Lessons learned from the introduction of genetically engineered crops: relevance to gene drive deployment in Africa

Impacts of AlaAT3 transgenic poplar on rhizosphere soil chemical properties, enzyme activity, bacterial community, and metabolites under two nitrogen conditions

Poplar stands as one of the primary afforestation trees globally. We successfully generated transgenic poplar trees characterized by enhanced biomass under identical nutrient conditions, through the overexpression of the pivotal nitrogen assimilation gene, pxAlaAT3. An environmental risk assessment was conducted for investigate the potential changes in rhizosphere soil associated with these overexpressing lines (OL). The results show that acid phosphatase activity was significantly altered under ammonium in OL compared to the wild-type control (WT), and a similar difference was observed for protease under nitrate. 16SrDNA sequencing indicated no significant divergence in rhizosphere soil microbial community diversity between WT and OL. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the OL caused minimal alterations in the metabolites of the rhizosphere soil, posing no potential harm to the environment. With these findings in mind, we anticipate that overexpressed plants will not adversely impact the surrounding soil environment.

Navigating biosafety regulatory frameworks for genetic engineering in Africa: a focus on genome editing and gene drive technologies

Genome editing and gene drive technologies are increasingly gaining attraction in Africa, with researchers exploring their potential applications in agriculture, health and the environment. Acknowledging that robust regulatory frameworks are crucial in facilitating the development and utilization of these technologies, informed decision-making is, however, being impeded by the fragmented information availability and readiness of regulatory authorities on the continent.

Objectives

This study investigates the regulatory frameworks governing genome editing and gene drive technologies in African countries, identifies common regulatory challenges and proposes actionable solutions.

Methods

Primary data were collected through questionnaires and complemented by analysing existing biosafety regulations from online databases and scientific literature.

Results

Our findings suggest that while a few African countries have recently updated their regulatory frameworks, many are still under discussion. Challenges to development and implementation include limited resources, expertise, awareness, and public resistance.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the urgent need for further development in regulatory capacities. By shedding light on these challenges, our study could provide African regulators with valuable insights to guide the formulation of effective regulatory frameworks. Such frameworks are essential for harnessing the potential of genome editing and gene drive technologies while safeguarding human health and the environment in Africa.

Processes for regulating genetically modified and gene edited plants

Innovation in agriculture has been essential in improving productivity of crops and forages to support a growing population, improving living standards while contributing toward maintaining environment integrity, human health, and wellbeing through provision of more nutritious, varied, and abundant food sources. A crucial part of that innovation has involved a range of techniques for both expanding and exploiting the genetic potential of plants. However, some techniques used for generating new variation for plant breeders to exploit are deemed higher risk than others despite end products of both processes at times being for all intents and purposes identical for the benefits they provide. As a result, public concerns often triggered by poor communication from innovators, resulting in mistrust and suspicion has, in turn, caused the development of a range of regulatory systems. The logic and motivations for modes of regulation used are reviewed and how the benefits from use of these technologies can be delivered more efficiently and effectively is discussed.

Regulatory and policy considerations for the implementation of gene drive-modified mosquitoes to prevent malaria transmission

Gene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) are being developed as possible new tools to prevent transmission of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. To date no GDMMs have yet undergone field testing. This early stage is an opportune time for developers, supporters, and possible users to begin to consider the potential regulatory requirements for eventual implementation of these technologies in national or regional public health programs, especially as some of the practical implications of these requirements may take considerable planning, time and coordination to address. Several currently unresolved regulatory questions pertinent to the implementation of GDMMs are examined, including: how the product will be defined; what the registration/approval process will be for placing new GDMM products on the market; how the potential for transboundary movement of GDMMs can be addressed; and what role might be played by existing multinational bodies and agreements in authorization decisions. Regulation and policies applied for registration of other genetically modified organisms or other living mosquito products are assessed for relevance to the use case of GDMMs to prevent malaria in Africa. Multiple national authorities are likely to be involved in decision-making, according to existing laws in place within each country for certain product classes. Requirements under the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity will be considered relevant in most countries, as may existing regulatory frameworks for conventional pesticide, medical, and biocontrol products. Experience suggests that standard regulatory processes, evidence requirements, and liability laws differ from country to country. Regional mechanisms will be useful to address some of the important challenges.

The impact of genetic modified Ma bamboo on soil microbiome

Evaluating the potential alteration of microbial communities is a vital step for biosafety of genetic modified plants. Recently, we have produced genetic modified Ma bamboo with increased cold and drought tolerance by anthocyanin accumulation. In this work, we aim to study the potential effects on microbial communities in rhizosphere soils during the cultivation of genetic modified bamboo. Rhizosphere and surrounding soil were collected at 3-month post-transplant. The amplicon (16S rDNA and ITS1) were sequenced for analysis of bacterial and fungal communities. Multiple software and database (Picrust2, FAPROTAX and FUNGulid) were applied to predict and compare the microbial functions involving basic metabolisms, nitrogen usage and presence of plant pathogens. There were no substantial change of the structure and abundance of rhizosphere soil microbial communities between genetic modified and wild type bamboo. For the surrounding soil, the bacterial biota α-diversity increased (chao1: 1,001 ± 80-1,276 ± 84, observed species: 787 ± 52-1,194 ± 137, PD whole tree: 75 ± 4-117 ± 18) and fungal biota α-diversity decreased (chao1: 187 ± 18-145 ± 10) in samples of genetic modified bamboo compared to those of wild type bamboo. The microbiota predicted functions did not change or had no negative alteration between genetic modified and wild type bamboo, in both rhizosphere and surrounding soils. As a conclusion, the growth of genetic modified bamboo had no substantial change on rhizosphere soil microbial communities, while minor alteration on bamboo surrounding soil microbial communities with no harmful effects. Moreover, the genetic modified bamboo had no negative effect on the predicted functions of microbiota in soil.