Publications – Publikationen

Bantele S., Mordini I., Biran A., Alcaraz N. et al. (2026): Repair of DNA double-strand breaks leaves heritable impairment to

genome function. Science 390 (6773) | DOI: 10.1126/science.adk6662

INTRODUCTION: Eukaryotic genomes are subjected to hierarchical folding that is required to accommodate DNA wrapped around the histone scaffold (collectively called chromatin) within the three-dimensional (3D) nuclear space. Evolution harnessed the 3D arrangement of nuclear chromatin to facilitate interactions among genomic segments such as promoters and enhancers, whose proximity influences gene expression and who thus have an important role in cell fate decisions such as orderly execution of developmental programs, adaptation to a new environment, or transmission of cell identity across successive generations of dividing cells. Although beneficial in these and other physiological contexts, the 3D arrangement of the nuclear genome also enables a distinct vulnerability to environmental or metabolic assaults that can modify chromatin folding and thus derail cellular functions.

RATIONALE: A prominent example of such stress assaults is the DNA double-strand break (DSB). Besides disrupting DNA integrity, DSBs are intrinsically coupled to massive chromatin alterations that include changes in 3D arrangement and gene silencing across megabase distances from the primary DNA lesions. Although the DSB-induced chromatin response is initially beneficial to attract genome caretakers and generate structural scaffolds for timely and efficient DNA repair, its fate after restoring the integrity of DNA sequence is unknown. This seems to be a formidable gap in understanding genome maintenance that poses important questions: Do cells restore DSB-induced chromatin folding and the associated gene expression after completion of DNA repair? If yes, is the restoration of postrepair chromatin complete and back to the predamage level? If not, do the lingering chromatin alterations cause physiological impairments that can be inherited by successive cell generations?

RESULTS: To answer these questions, we directed Cas9-induced DSBs to genomic loci harboring topologically sensitive protein-coding genes, as well as regulatory RNA species, to interrogate long-term consequences of DNA breakage on chromatin topology and gene activity. By combining quantitative imaging of large cell populations, DNA and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Region Capture Micro-C as readouts, we found that DSB-induced chromatin alterations do not recover to predamage level but persist as lasting changes in 3D arrangement and impaired gene expression throughout large chromatin neighborhoods that encounter, and subsequently repair, a single DSB. We show that such impairments persist through several rounds of successive cell divisions and can trigger concrete pathophysiological consequences—manifested, for instance, by reduced responsiveness of the c-MYC gene to upstream signaling even if the primary DSB was generated (and subsequently repaired) in the c-MYC neighborhood but outside its coding region.

CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that DNA breakage leaves long-term marks in postrepair genomic loci, which disrupts 3D arrangement of large chromatin neighborhoods, persists through several rounds of successive cell divisions, and primes for heritable alterations in gene expression even if the primary DNA lesions are fully repaired. We term this phenomenon as chromatin fatigue and propose that it represents a hitherto unknown dimension of heritable responses to DNA breakage, with a potential to permanently alter physiology of cells that encounter DSBs through environmental or metabolic stress—but also lineages engineered for various experimental or therapeutic purposes by nuclease-based genome editing.

https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.adk6662

Grantina-Ievina L. and Rostoks L. (2026): Gene Flow and Hybridization Potential Between GM/NGT Crops and Conventional

Varieties or Wild Relatives: A Scoping Literature Review with Emphasis on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) and Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) BioTech 2026, 15 (2), 30 | https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech15020030

Genetically modified (GM) plants have been commercially grown for 30 years, and their acceptance depends on a thorough risk assessment. Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) evaluates potential impacts of releasing GM plants into the environment, whether through cultivation or import for food, feed, and processing. A key component is assessing potential gene flow to crop wild relatives or non-GM crops. For gene flow to significantly affect the environment, transferred genes must provide a selective advantage. Since most GM plants are engineered for herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, or stacked traits, evaluating such advantages is relatively straightforward. New genomic techniques (NGTs) can generate plants with a wider range of traits, including tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. Although still considered GM in the EU, their genomic changes can complicate detection, identification, and ERA, especially when such traits may offer advantages under stress conditions. This scoping review focuses on gene flow in two crops: oilseed rape (canola) (Brassica napus L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In canola, transgene movement can increase weediness, fitness, herbicide resistance, or genetic diversity in feral or related populations. Gene flow in potato is less studied, with concerns centered on contamination risks in the Andean diversity center. Limited data exist for NGT plants, though many are expected to resemble conventionally bred varieties, suggesting comparable environmental impacts

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6284/15/2/30

Kaur N.,Raffan S. Clark .J., Musa S., Scherf K., Elmore J.S., Curtis T.Y., HonanE., Halfordet N,G. (20236):, Field Trials and Baking

Studies of Ultra‐Low Asparagine, Genome Edited (CRISPR/Cas9) and Mutant (TILLING) Wheat, Plant Biotechnology Journal (2026). DOI: 10.1111/pbi.70661

Field trials were conducted of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. Cadenza in which asparagine synthetase gene, TaASN2, had been knocked out, either on its own or together with a partial knockout of the related gene, TaASN1, using CRISPR/Cas9. Chemical mutagenesis (TILLING) TaASN2 nulls in the Claire background were also included. The main aim was to assess the free asparagine content of the grain and the conversion of free asparagine to acrylamide, a toxic contaminant, in bread, toast and biscuits. Over 2 years of trials combined, the TaASN2 and TaASN1/2 CRISPR knockouts resulted in a reduction of free asparagine in the grain of 59% and 93%, respectively, compared with Cadenza. The reduction in the TaASN2 total knockout TILLING line compared with Claire was 50%. Yield was not affected in the edited lines but was reduced in the TILLING lines. Acrylamide in bread made from a TaASN1/2 CRISPR line was below detection levels, while in a TaASN2 CRISPR line it was 14% of the Cadenza control. Even after 4 min of toasting, acrylamide levels remained at 8% and 23%, respectively, of the control. The concentration in bread made from the TILLING TaASN2 knockout was 21% that for the Claire control, rising to 46% after 4 min of toasting. Acrylamide in biscuits made from a TaASN1/2 CRISPR line was reduced by 93% compared with the control. The relationship between acrylamide and colour was altered in the edited and mutant lines compared with the controls, with less acrylamide forming for the same degree of colour.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.70661

Mawson, S.J., Dunne-Dombrink, K.A., Pollak, B.R. et al. (2026): Precision genome editing with DNA base editors. Nat Rev

Methods Primers 6, 23 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-026-00478-3

Base editing is a precision genome-editing methodology that enables the programmable installation of point mutations with high efficiency. Two major classes of base editors have been developed: cytosine base editors introducing C·G-to-T·A edits, and adenine base editors introducing A·T-to-G·C edits. Since their introduction, base editor use has expanded substantially, and base editors have been applied in many biological and biomedical applications. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the use of base editors in mammalian cells for high-throughput base-editing screens, disease modelling and therapeutic applications. We cover important considerations in experimental design of base-editing experiments, data analysis and interpretation, and best practices for reporting results. We also discuss potential challenges related to reproducibility and limitations, and outline options for optimization and troubleshooting. Our goal is to aid both new and experienced researchers in effectively implementing base editing in their own work.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-026-00478-3

Tiozon, R., Zhan, J., De Guzman, C.D. et al. (2026): Cereal protein biofortification at the interface of nutrition, yield and

sustainability. Nat. Plants | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-026-02252-5

Protein malnutrition remains a major global health challenge, particularly in regions where cereal grains dominate daily diets and access to diverse protein sources is limited. Cereals such as rice, wheat and maize provide most of the world’s calories, yet their grain proteins are often low in essential amino acids and poorly balanced for human nutrition. Improving both the quantity and quality of cereal protein therefore represents a critical opportunity to enhance human health while reducing reliance on environmentally intensive animal-based foods. In this Review, we synthesize recent advances in understanding how grain protein content and composition are regulated in cereals, and why protein enhancement has historically been constrained by trade-offs with starch accumulation and yield. We discuss how domestication and modern breeding reshaped carbon and nitrogen allocation in cereal grains, creating a starch-dominant optimum that limits protein concentration. Drawing on genetic studies from rice, maize and wheat, we highlight emerging strategies that improve nitrogen acquisition, amino acid transport, storage protein composition and endosperm buffering capacity, enabling partial decoupling of protein accumulation from yield penalties. Finally, we place cereal protein biofortification within a broader nutritional and environmental context. Enhancing protein density and amino acid balance in staple cereals can improve dietary adequacy for vulnerable populations while lowering greenhouse gas emissions per unit of nutrition. Together, these insights position cereal protein biofortification as a scalable and equitable pathway towards healthier diets and more sustainable food systems under global climate and population pressures.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-026-02252-5

Zhu X, Yao Y., Zhu X., Liyin Wang L. et al. (2026): Pathogen-inducible gene LRD6-6^E315Q breaks the trade-off between

disease resistance and yield in rice. The Crop Journal | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2026.02.016

Although some lesion mimic mutants (LMMs) confer broad-spectrum disease resistance, their constitutive autoimmunity often penalizes plant growth and yield, limiting their application in crop breeding. Here, we report a novel strategy to overcome this trade-off in rice (Oryza sativa) by introducing a pathogen-inducible LMM gene variant, LRD6-6^E315Q. We first found that constitutive expression of LRD6-6^E315Q, a dominant-negative (DN) variant of the AAA-type ATPase gene LRD6-6, enhanced broad-spectrum resistance but inhibited plant growth, resembling the phenotype of the lrd6-6 mutant. To resolve this trade-off between disease resistance and growth, we screened a rice transcriptome and identified a rare inducible promoter, MIG6P that was specifically activated during early pathogen attack but maintained low activity under normal conditions, and was not inducible by abiotic stresses. We constructed a MIG6P:LRD6-6^E315Q cassette, introduced it into rice cultivar TP309, and developed rice lines with enhanced resistance to multiple diseases, including bacterial blight and fungal diseases rice blast and sheath blight without affecting growth or yield. Since promoters analogous to MIG6P and protein homologs of AAA-type ATPase LRD6-6 carrying potential DN effects occur in diverse plant species, this strategy may be widely applicable to improve disease resistance in other crop species.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214514126000723?via%3Dihub

Kobayashi M., Renhu N.,Takahashi S., Choi S., Watanabe H., Bianca M. (2026) Development of in planta genome editing by

transient expression of genome-editing tools in tomato. Front. Genome Ed., Sec. Genome Editing in Plants Volume 8 - 2026 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fgeed.2026.1777148

Two major processes are important for genome editing in plants: transformation by stable transfection, in which nucleic acids encoding genome-editing enzymes are introduced into plant cells and the regeneration of plant individuals from cells harboring mutations by genome-editing enzymes. The efficiency of transformation and regeneration by tissue culture varies across plant species, and is low in some practical crop species. In planta methods have been developed to exclude the need for tissue culture. However, few reports are available on methods that do not require stable transfection. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new protocol for delivery genome editing tools that does not require transformation or tissue culture, by combining the in planta method with transient genome editing tools instead of stable transfection. Cas9, guide RNAs, and developmental regulators, which are factors involved in mitotic tissue induction, were transiently expressed by agroinfiltration of the stem tissue cut surfaces of tomatoes. New chimeric mutants, containing a mixture of cells with mutations introduced at or near the target sequence, were obtained. After examining conditions such as the concentration of Agrobacterium used for infection and post-infection treatment, we succeeded in obtaining chimeric mutants with an efficiency of 11.7%. In addition, most of the observed mutations were single base substitutions. These results indicate that the in planta method with transient expression of genome editing tools and induction of meristematic tissue can be used to introduce genome-edited mutations in tomatoes.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genome-editing/articles/10.3389/fgeed.2026.1777148/full?utm_source=F-NTF&utm_medium=EMLX&utm_campaign=PRD_FEOPS_20170000_ARTICLE

Mawson, S.J., Dunne-Dombrink, K.A., Pollak, B.R. et al. (2026): Precision genome editing with DNA base editors. Nat Rev

Methods Primers 6, 23 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-026-00478-3

Base editing is a precision genome-editing methodology that enables the programmable installation of point mutations with high efficiency. Two major classes of base editors have been developed: cytosine base editors introducing C·G-to-T·A edits, and adenine base editors introducing A·T-to-G·C edits. Since their introduction, base editor use has expanded substantially, and base editors have been applied in many biological and biomedical applications. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the use of base editors in mammalian cells for high-throughput base-editing screens, disease modelling and therapeutic applications. We cover important considerations in experimental design of base-editing experiments, data analysis and interpretation, and best practices for reporting results. We also discuss potential challenges related to reproducibility and limitations, and outline options for optimization and troubleshooting. Our goal is to aid both new and experienced researchers in effectively implementing base editing in their own work.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-026-00478-3

Berman P., Höfer J., Mehlman H., Siegl E.A. et al. (2026): Complete biosynthesis of psychedelic tryptamines from three

kingdoms in plants. Science Advances 12, Issue 14 | DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb3034

For thousands of years, psychedelic substances have been used by indigenous cultures as entheogens in rituals intended to induce altered states of consciousness for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms were central to ancient Aztec ceremonies (1), while N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the primary psychoactive component of ayahuasca, has long been used in traditional Amazonian rituals. This ceremonial brew combines Psychotria viridis (a natural source of DMT) with Banisteriopsis caapi, which provides β-carboline monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors that render DMT orally active (1, 2). Similarly, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), found in the secretion of the Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) and in several plant species, is thought to have been used ceremonially by indigenous groups in northern Mexico (3). 5-MeO-DMT has been described as the most potent DMT analog, being about 4- to 10-fold more potent than DMT in humans and is known to induce psychedelic experiences that are distinct from those of DMT (4). Knowledge of the traditional use of these molecules has fueled contemporary therapeutic interest in psychedelics as treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb3034

Kim S. Park K.-H., Park .-J., Park Y.-G., Moon S.H. (2026): Cultivated Meat and the Future of Food Systems: Promise, Progress,

and Challenges. Food Science & Nutrition | https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71725

Cultivated meat represents a substitute for traditional livestock farming through the external cultivation of animal cells. The technology is still in its infancy and requires continued research and development to achieve commercial viability. This analysis offers an overview of cultivated meat's current standing by examining its nutritional value and safety and comparing it with traditional meat options. The study examines both commercial viability and regulatory hurdles for market entry as well as consumer acceptance and psychological obstacles to adoption. The discussion encompasses food safety concerns, production costs, market opportunities, global regulatory approaches, and industry-leading company trends in the cultivated meat field. The analysis presents key technological challenges and solutions while examining changes in consumer mindsets, besides sustainability and ethical issues, which remain crucial yet evolving aspects of cultivated meat development. The expanding global population has led to cultivated meat being recognized as a vital sustainable solution for future food security.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.71725

EFSA

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme pectin lyase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain

LC-07. EFSA Journal, 24(4), e10020. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10020

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10020

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme AMP deaminase from the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain

CCTCC M 2023264. EFSA Journal, 24 (4), e10029. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10029

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10029

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme subtilisin from the genetically modified Bacillus

licheniformis strain NZYM-CB. EFSA Journal, 24 (4), e10026. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10026

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10026

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme containing cellulase and endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase activities from the non-

genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain 480KY. EFSA Journal, 24 (4), e10022. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10022

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10022

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of an extension of use of a food enzyme containing bacillolysin and subtilisin activities from the

non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AR-383. EFSA Journal, 24(4), e10024. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10024

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10024

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-maltotetraohydrolase from the genetically modified Bacillus

licheniformis strain DP-Dzf95. EFSA Journal, 24(4), e10027. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10027

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10027

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei

strain DP-Nzh109. EFSA Journal, 24(4), e10017. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10017

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10017

FEZ Panel ((2026): Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified

Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-AL. EFSA Journal, 24(4), e10023. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10023

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10023

FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme pectinesterase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis

strain CBS 148463. EFSA Journal, 24(3), e10014. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10014

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10014

FEZ Panel (2026). Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-maltohydrolase from a genetically

modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-SD. EFSA Journal, 24(3), e10028. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10028

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10028

FEZ Panel (2026). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-1,4-β-xylanase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain

Dp-Nzd66. EFSA Journal, 24(3), e10018. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10018

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10018