Transgenic Technology Research Articles

Defense Strategies of Rice in Response to the Attack of the Herbivorous Insect, Chilo suppressalis.

Chilo suppressalis is a notorious pest that attacks rice, feeding throughout the entire growth period of rice and posing a serious threat to rice production worldwide. Due to the boring behavior and overlapping generations of C. suppressalis, the pest is difficult to control. Moreover, no rice variety with high resistance to the striped stem borer (SSB) has been found in the available rice germplasm, which also poses a challenge to controlling the SSB. At present, chemical control is widely used in agricultural production to manage the problem, but its effect is limited and it also pollutes the environment. Therefore, developing genetic resistance is the only way to avoid the use of chemical insecticides. This article primarily focuses on the research status of the induced defense of rice against the SSB from the perspective of immunity, in which plant hormones (such as jasmonic acid and ethylene) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play an important role in the immune response of rice to the SSB. The article also reviews progress in using transgenic technology to study the relationship between rice and the SSB as well as exploring the resistance genes. Lastly, the article discusses prospects for future research on rice's resistance to the SSB.

Techniques for Identifying and Sorting Transgenic Mosquito Larvae.

Transgenic mosquitoes are used in many aspects of mosquito research. First, they can help answer biological questions to advance scientific knowledge-for example, in the fields of mosquito-pathogen interactions, insect immunity, or olfaction. Second, transgenic technologies may be used to develop much needed novel vector control strategies, such as mosquitoes that are unable to transmit disease or transgenes that sterilize mosquito females to suppress vector populations. Here, we introduce how researchers use various selection markers to screen for transgenic mosquito larvae following a transgenesis experiment. Common procedures include using a binocular fluorescence microscope for initial screening. For higher-throughput screening, a flow cytometer known as Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter (COPAS) can be used to stabilize transgenic lines through the purification of homozygous individuals or to manage transgene frequency in established transgenic lines. In particular, COPAS sorting allows the production of mosquito larval cultures composed of a mixture of genotypes (control and genetically modified larvae) with the goal of raising both groups of mosquitoes under the same environmental conditions in preparation for a controlled phenotype assessment. It can also be used to produce large populations of male mosquitoes, which should facilitate the development of mosquito control intervention strategies similar to the sterile insect technique (SIT), which aims to release large numbers of sterile males that will mate with and sterilize wild females to suppress mosquito populations. Finally, the utilization of a puromycin resistance marker cassette to screen for transgenic Anopheles larvae is also introduced.

Agricultural-based challenges, genetic enhancement, and obstacles to an industrially important medicinal plant, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal): A review

In the pharmaceutical enterprise, traditional/herbal remedies and commercial drug sources Withania somnifera and Withania coagulans received excellent scores. Numerous studies have been conducted on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. However, the toxicity of plant components extracted using different solvent systems is yet to be ascertained. It is important to find out and isolate active ingredients. Advanced analytical and separation chemistry studies will reveal data on the toxicity, isolation of novel compounds, chemotypic diversity, and ethnobotany of the Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Modern tools of speed breeding can be applied, and micropropagation technology can be developed and used to ensure the supply of superior germplasm/improved varieties with genetic fidelity for farming. Genomics-assisted breeding, transgenic technologies, and gene-, genome-, and epigenome editing approaches may be considered new potential tools for metabolic engineering beneficial compounds from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

Chemical Epigenetic Regulation of Adeno-Associated Virus Delivered Transgenes.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a powerful gene therapy vector that has been used in several FDA-approved therapies as well as in multiple clinical trials. This vector has high therapeutic versatility with the ability to deliver genetic payloads to a variety of human tissue types, yet there is currently a lack of transgene expression control once the virus is administered. There are also times when transgene expression is too low for the desired therapeutic outcome, necessitating high viral dose administration resulting in possible immunological complications. Herein, we validate a chemically controllable AAV transgene expression technology in vitro that utilizes bifunctional molecules known as chemical epigenetic modifiers (CEMs). These compounds employ endogenous epigenetic machinery to specifically enhance transgene expression of episomal DNA. A recombinant AAV (rAAV) was designed to both deliver the reporter transgene as well as deliver a synthetic zinc finger (ZFs) protein fused to FK506 binding protein (FKBP). These synthetic ZFs target a DNA-binding array sequence upstream of the promoter expressing the AAV transgene to specifically enhance AAV transgene expression in the presence of a CEM. The transcriptional activating compound CEM87 functions by recruiting the epigenetic transcription activator bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), increasing AAV transgene activity up to fivefold in a dose-dependent manner in HEK293T cells. The highest levels of transgene product activity are seen 24 h following CEM87 treatment. Additionally, the CEM87-mediated enhancement of different transgene products with either Luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP) was observed in multiple cell lines and enhancement of transgene expression was capsid serotype independent. The impact of CEM87 activity can be disrupted through drug removal or chemical recruitment site competition with FK506, thus demonstrating the reversibility of the impact of CEM87 on transgene expression. Collectively, this chemically controllable rAAV transgene technology provides temporal gene expression control that could increase the safety and efficiency of AAV-based research and therapies.

A novel strategy for improving the activation efficiency of bio-derived porous carbon using transgenic technology for supercapacitors

The research innovatively applies “transgenic technology” to the field of bio-derived carbon materials for improving the activation efficiency. Typically, tomato is selected as a representative organism, the microscopic cell structure of tomato stems are adjusted through the expression regulation of SlHDA3 (Solanum lycopersicum Histone Deacetylases 3) gene, and the stems are further pre-carbonized (SlHDA3C) and activated with KOH to obtain porous carbon (SlHDA3KC). Optical and electron microscopic characterization demonstrate that the SlHDA3 gene successfully regulate the microscopic cell structure of tomato plant stems. The specific surface area and pore size distribution test of materials at various preparation stages further demonstrate that the SlHDA3C has higher activation efficiency with KOH compared with WTC (the pre-carbonized state of wild type tomato plant stem). The SlHDA3KC exhibits an outstanding capacitive performance of 201.6F g−1 at 1 A/g and the assembled symmetrical supercapacitor achieves a high energy density of 11 Wh kg−1 at 249 W kg−1. The study provides a new research perspective for improving the activation efficiency of bio-derived porous carbon.

Co-expression of multi-gene in cotton promotes the aggregation of multi-resistance and yield traits

Given the diminishing availability of cultivable lands and environmental degration, it has become imperative to develop cotton varieties that possess resistance against diverse abiotic and biotic stresses, and improved yields. However, conventional breeding techniques such as crossbreeding has proven to be inefficient and time-consuming for generating novel varieties. Transgenic breeding technology offers advantages such as shortened breeding cycle, overcoming reproductive isolation, and precise integration of single or multiple genes into host plants. In this study, we incorporated six genes including the apoptosis inhibitors p35 and IAP, high yield related gene Bn-cs RRM2, drought resistance gene HDG11, glyphosate resistance gene EPSPS, and insect resistance gene Cry1AC into the pBI121 vector, which was then transformed into cotton plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The overexpression of these genes significantly enhanced plant tolerance to Verticillium wilt, drought, glyphosate, and cotton bollworm, along with high yields in field conditions. Our results suggested that the integration of multiple genes in cotton is a potential strategy for breeding cotton varieties with broad resistance traits.

In vitro somatic embryogenis and plant regeneration from cell suspension culture of endangered plant ‘Virali’ Dodonaea viscosa

An effective protocol was developed for in vitro propagation of ‘Virali’ via somatic embryogenesis in cell suspension culture. Embryogenic callus was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium by a relatively moderate concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (4 mg/L), high concentrations of proline and glutamine (both 300 mg/L) and coconut water to develop induction of calli from explant. A suspension culture of the callus-derived embryogenic cells in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium (pH 5.3) with 2 mg/L 2,4-D, 1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1 mg/L NAA, 45 g/L sucrose, and 20 g/L maltose resulted in synchronously proliferating cells with the capacity to be induced into somatic embryos on an 8g/L agarose, 20 g/L maltose, 10 g/L dextrose, 40 g/L sucrose, 1 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 0.2 mg/L. On an 8 g/L agarose-solidified MS basal medium (pH 5.7) with 1 mg/L NAA, 100 ml/L coconut water, 30 g/L sucrose, 30 g/L maltose, and 100 mg/L glutamine, the young somatic embryos differentiated into regenerable mature somatic embryos. In a 2.5 g/L gelrite solidified MS-based medium with 2.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3), 100 mg/L L-glutamine, 30 g/L sucrose, and 2.5 mg thidiazuron, the mature somatic embryos regenerated into plantlets (TDZ). For the formation of plantlets with a height of 10 to 12 cm that could endure the hardening process, it took a total of 6 months from the explant stage. The plantlets’ regular morphology suggests that there was no somaclonal variation in their development. The current regeneration approach for “Virali” has a significant deal of potential for micro propagating endangered germplasm and improving it through transgenic technology.

Biosynthesis and function of VIP and oxytocin: mechanisms of C-terminal amidation, oxytocin secretion and transport.

In this review, we provide the current status of research on vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and oxytocin, typical C-terminal α-amidated peptide hormones, including their precursor protein structures, processing and C-terminal α-amidation, and the recently identified mechanisms of regulation of oxytocin secretion and its transportation through the blood brain barrier. More than half of neural and endocrine peptides, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and oxytocin, have the α-amide structure at their C-terminus, which is generally essential for biological activities. We have studied the synthesis and function of C-terminal α-amidated peptides, including VIP and oxytocin, since the 1980s. Human VIP mRNA encoded not only VIP but also another related C-terminal α-amidated peptide, PHM-27 (peptide having amino-terminal histidine, carboxy-terminal methionine amide and 27 amino acid residues). The human VIP/PHM-27 gene was composed of seven exons and regulated synergistically by cyclic AMP and protein kinase C pathways. VIP has an essential role in glycemic control using transgenic mouse technology. The peptide C-terminal α-amidation proceeded through a two-step mechanism catalyzed by two different enzymes encoded in a single mRNA. In the oxytocin secretion from the hypothalamus/the posterior pituitary, the CD38-cyclic ADP-ribose signal system, that was first established in the insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells of the islets of Langerhans, was found to be essential. A possible mechanism involving receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) of the oxytocin transportation from the blood stream into the brain through the blood-brain barrier has also been suggested.

Survival and Immune Responses of F1 Transgenic Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon Against White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

Transgenic technology has been applied to tiger shrimp Peneus monodon to produce a resistant strain to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) by antiviral gene overexpression. The founders (F0) transgenic tiger shrimp have been successfully bred to produce the first generation (F1). The present study aimed to evaluate the survival and immune responses of F1 transgenic tiger shrimp against WSSV. The F1 transgenic and non-transgenic shrimp (control) with an average weight of 7.93±1.49 g were collected from the controlled brackish water ponds and stocked in a 20 L fiberglass tank with a density of 5 shrimp/tank. The transgenic shrimps were confirmed by a PCR assay. The shrimp were intramuscularly injected with WSSV to evaluate the performance between transgenic and non-transgenic. The survival (SR) was observed daily after the challenge test. Measurement of immune responses, namely total haemocyte count (THC), differential haemocyte count (DHC), prophenoloxidase (proPO) activity, and RNA content in haemolymph was conducted on before challenge, and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days after challenge. The survival and immune responses were statistically analysed by the t-student test. The results showed that the SR of transgenic (52.0%), with a relative percentage survival of 47.82%, was greater (P<0.05) than the control shrimp (8.0%). The THC, proPO, and RNA content of the transgenic shrimp was higher (P<0.05) than the non-transgenic shrimp. The results suggested that the transgenic tiger shrimp, due to antiviral gene overexpression, increased the resistance against WSSV.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of CjACOS5 confers no-pollen formation on sugi trees (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don)

Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) is an economically important coniferous tree in Japan. However, abundant sugi pollen grains are dispersed and transported by the wind each spring and cause a severe pollen allergy syndrome (Japanese cedar pollinosis). The use of pollen-free sugi that cannot produce pollen has been thought as a countermeasure to Japanese cedar pollinosis. The sugi CjACOS5 gene is an ortholog of Arabidopsis ACOS5 and rice OsACOS12, which encode an acyl-CoA synthetase that is involved in the synthesis of sporopollenin in pollen walls. To generate pollen-free sugi, we mutated CjACOS5 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. As a result of sugi transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring the CjACOS5-targeted CRISPR/Cas9 vector, 1 bp-deleted homo biallelic mutant lines were obtained. Chimeric mutant lines harboring both mutant and wild-type CjACOS5 genes were also generated. The homo biallelic mutant lines had no-pollen in male strobili, whereas chimeric mutant lines had male strobili with or without pollen grains. Our results suggest that CjACOS5 is essential for the production of pollen in sugi and that its disruption is useful for the generation of pollen-free sugi. In addition to conventional transgenic technology, genome editing technology, including CRISPR/Cas9, can confer new traits on sugi.

Root predominant overexpression of iaaM and CKX genes promotes root initiation and biomass production in citrus

Promoting initiation and biomass production of roots is significant for plant-based industries including using roots as bioreactors. Two citrus genotypes, Carrizo and US-897, were used as model plants to test the effects of root-predominantly overexpressed the iaaM (indoleacetic acid-tryptophan monooxygenase) gene and a CKX (a cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase) gene. The iaaM transgenic lines exhibited markedly faster root initiation, more root numbers, and higher root biomass compared to their wild-type counterparts. The transgenic iaaM + CKX plants also exhibited similar phenotypes, albeit to a lesser extent than the iaaM plants. Molecular analysis revealed an auxin-responsive CsGH3.1 gene was up-regulated in the iaaM roots and iaaM + CKX roots, and a cytokinin-responsive gene CsARR5 gene was down-regulated in the iaaM + CKX roots. Our results demonstrate that root predominant overexpression of the iaaM or both the iaaM and CKX genes drastically enhances the initiation, growth and biomass production of roots. These results provide additional support that manipulation of auxin and cytokinin levels in roots via transgenic or gene-editing technologies may benefit production of high-value secondary metabolites using roots as bioreactors and also improve rooting of recalcitrant plant species.

Advancements and challenges in bamboo breeding for sustainable development.

Bamboo is a highly renewable biomass resource with outstanding ecological, economic and social benefits. However, its lengthy vegetative growth stage and uncertain flowering period have hindered the application of traditional breeding methods. In recent years, significant progress has been made in bamboo breeding. While technical advances in bamboo breeding have been impressive, it is essential to also consider the broader implications we can learn from bamboo's extraordinary features for sustainable development. This review provides an overview of the current status of bamboo breeding technology, including a detailed history of bamboo breeding divided into four eras, a comprehensive map of bamboo germplasm gardens worldwide, with a focus on China, and a summary of available transgenic technologies for gene function verification and genetic improvement. As the demand for bamboo as a sustainable and renewable resource increases continuously, breeding objectives should be focused on enhancing yield, wood properties and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. In particular, priority should be given to improving fiber length, internode length and wall thickness, as well as regulating lignin and cellulose content for papermaking, substitute for plastic and other applications. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research and development in bamboo breeding, including the application of omics technologies, artificial intelligence and the development of new breeding methods. Finally, by integrating the technical advances in bamboo breeding with a discussion of its broader implications for sustainable development, this review provides a comprehensive framework for the development of bamboo industry.

A review on the identification of transgenic oilseeds and oils.

Transgenic technology can increase the quantity and quality of vegetable oils worldwide. However, people are skeptical about the safety of transgenic oil-bearing crops and the oils they produce. In order to protect consumers' rights and avoid transgenic oils being adulterated or labeled as nontransgenic oils, the transgenic detection technology of oilseeds and oils needs careful consideration. This paper first summarized the current research status of transgenic technologies implemented at oil-bearing crops. Then, an inspection process was proposed to detect a large number of samples to be the subject rapidly, and various inspection strategies for transgenic oilseeds and oils were summarized according to the process sequence. The detection indicators included oil content, fatty acid, triglyceride, tocopherol, and nucleic acid. The detection technologies involved chromatography, spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and polymerase chain reaction. It is hoped that this article can provide crucial technical reference and support for staff engaging in the supervision of transgenic food and for researchers developing fast and efficient monitoring methods in the future.

Recent Advancements in Pathogenic Mechanisms, Applications and Strategies for Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mosquito Biocontrol.

Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical mosquitocides for controlling mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle due to their unique infection pathway through direct contact with the insect's cuticle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the infection pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of EPF against mosquitoes. Various strategies involving the use of EPF alone or combinations with other approaches have been employed to target mosquitoes at various developmental stages. Moreover, the application of genetic technologies in fungi has opened up new avenues for enhancing the mosquitocidal efficacy of EPF. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in our understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of EPF, their applications in mosquito management, and the combination of EPF with other approaches and employment of transgenic technologies. The biosafety concerns associated with their use and the corresponding approaches are also discussed. The recent progress suggests that EPF have the potential to serve as a future biorational tool for controlling mosquito vectors.

OsHIPP17 is involved in regulating the tolerance of rice to copper stress.

Heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs) play vital roles in metal absorption, transport and accumulation in plants. However, so far, only several plant HIPPs have been functionally analyzed. In this study, a novel HIPP member OsHIPP17, which was involved in the tolerance to copper (Cu) was functionally characterized. In this study, qRT-PCR, Yeast transgenic technology, Plant transgenic technology, ICP-MS and so on were used for research. OsHIPP17 protein was targeted to the nucleus. The Cu concentration reached 0.45 mg/g dry weight due to the overexpression of OsHIPP17 in yeast cells. Meanwhile, the overexpression of OsHIPP17 resulted in the compromised growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) under Cu stress. The root length of Oshipp17 mutant lines was also significantly reduced by 16.74- 24.36% under 25 mM Cu stress. The roots of Oshipp17 rice mutant showed increased Cu concentration by 7.25%-23.32%. Meanwhile, knockout of OsHIPP17 decreased the expression levels of OsATX1, OsZIP1, OsCOPT5 or OsHMA5, and increased the expression levels of OsCOPT1 or OsHMA4. Antioxidant enzyme activity was also reduced in rice due to the knockout of OsHIPP17. Moreover, the expression levels of cytokinin-related genes in plants under Cu stress were also affected by overexpression or knockout of OsHIPP17. These results implied that OsHIPP17 might play a role in plant Cu toxic response by affecting the expression of Cu transport genes or cytokinin-related genes. Simultaneously, our work may shed light on the underlying mechanism of how heavy metals affect the plant growth and provide a novel rice genetic source for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil.

Genetically modified agriculture. A bioethical evaluation of a case from Colombian

<p>Transgenic technology promises to eradicate hunger and poverty worldwide, among other sustainable development goals, and as a result, its acceptance is increasing. However, there are perspectives that highlight the challenges raised by such expansion. This paper is a reflection on a study effort on the bioethical consequences of using transgenic technology in agriculture in Colombia. The goal is to prove that this adoption poses a bioethical danger. The paper, on the one hand, addresses the problem that arises from confronting arguments for and against the adoption of this technology, while also noting the absolute importance of the economic aspect in the provision of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the general difficulties of Colombian national regulations regarding GMO control and surveillance. Finally, it discusses the bioethical implications of adoption, beginning with the illusion of a transformational technology and progressing via the political will of the government to its eventual delivery to consumers.</p>

An efficient and safe strategy for germ cell-specific automatic excision of foreign DNA in F1 hybrid transgenic silkworms.

The safety of transgenic technology is a major obstacle in the popularization and use of transgenic silkworms and their products. In sericulture, only the first filial generation (F1 ) hybrid eggs produced by cross-breeding Japanese and Chinese original strains are usually used for the large-scale breeding of silkworms, but this may result in uncontrolled transgene dispersal during the popularization and application of the F1 hybrid transgenic eggs. To address this issue, we developed a safe and efficient strategy using the GAL4/Upstream activating sequence (UAS) system, the FLP/flippase recognition target (FRT) system, and the gonad-specific expression gene promoters (RSHP1p and Nanosp) for the germ cell-specific automatic excision of foreign DNA in the F1 hybrid transgenic silkworms. We established 2 types of activator strains, R1p::GAL4-Gr and Nsp::GAL4-Gr, containing the testis-specific GAL4 gene expression cassettes driven by RSHP1p or Nanosp, respectively, and 1 type of effector strain, UAS::FLP-Rg, containing the UAS-linked FLP gene expression cassette. The FLP recombinase-mediated sperm-specific complete excision of FRT-flanked target DNA in the F1 double-transgenic silkworms resulting from the hybridization of R1p::GAL4-Gr and UAS::FLP-Rg was 100%, whereas the complete excision efficiency resulting from the hybridization of Nsp::GAL4-Gr and UAS::FLP-Rg ranged from 13.73% to 80.3%. Additionally, we identified a gene, sw11114, that is expressed in both testis and ovary of Bombyx mori, and can be used to establish novel gonad-specific expression systems in transgenic silkworms. This strategy has the potential to fundamentally solve the safety issue in the production of F1 transgenic silkworm eggs and provides an important reference for the safety of transgenic technology in other insect species.

TINJAUAN POTENSI DAN RISIKO: ORGANISMA TERUBAHSUAI GENETIK (GMO)

The contagion of covid-19 has affected the socio-economy of the country, indirectly it has changed the economic landscape of the country especially related to agro-food. According to the 2020 Global Risk Report published by the World Economic Forum, it has been reported that a pandemic could trigger a food crisis resulting in a decline in food supply to a critical level. In line with the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) with a special focus on efforts to strengthen the nation's food security through modernization and smart agriculture. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are seen to have potential in helping to strengthen food security in a sustainable manner but there is a lot of controversy involved. This paper will review the introduction to GMO technology, its potential and risks to human life in general and will ultimately provide an understanding of transgenic technology.

Optimization of the Genetic Transformation System of Lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual vegetable crop of the family Asteraceae. It is the most consumed leaf vegetable in the world and is highly valued for its edible and medicinal value. Using transgenic technology, introducing functional genes into plants can shorten the breeding time and improve the quality of lettuce. However, in the genetic transformation of lettuce, the application of transgenic technology is limited by the low conversion rate. In this experiment, using ‘S39’ cotyledons as the test material, to establish a stable genetic transformation system. The results showed that when the leaf regeneration medium was 0.01 mg/L 6-BA and 0.4 mg/L NAA, the highest regeneration rate reached 97.9%, which was the best leaf regeneration hormone concentration. When the infection fluid was used in the OD600 value of 0.2, the infected leaves were in good condition and controllable Agrobacterium was the most suitable infection fluid concentration. When the infection time was 15 min, the infection effect was the best, the leaves grew well, and the resistant plants could grow. The screening in a medium containing 30 mg/L of Kana concentration and 250 mg/L of Cef was the suitable medium formulation. NAA 0.1 mg /L and 6-BA 0.2 mg /L were selected as the optimal concentrations in the rooting medium.

The African continent should consider a harmonized consultative and collaborative effort towards coordinated policy and regulatory guidelines across the fields of biotechnology.

The advances in the field of biotechnology (and bioengineering) over the past decades has allowed the precise development of new products across the agricultural, environmental, and pharmaceutical sectors. This has led to the need to evaluate the relevance and applicability of existing policies and frameworks that regulate the current transgenic technologies. On the African continent, there are delays in the development and implementation of biosafety policies and regulations. Most African countries formulate their policies, regulations, and frameworks by following The Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) guidelines. Although the CBD documents are continually evolving, this happens at a slower pace. It is becoming increasingly important for countries to deal swiftly with the advances in biotechnology in a manner that balances the regulatory complexities, while safeguarding the net gains for human health, the environment, and the economy. For the African countries, some of these net gains are similar, while concerns and perceived risks associated with the adoption and use of the technology are also common. Furthermore, the challenges relating to capacity, knowledge, and skills to address some of the regulatory complexities. In this article we explore the advancement of some African countries in the development and implementation of various biosafety policies and detail the challenges and constraints faced by those countries that are lagging behind. We conclude by outlining identified opportunities for neighbouring and regional countries to assist one another and work in a more organised and coordinated approach towards developing, implementing, and strengthening their respective biosafety policies, regulations, and frameworks.