the technology, and the motivations for using it, have significantly delayed progress. Nutritionists and development professionals need to appreciate that the suspicions around biofortification of crops hinder the ability to deliver public health for the poorest of human society.
https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/abstract/9900/nutrition,_rice,_and_public_health__perspectives.62.aspx (pdf-file available )
Szőke, J., Ködmön, Z. (2025): Bridging the funding gap: advancing sustainable food security in West Africa to achieve
SDG 2. Discov Sustain 6, 436 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01335-1
As the global population exceeds 8 billion, pressure on food systems is growing, especially in developing regions where funding gaps hinder progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2. This study investigates sustainable food security in West Africa, focusing on the role of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). A quantitative, secondary research approach is applied, combining a literature review with time series data. Three indicators are examined, undernourishment (2000–2022), food insecurity (2014–2022), and AfDB-funded projects (1970–2023), with a detailed focus on the overlapping period of 2015–2022. Findings reveal significant disparities across countries. From 2015 to 2022, undernourishment decreased in only seven of fifteen countries, while food insecurity rose in nearly all. In 2022, 17% of the population was undernourished, and 61% lived in moderate or severe food insecurity. Although Nigeria recorded a relatively low undernourishment rate, it had the highest absolute number of affected individuals due to its population size. Since 1970, AfDB has financed 339 food security-related projects in the region, with notable growth during the MDG and SDG periods. Ghana and Mali received the most projects, while Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria attracted the largest funding volumes. Per capita distribution reveals significant disparities, with Cape Verde and Gambia receiving proportionally more support. Over time, project focus evolved from rural development to climate resilience and value chain enhancement, showing the change in development priorities. The study contributes to understanding how long-term, targeted investments by development finance institutions influence food security outcomes in West Africa.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43621-025-01335-1
Hasley J., Dinulong R.-J., Adhikari A., David Christopher D., Miaoying Tian M. (2025): Genome editing of papaya using both Cas9
and Cas12a. bioRxiv preprint | https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.22.655363
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an economically important tropical crop that produces papain and highly nutritious fruit, which are used in the grocery, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. However, various destructive pathogens severely threaten its production. Furthermore, limited natural genetic variation restricts breeding efforts for crop improvement. Therefore, we turned to gene editing as a tool to address these problems. We utilized two CRISPR systems (Cas9 and Cas12a) and two papaya genes, CpPDS (phytoene desaturase) and CpMLO6 (Mildew Locus O 6), to establish efficient genome editing systems of papaya. The systems were delivered by an optimized protocol of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) of embryogenic callus suspension cultures derived from hypocotyls. Accordingly, we transformed papaya with five plasmid constructs, each of which expressed one or two guide RNAs (gRNAs) for gene editing using either Cas9 or Cas12a. All except two T0 transgenic plants tested produced mutations with the majority containing indels of over 90%. Furthermore, successful mutation of the CpPDS gene using both Cas9 and Cas12a produced albino phenotypes as expected for disrupting a gene for carotenoid biosynthesis. Successful mutagenesis was achieved with seven out of eight gRNAs. Homozygous and/or biallelic mutants were generated from transformation using all five constructs, suggesting the feasibility of obtaining transgene-free homozygous segregating mutants by selfing in the second generation. Taken together, a robust and reliable papaya genome editing system was established, which enables genetic modification in various genomic environments to meet the diverse needs of basic scientific research and tropical crop improvement.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.22.655363v1
Bensch, J., de Mol, F., Gerowitt, B. et al. (2025): Integrating Biodiversity Benefits of Weeds into the Economic Threshold
Concept. Journal of Crop Health 77, 96 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-025-01165-1
Weeds on arable land present a double-edged sword: they negatively influence the quantity and qualities of cash crops, but they can also provide biodiversity benefits. The benefits are categorized into use (support for predators/parasitoids, pollinators, herbivores, and granivores) and non-use values (existence value) based on examples from the literature. Recognizing the potential benefits of weeds, it is important to integrate these aspects into weed control decision-making process. Building upon the traditional economic threshold model for insect pests, this paper presents a first step toward upgrading the economic threshold for arable weeds by incorporating biodiversity benefits of weeds. To determine the traditional threshold, a tool estimating crop yield loss caused by weeds was used. This tool also incorporates the intra- and inter-specific competition among weed plants. Due to the data limitation, we focus on the existence value of weeds in a case study for winter wheat in Germany. We estimated the weed economic thresholds incorporating existence values for three weed scenarios varying in species and densities. The results indicate that the updated weed thresholds would generally increase. This study highlights the importance to consider biodiversity benefits of weeds when developing a more holistic, agroecological approach to weed management.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10343-025-01165-1
Gonzalez-Duran, E., Kroop, X., Schadach, A. et al.(2025): Suppression of plastid-to-nucleus gene transfer by DNA double-
strand break repair. Nat. Plants | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-02005-w
Plant nuclear genomes contain thousands of genes of mitochondrial and plastid origin as the result of endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT). EGT is a still-ongoing process, but the molecular mechanisms determining its frequency remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that nuclear double-strand break (DSB) repair is a strong suppressor of EGT. Through large-scale genetic screens in tobacco plants, we found that EGT from plastids to the nucleus occurs more frequently in somatic cells when individual DSB repair pathways are inactive. This effect is explained by the expected increase in the number and residence time of DSBs available as integration sites for organellar DNA. We also show that impaired DSB repair causes EGT to increase 5- to 20-fold in the male gametophyte. Together, our data (1) uncover DSB levels as a key determinant of EGT frequency, (2) reveal the strong mutagenic potential of organellar DNA and (3) suggest that changes in DNA repair capacity can impact EGT across evolutionary timescales.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-025-02005-w
Srivastava, A.K., Riaz, A., Jiang, J. et al. (2025): Advancing Climate-Resilient Sorghum: the Synergistic Role of Plant
Biotechnology and Microbial Interactions. Rice 18, 41 | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12284-025-00796-2
Climate-related problems such as drought stress, extreme temperature, erratic rainfall patterns, soil degradation, heatwaves, flooding, water logging, pests and diseases afflict the production and sustainability of sorghum. These challenges may be addressed by adopting climate-resilient practices and using advanced agronomic techniques. These challenges are being addressed through innovative applications of plant biotechnology and microbiology, which offer targeted solutions to enhance sorghum's resilience. For instance, biotechnological tools like CRISPR/Cas9 enable precise genetic modifications to improve drought and heat tolerance, while microbial inoculants, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), enhance nutrient uptake and stress tolerance through symbiotic interactions. However, biotechnological tools lead to the development of sorghum varieties with heat, drought and salinity tolerance, while marker-assisted selection significantly accelerates breeding for stress-resilient traits. When genetic engineering is introduced, genes encoding heat shock proteins, Osmo protectants and antioxidant pathways are introduced to increase plant resistance to abiotic stress. These compounds stabilise cellular structures, protect enzymes, and maintain osmotic balance, enhancing the plant's ability to survive and function in adverse environmental conditions. At the same time, it is reported that microbiology offers beneficial microbes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that help enhance nutrient availability, soil health and water uptake. Combinations of endophytes and microbial inoculants enhance plant immunity to pests and diseases while increasing tolerance to stress. Biocontrol agents such as Bacillus and Trichoderma contain suppression of pathogens and need less dependence on the use of chemical pesticides. On top of that, genetic modification increases the nutritional quality of sorghum biofortified. This is where biotechnology and microbiology work together to deliver sustainable farming systems reducing environmental impacts, boosting yields and securing food supply under environmental stresses. This review aims to examine the synergistic integration of plant biotechnology and microbial interactions as a strategy to enhance sorghum's resilience to climate-induced stresses, including drought, elevated temperatures, and nutrient-deficient soils. It highlights recent advancements in biotechnological tools such as gene editing, marker-assisted selection, and tissue culture, alongside the emerging role of plant-beneficial microbes in promoting stress tolerance and improving soil health. By synthesizing current knowledge across these disciplines, this review seeks to outline a framework for future research that harnesses the intersection of biotechnology and microbial ecology to support the sustainable improvement of sorghum resilience.
https://thericejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12284-025-00796-2
Arif, M.R., Hussain, A., Najam, A. et al. (2025): A review on gluten-free and low-glycemic index bakery products, especially
corn based breads, noodles, and multigrain flours. Discov Appl Sci 7, 541 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07153-4
The prevalence of gluten-related disorders and diabetes is rising, demanding the development of innovative food products to address the specific dietary requirements associated with these conditions. Utilizing gluten-free (GF) bakery products enhances the nutritional profile of baked goods, but they can also have favorable or unfavorable effects on the technological attributes of the final products, primarily sensory attributes. Therefore, it is important to understand these factors to design appropriate technological methods that could be fully practicable. Therefore, the review provides information about the difficulties in making GF bakery items utilizing GF flours, which are important as highly profitable products. This study examined the formulation, nutritional composition, and potential health benefits of staple food items made from corn and other GF flours with a low glycemic index. Several processing and production aids have enhanced foods' texture, flavor, and nutritional value. These processes include microbial and enzymatic treatment of flours, extrusion cooking, and fortification with additives, dietary fibers, and protein sources. Furthermore, this comprehensive review also examined the mechanism behind the low-glycemic index characteristics of such food items, involving biological studies. Finally, brief details about GF noodles, breads, and flours, which have been positively developed so far, are presented. This would provide a viable food option for those with specific health considerations while promoting overall well-being.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-025-07153-4
Hassane, A.M.A., Obiedallah, M., Karimi, J. et al. (2025): Unravelling fungal genome editing revolution: pathological and
biotechnological application aspects. Arch Microbiol 207, 150 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-025-04360-w
Fungi represent a broad and evolutionarily unique group within the eukaryotic domain, characterized by extensive ecological adaptability and metabolic versatility. Their inherent biological intricacy is evident in the diverse and dynamic relationships they establish with various hosts and environmental niches. Notably, fungi are integral to disease processes and a wide array of biotechnological innovations, highlighting their significance in medical, agricultural, and industrial domains. Recent advances in genetic engineering have revolutionized fungal research, with CRISPR/Cas emerging as the most potent and versatile genome editing platform. This technology enables precise manipulation of fungal genomes, from silencing efflux pump genes in Candida albicans (enhancing antifungal susceptibility) to targeting virulence-associated sirtuins in Aspergillus fumigatus (attenuating pathogenicity). Its applications span gene overexpression, multiplexed mutagenesis, and secondary metabolite induction, proving transformative for disease management and biotechnological innovation. CRISPR/Cas9’s advantages—unmatched precision, cost-effectiveness, and therapeutic potential—are tempered by challenges like off-target effects, ethical dilemmas, and regulatory gaps. Integrating nanoparticle delivery systems and multi-omics approaches may overcome technical barriers, but responsible innovation requires addressing these limitations. CRISPR-driven fungal genome editing promises to redefine solutions for drug-resistant infections, sustainable bioproduction, and beyond as the field evolves. In conclusion, genome editing technologies have enhanced our capacity to dissect fungal biology and expanded fungi’s practical applications across various scientific and industrial domains. Continued innovation in this field promises to unlock the vast potential of fungal systems further, enabling more profound understanding and transformative biotechnological progress.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00203-025-04360-w
EFSA
FEZ Panel (2025): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme 4-α-glucanotransferase from the genetically modified. EFSA Journal, 23(5),
e9420. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9420
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9420
FEZ Panel (2025): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme pullulanase from the non-genetically modified Klebsiella pneumoniae strain
AE-PUL. EFSA Journal, 23(5), e9332. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9332
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9332