Sunday Evening News 462 / 2026
Weekly report on genetic engineering, genome editing, biotechnology and legal regulation.
January 2026-02-09- 2026-02-15
Meetings – Conferences / Treffen - Veranstaltungen
Webinar #3 | NGTs Systems Mapping: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐒𝐌) 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜
𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 (𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐬) 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬?
25.02.2025 14:30CET; 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭: https://www.worldlabs.org/event/webinar-3
Press Releases - Media / Presse- und Medienberichte
BERICHT DER KOMMISSION: Bericht über die Erfahrungen der Mitgliedstaaten mit der Richtlinie 2009/41/EG des Europäischen
Parlaments und des Rates vom 6. Mai 2009 über die Anwendung genetisch veränderter Mikroorganismen in geschlossenen Systemen im Zeitraum 2022-2024
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52026DC0068
Kritischer Agrarbericht 2026:
https://kritischer-agrarbericht.de/agrarberichte/2026
Dupont B.: Weniger Auflagen in Sicht
https://www.laborjournal.de/editorials/3428.php
Informationsdienst Gentechnik: Europäischer Gerichtshof bestätigt Opt out-Regelung
https://www.keine-gentechnik.de/nachricht/europaeischer-gerichtshof-bestaetigt-opt-out-regelung
Agrarwelt: EU-Gerichtshof bestätigt Italiens Verbot von Genmais MON810-Anbau
Industrieverband Agrar e. V.: Zulassung reformieren, Lösungen im Pflanzenschutz ermöglichen
https://www.iva.de/publikationen/politik-und-positionspapiere
Suay R.: Luxembourg bans GMOs, a policy upheld by the CJEU
https://delano.lu/article/gmos-the-court-rules-luxembourg-maintains-the-ban
McLean Poon M., Brady M.J., McNeilage R.: Gene-Editing Regulation Roundup
https://www.mofo.com/resources/insights/260212-gene-editing-regulation-roundup
Wolff K.: EU provisionally approves framework for new genomic technique plants from 2028
The American Chestnut Foundation : Genomics offers a faster path to restoring the American chestnut -
A new era in conservation
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1115723
Ramíre S.: A Chinese invention is revolutionizing the food industry: genetically modified mushrooms that taste like meat
and use 70% less land than traditional livestock farming
Only some selected press releases or media reports are listed here. The daily up-date of the press releases
and media reports are ►here: January week 07/2026
Publications – Publikationen
de Oliveira, J.A.V.S., Choudhary, N., Meckoni, S.N. et al. (2026): Cookbook for plant genome sequences.
BMC Genomics| https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-026-12623-z
Access to genome sequences is crucial to investigate and engineer traits in plants, explore biodiversity, and support phylogenetic studies. Over the last decade, affordable sequencing devices have substantially increased the size of the genomics community by enabling individual research groups to sequence the genomes of plant species of interest. There has also been a quick development of novel tools for sequencing data analysis. Here, we share experiences with plant long-read genomics methods for Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and provide hands-on guidelines to support newcomers entering plant genomics. The full workflow from planning a plant genome sequencing project to the public release of associated data sets is covered.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12864-026-12623-z
Lu S., Xie J., Wang F., Yuan Z., Li J, Yang L. (2026): Beyond traditional GMOs: a comprehensive approach to identify
unknown cisgenic rice events. New Phytologist | https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.70942
We investigated unauthorized glyphosate-tolerant rice plants from fields where no genetically modified herbicide-resistant varieties have regulatory approval. The unusual herbicide tolerance phenotype suggested potential unauthorized genetic modification, necessitating comprehensive molecular characterization.
We employed integrated analytical approaches: PCR screening for transgenic elements, quantitative polymerase chain reaction for copy number determination, Illumina whole-genome sequencing, and PacBio long-read sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis identified integration sites and insertion structures. Gene-specific and event-specific detection assays were developed following international regulatory standards.
We identified six independent cisgenic rice events, each containing 4–9 tandem copies of a mutated rice OsEPSPS gene conferring glyphosate tolerance. Each event exhibited unique chromosomal integration sites, distinct flanking sequences, and complex tandem repeat structures. The mutations were absent from natural rice germplasm databases (3K RG), confirming intentional genetic modification. Detection assays achieved 0.05–0.1% limits of detection, meeting international performance standards.
This study reveals critical gaps in current genetically modified organism monitoring systems that fail to detect cisgenic products. Our findings demonstrate that unauthorized cisgenic crops can evade conventional regulatory oversight, challenging biosafety management and international trade under process-based frameworks. This work underscores the urgent need to transition from element-based detection to comprehensive genomic approaches, providing essential methodologies for detecting new breeding technique products and maintaining regulatory oversight.
https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.70942
Bornberg-Bauer, E., Eicholt, L.A. (2026): Emergence and evolution of protein-coding de novo genes. Nat Rev Genet |
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-025-00929-9
De novo genes generally refer to genes that arise from previously non-coding sequences. This evolutionary path — when randomly expressed sequences become folded and active proteins — challenges our understanding of genetic innovation and has prompted studies to address the evolutionary and mechanistic knowledge gaps. More specifically, prior work has illuminated the mechanisms underlying the origin of de novo genes, their potential functional roles in the cell and the evolutionary processes that lead to these functions. Recent advances in both experimental and computational approaches have contributed to insights into the emergence of de novo genes and the broader implications for our understanding of biological complexity. In this Review, we place particular emphasis on efforts to quantify the likelihood of de novo gene emergence in eukaryotes given genomic characteristics, as well as the mechanisms by which de novo protein structures that are not actively selected against become amenable to selection-driven changes.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41576-025-00929-9
De Neef E., Velásquez-Zapata V., Gordon E.R.L, Narva K. et al. (2026): A bioinformatic ecological risk assessment framework
for externally applied double-stranded RNA-based biopesticides. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 22 (1),116–131 | https://doi.org/10.1093/inteam/vjaf116
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based biopesticides are a promising new method of pest management. These biopesticides leverage the endogenous RNA interference pathway to selectively regulate expression of key genes involved in growth and development in pests, providing the potential to minimize harmful environmental effects by highly specific targeting. As dsRNA-based biopesticides are presented for regulatory review, evaluating potential off-target effects on nontarget organisms (NTOs) in a manner that may be unique to this novel sequence-specific mode of action is crucial. To address this, we propose here a bioinformatics framework for consideration of sequence-specific off-target effects in NTOs. This framework includes careful consideration of NTOs based on potential exposure and susceptibility and recommends standardizing analyses to search for 21-nucleotide stretches of perfect identity and 80% overall identity between the dsRNA and off-target transcripts. We recommend a three-pronged approach to ensure a comprehensive risk assessment: (a) phylogenetic analysis of gene orthologs that defines the taxonomic scope of sequence similarity, (b) broad searches of large databases to identify potential unexpected similarity in distantly related species, and (c) full transcriptome analyses in NTO species of particular concern for a thorough understanding of all potential hazards. Finally, we recommend considering the results of bioinformatic analyses in the context of risk characterization, which means considering likely exposure to the dsRNA-based pesticide and potential susceptibility or barriers to dsRNA uptake. This approach enables a robust ecological risk assessment for dsRNA-based biopesticides and a regulatory path forward for this promising new pest management tool.
https://academic.oup.com/ieam/article/22/1/116/8238514
Raza, A., Li, Y., Charagh, S., Guo, C., Zhao, M., & Hu, Z. (2026): Melatonin-enabled omics: understanding plant responses to
single and combined abiotic stresses for climate-smart agriculture. GM Crops & Food, 17(1) | https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2026.2614130
Climate change-driven single and combined abiotic stresses pose escalating threats to sustainable, climate-smart agriculture and global food security. Melatonin (MLT, a powerful plant biostimulant) has established noteworthy potential in improving stress tolerance by regulating diverse physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses. Therefore, this review delivers a comprehensive synopsis of MLT-enabled omics responses across genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, miRNAomics, epigenomics, phenomics, ionomics, and microbiomics levels that collectively regulate plant adaptation to multiple abiotic stresses. We also highlight the crosstalk between these omics layers and the power of integrated multi-omics (panomics) approaches to harness the complex regulatory networks underlying MLT-enabled stress tolerance. Lastly, we argue for translating these omics insights into actionable strategies through advanced genetic engineering and synthetic biology platforms to develop MLT-enabled, stress-smart crop plants.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645698.2026.2614130
Barragán-Borrero V., de Santana Lopes, A., Batista E.D.,Höfer M., Elias R. et al. (2026): Strain, procedures, and tools for
reproducible genetic transformation and genome editing of the emerging plant model Spirodela polyrhiza", New Pythologist | DOI: 10.1111/nph.70919
Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) have excellent potential for fundamental and applied research due to ease of cultivation, small size, and continuous fast clonal growth. However, their usage as model organisms and platforms for biotechnological applications is often limited by the lack of universal genetic manipulation methods necessary for transgene expression, gene editing, and other methods to modify gene expression.
To identify suitable strains for genetic manipulation of the giant duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza, we screened several genotypes for callus induction and regeneration and established genetic transformation.
We identified SP162 to be amenable to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation via tissue culture. The procedure is robust and reproducible across laboratories, allowing stable expression of different reporter genes and selectable markers, enabling CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. In addition, due to a weak small RNA-based silencing response, S. polyrhiza sustains prolonged periods of transgene activity in transient expression assays.
To promote duckweed research and encourage the adoption of S. polyrhiza, we have made SP162 (ID#: 5676) and its genome publicly available and provide here detailed procedures for its cultivation and transformation. Furthermore, we created a web server to explore its genome, retrieve gene sequences, and implement orthologous gene search and a gRNA design function for diverse CRISPR/Cas-based applications (https://agxu.uni-mainz.de/SP162/).
https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.70919
Erstelle A. Pasion-Uy et al. (2026): Sustained cereal bowl amidst global warming, Trends in Plant Science
| DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2025.08.021
High day and night temperatures impair grain yield and quality in major cereal crops such as rice, maize, and wheat, posing a major challenge under global warming. In this review, we have highlighted advances that govern flowering through clock genes, key genetic regulatory mechanisms of the complex processes that regulate inflorescence architecture and grain filling efficiency, which are affected by heat stress. This unraveled knowledge offers opportunities to improve grain yield and quality without tradeoffs, leading to higher grain number, more efficient grain filling, and maintaining uncompromised starch-to-protein accumulation under high day and night temperatures.
Brewer, T.E., Kielkowski, P., Stritzel, J. et al. (2026): Horizontal transfer of post-translational modifiers brings evolutionary
opportunity and challenges to a conserved translation factor. BMC Biol | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-026-02531-9
Background: Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major driver of microbial evolution, yet the influence of host cellular context on the integration and functionality of transferred genes remains underexplored. In this study, we investigate how host background impacts the horizontal acquisition of post-translational modification (PTM) machinery. Here, we use heterologous expression of the highly conserved and frequently horizontally transferred translational elongation factor P (EF-P) from diverse species in Escherichia coli as a model. EF-P has a heterogenous relationship with PTMs; three characterized variants each undergo distinct PTM pathways, while others function effectively without any modification.
Results: We demonstrate that EF-P from Deinococcus radiodurans, Geoalkalibacter ferrihydriticus, and Nitrosomonas communis can complement an EF-P knockout in E. coli without requiring any PTM, suggesting they may represent new examples of unmodified EF-P. We also found that the EF-P from the Thermotogota Mesotoga prima is post-translationally modified in an off-target reaction by the rhamnosylation enzyme EarP, thus interfering with its functionality. Conversely, we saw that rhamnosylation by EarP does not impact the function of the EF-P-like protein EfpL.
Conclusions: Our findings highlight that PTM systems introduced via HGT can have varied effects on host proteins. We found that different EF-P variants are impacted in different ways by off-target rhamnosylation. While some of these off-target reactions may present opportunities to develop novel, catalytically active PTMs, others are detrimental to the function of the modified EF-P. Our results emphasize the complexity of gene integration and functional compatibility in foreign genomic contexts.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12915-026-02531-9
Fang, C., Zhao, D., Cheng, W., Jiang, H., Zhang, et al. (2026): The LPA1-ITA1-BRXL4 module regulates shoot gravitropism
and tiller angle in rice. Plant Communications | doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xplc.2026.101743
Tiller angle is a critical agronomic trait influencing rice plant architecture and yield potential. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulationremain incompletely understood. Here, we report that ITA131 (LOC_Os01g51260), encoding a MYB family transcription factor, positively regulates shoot gravitropism and restricts tiller angle in rice. The ita1 mutant, characterized by a 740-bp deletion in the ITA1 promoter, displays an enlarged tiller angle due to elevated ITA1 expression. Functional assays demonstrate that ITA1 directly activates BRXL4, a gene that modulates auxin transport by influencing the subcellular localization of LAZY1, a key regulator of shoot gravitropism. Yeast one-hybrid, ChIP-qPCR, EMSA, and luciferase assays reveal that the transcriptional repressor LPA1, a member of the IDD family, directly binds to the 740-bp region of the ITA1 promoter to repress its expression. Genetic evidence shows that the lpa1 mutant phenocopies ita1 and that the lpa1/ita1-c1 double mutant partially rescues the large tiller angle phenotype. Together, our findings define a previously unknown LPA1-ITA1-BRXL4 regulatory cascade that controls shoot gravitropism and tiller angle by modulating auxin distribution. This study provides new insights into plant architectural regulation and offers potential genetic targets for optimizing rice planting density and yield
Zhu Y., Li J., Wu H., Wang J. et al. (2026): CmHY5-CmWRKY23/69-CmGH9B3 module mediates red light promoted graft
union healing of melon grafted onto squash. Horticulture Research 13 (1), uhaf251 | https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf251
Grafting is extensively utilized in melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivation to improve environmental tolerance and disease resistance. Our previous studies identified CmGH9B3, encoding β-1,4-glucanase, as a key factor promoting cell adhesion during graft union formation in melon scions grafted onto squash rootstocks. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms controlling CmGH9B3 expression remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate that LED red light significantly enhances graft union healing by activating a transcriptional module involving CmHY5, CmWRKY23, CmWRKY69, and CmGH9B3. Specifically, the light-responsive transcription factor CmHY5 was induced by LED red light and activated the expression of CmWRKY23 and CmWRKY69. These WRKY transcription factors were directly bound to the CmGH9B3 promoter, promoting its expression to accelerate vascular reconnection and graft healing. Our findings establish a mechanistic link between light signaling and graft union formation via the CmHY5-CmWRKY23/69-CmGH9B3 regulatory module, offering practical targets to improve grafting efficiency in melon cultivation.
https://academic.oup.com/hr/article/13/1/uhaf251/8256412
Westbrook J.W., Malukiewicz J., Zhang Q., Sreedasyam A. et al. (2026): Genomic approaches to accelerate American chestnut
restoration. Science 391 (6786), 730-735 | DOI: 10.1126/science.adw3225
More than a century after two introduced pathogens killed billions of American chestnut trees, introgression of resistance alleles from Chinese chestnuts has contributed to the recovery of self-sustaining populations. However, progress has been slow because of the complex genetic architecture of resistance. To better understand blight resistance, we compared reference genomes, gene expression responses, and stem metabolite profiles of the resistant Chinese and susceptible American chestnut species. To accelerate resistance breeding, we conducted large-scale phenotyping and genotyping in hybrids of these species. Simulation and inoculation experiments suggest that significant resistance gains are possible through selectively breeding trees with an average of 70 to 85% American chestnut ancestry. The resources developed in this work are foundational for breeding to create diverse restoration populations with sufficient disease resistance and competitive growth.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw3225
Restrepo Sierra, A.M., Ramirez Gomez, F., van Tongeren, M. et al. (2026): A synthetic cell with integrated DNA self-replication
and lipid biosynthesis. Nat Commun | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69531-9
The emergence, organization, and persistence of cellular life are the result of the functional integration of metabolic and genetic networks. Here, we engineer phospholipid vesicles that can operate three essential functions, namely transcription-translation of a partial genome, self-replication of this DNA program, and membrane synthesis. The synthetic genome encodes six proteins, and its compartmentalized expression produces active liposomes with distinct phenotypes demonstrating successful module integration. Our results reveal that genetic factors exert a stronger control over DNA replication and membrane synthesis than metabolic crosstalk or module co-activity. By showing how genetically encoded functions derived from different species can be integrated in liposome compartments, our work opens avenues for the construction of autonomous and evolving synthetic cells.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69531-9
EFSA
GMO Panel (2025): Assessment of genetically modified maize DP202216 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 (application GMFF-2022-6232).
EFSA Journal, 23(12), e9746. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9746
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9746
Reminder!
GMO Panel (2021) Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of existing guidelines for their adequacy for the molecular characterisation
and environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants obtained through synthetic biology. EFSA Journal 19(2):6301, 21 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6301
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6301