GM insect pests under the Brazilian regulatory framework: development and perspectives

Updates on the Regulatory Framework of Edited Organisms in Brazil: A Molecular Revolution in Brazilian Agribusiness

Genome editing technologies have revolutionized the production of microorganisms, plants, and animals with phenotypes of interest to agriculture. Editing previously sequenced genomes allows for the punctual, discreet, precise, and accurate alteration of DNA for genetic analysis, genotyping, and phenotyping, as well as the production of edited organisms for academic and industrial purposes, among many other objectives. In this context, genome editing technologies have been causing a revolution in Brazilian agriculture. Thanks to the publication of Normative Resolution No. 16 (in Portuguese Resolução Normativa No. 16-RN16) in 2018, Brazilian regulatory authorities have adapted to the new genetic manipulation technologies available to the scientific community. This review aims to describe the effects of updates to the regulatory framework for edited organisms in Brazil and to point out their impacts on research and development of emerging technologies in the Brazilian agricultural sector. The implementation of RN16 rationalized the regulatory aspects regarding the production, manipulation, exploration and commercial release of edited organisms and led to the faster, cheaper and safer obtaining of edited technologies, which are more productive and better adapted to different environmental conditions in Brazil.

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.

Genetic Engineering and Editing of Plants: An Analysis of New and Persisting Questions

Genetic engineering is a molecular biology technique that enables a gene or genes to be inserted into a plant's genome. The first genetically engineered plants were grown commercially in 1996, and the most common genetically engineered traits are herbicide and insect resistance. Questions and concerns have been raised about the effects of these traits on the environment and human health, many of which are addressed in a pair of 2008 and 2009 Annual Review of Plant Biology articles. As new science is published and new techniques like genome editing emerge, reanalysis of some of these issues, and a look at emerging issues, is warranted. Herein, an analysis of relevant scientific literature is used to present a scientific perspective on selected topics related to genetic engineering and genome editing.

An Introduction to the Proceedings of the Environmental Release of Engineered Pests: Building an International Governance Framework

In October 2016, a two-day meeting of 65 academic, government and industry professionals was held at North Carolina State University for early-stage discussions about the international governance of gene drives: potentially powerful new technologies that can be used for the control of pests, invasive species and disease vectors. Presenters at the meeting prepared seven manuscripts elaborating on the ideas raised. This BMC Proceedings issue presents the collection of these peer-reviewed manuscripts.