Gene Editing Technology: A New Catalyst for Agricultural Innovation and Global Growth

Genome editing technology, particularly CRISPR, has emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in life sciences in recent years. Unlike traditional transgenic methods, gene editing enables precise modifications at specific locations within the genome, allowing for the insertion, deletion, or replacement of gene fragments or even individual bases. This technology offers the advantage of efficiently editing multiple genes at a low cost, without introducing foreign genes. Notably, CRISPR can accurately modify endogenous genes, altering their molecular functions and enabling the expression of specific traits in organisms.

The development of gene editing technology has progressed through stages, beginning with tools like zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN). However, CRISPR technology has become the most widely used and studied method since its introduction in 2012. It has rapidly advanced and is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in life sciences in the 21st century. In recognition of its transformative potential, CRISPR was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, further solidifying its importance within the scientific community. Additionally, Nature magazine named CRISPR one of the most influential scientific events of the past decade, with a wealth of research papers continuing to emerge annually, maintaining its status at the forefront of global scientific attention.

Research Progress in Gene Editing Technology

CRISPR, the genome editing tool, has made significant strides in plant and animal agriculture just 12 years after its introduction. Its applications span multiple areas, including reducing food waste, enhancing climate resilience in crops and livestock, developing weed-resistant plants, improving crop harvest efficiency, and advancing sectors like food production, biofuels, and papermaking. At the same time, researchers are continuously improving CRISPR tools, expanding their use across a wider range of species and applications.

Ongoing Development and Innovation in Gene Editing

Gene editing technology continues to evolve, with new breakthroughs and optimizations emerging in key areas:

1. Next-Generation Gene Editing Tools

Traditional CRISPR technology works by inducing double-strand breaks in DNA. Recently, researchers have developed new tools like base editing (BE) and prime editing (PE), which do not rely on double-strand breaks and offer significant improvements in accuracy. However, challenges such as limited editing scope, low efficiency, and usability remain. To address these, Harvard University has developed Click Editing (CE), a new technology designed to make gene editing even more precise and adaptable.

2. Expansion of the CRISPR Nuclease Family

To improve the efficiency and specificity of gene editing, researchers are optimizing Cas nucleases. New systems, including CRISPR-Cas12b, Cas12n, Cas12f1, Cas14a, CasF, and CasΦ, have increased the flexibility of gene editing. Among these, the CRISPR-CasΦ system, which is only half the size of CRISPR-Cas9, can target a broader range of DNA sequences. Additionally, the discovery of RNA-guided DNA nuclease Fanzor in eukaryotes, with its compact structure, has made it easier to deliver into cells and tissues, offering greater application potential than traditional CRISPR-Cas systems.

3. Design and Optimization of Gene Editing Delivery Vectors

Effective and safe delivery of CRISPR components is crucial for precise gene editing. Current delivery methods include Agrobacterium-mediated delivery, protoplast delivery, and gene gun delivery, each with its pros and cons:

• Agrobacterium-mediated delivery works well for various plants but may randomly insert DNA into the plant genome, leading to long-term retention of CRISPR tools and potential off-target effects. Additionally, plants modified this way are classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

  
  

• Protoplast delivery is useful for genomic studies in the lab but has limited applications in breeding due to difficulties in regenerating complete plants.

  
  

• Gene gun delivery is versatile but may result in multiple random insertions of CRISPR tool DNA, which can reduce editing efficiency and complicate the removal of excess DNA.

4. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Gene Editing

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly driving advancements in gene editing tools. While AI’s application in plant research is still developing, it has already led to breakthroughs in animal cell research. For instance, the Broad Institute used the fast locality-sensitive hashing clustering algorithm (FLSHclust) to identify 188 new CRISPR systems, some of which showed lower off-target effects compared to traditional CRISPR-Cas9 systems. Additionally, Profluent launched the OpenCRISPR™ program, the world’s first AI-generated open-source gene editing tool, OpenCRISPR-1, which successfully enabled precise editing of the human genome.

Gene editing technology is rapidly advancing, driven by innovations in tool optimization, delivery methods, and AI integration. These developments are pushing the field toward higher precision, stronger safety, and broader applicability. As research progresses, gene editing is poised to unlock tremendous potential in agriculture, medicine, bioengineering, and beyond, with profound impacts on society.

Business Progress in Gene Editing Technology

Gene editing technology encompasses a range of techniques, each with distinct applications depending on the specific approach. Internationally, these technologies are commonly classified into three categories: SDN-1, SDN-2, and SDN-3. This classification is based on technical characteristics and the extent of gene modification.

• SDN-1 gene editing involves no repair templates and does not introduce exogenous genes. It primarily achieves gene modification through point mutations or the insertion/deletion of a small number of bases.

  
  

• SDN-2 employs homologous recombination to repair the gene, resulting in mutations involving one to several bases.

  
  

• SDN-3 introduces longer exogenous gene fragments, resulting in more substantial changes to the organism compared to SDN-1 and SDN-2.

Among these, SDN-1 technology is the most widely applied, especially in the early stages of gene editing. It typically involves the insertion or deletion of a small number of bases at the target site, often using double-strand breaks (DSBs) and homologous end-joining repair mechanisms. This approach can lead to the loss of gene function. While the specific editing effects and outcomes are still being refined, SDN-1 technology has already been used in the study of functional genes such as the fragrance-related gene BADH2 (Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase), the herbicide resistance gene ALS (Acetolactate Synthase), and the flowering time gene FAF (FANTASTIC FOUR).

Compared to traditional transgenic methods, gene editing technology offers a more precise way to enhance the traits of plants and animals without introducing foreign genes, resulting in fewer ethical concerns. This makes it highly promising for agricultural applications. As gene editing continues to evolve, many traditional agricultural biotechnology companies have begun to explore gene editing for breeding, and specialized companies focused on gene editing-based breeding are emerging as well.

Overview of Global Agricultural Gene Editing Breeding Companies

Currently, the majority of agricultural gene editing breeding companies focus on improving crop production and stress resistance through gene editing. Below, we highlight 10 representative commercial companies in the global gene editing space. Among these, Bayer has quickly consolidated its dominant position in the gene editing breeding market after acquiring Monsanto, while Corteva has emerged as its primary competitor, strengthening its position through the integration of DuPont and Dow’s relevant businesses.

In 2024, Bayer announced two major vegetable genome editing projects as part of its open innovation strategy. First, Bayer partnered with Korean biotech company G+FLAS to develop gene-edited tomatoes rich in vitamin D3, addressing global vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with limited sunlight or during winter months. Additionally, Bayer is collaborating with Pairwise to develop a gene-edited version of the Preceon vegetable variety, with an eye on the global market. These partnerships not only accelerate innovation but also shorten the product development cycle. Bayer’s exclusive licensing agreement with Pairwise strengthens this initiative. Pairwise, known for its genetic innovation in food and agriculture, also made headlines in North America with its CRISPR-edited leafy green vegetable, improving flavor. The two companies are now working together to promote the large-scale commercialization of these products.

Pairwise differentiates itself by focusing on high-value crops such as mustard, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries, in contrast to other companies which mainly target staple crops. In addition to its collaboration with Bayer, Pairwise has formed strong ties with Corteva.

In 2024, Corteva, a global leader in agricultural technology, announced a partnership with Pairwise to enhance gene editing solutions for farmers, addressing challenges like climate change. This partnership includes Corteva’s $25 million equity investment in Pairwise, part of Corteva’s Catalyst platform dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation. The investment aims to broaden the application of gene editing, particularly in staple foods and specialty crops. Additionally, the two companies have established a joint venture to further accelerate gene editing technologies, focusing on climate resilience and higher crop yields. This joint effort leverages Corteva’s expertise in plant breeding and genetics, positioning their products to better withstand extreme weather events.

Corteva’s relationships extend beyond Pairwise. The company has also collaborated with Bejo, Sustainable Oils, and Vilmorin & Cie. However, Corteva’s partnership with Inari has been controversial. In August 2024, Corteva accused Inari of violating its plant variety rights and related patents by genetically editing corn seeds obtained from a seed depository and attempting to patent the improved traits, leading to a legal dispute.

Inari, a leading seed technology company, focuses on advancing seed innovation using artificial intelligence and gene editing tools. Recently, Inari secured $144 million in funding to support its long-term growth. The company’s first products—soybeans, corn, and wheat—have generated significant industry attention as it aims to design more sustainable seeds for global food security and agricultural innovation.

Syngenta, another major player in agricultural technology, has adopted an open-source collaboration model. Through its innovative cooperation platform, Shoots by Syngenta, the company has partnered with global academic institutions, research entities, and companies to promote sustainable agricultural development. Syngenta has also licensed CRISPR technology to academic and breeding organizations to accelerate crop innovation. The platform has already made significant strides in tackling global challenges such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity.

BASF has also made strategic moves in the gene editing field. In addition to acquiring a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing license in 2017, BASF signed a partnership with UK biotech company Tropic Biosciences in 2020 to utilize Tropic’s GEiGS technology in developing strategic crop varieties. However, BASF’s gene editing initiatives remain relatively low-profile, with limited public developments.

Cibus, a leader in plant gene editing, focuses on creating sustainable, high-yield crops to address global food security and environmental concerns. Through its proprietary Cibus Precision Gene Editing Technology Platform (CPGET), the company is developing gene-edited crops like high-erucic acid rapeseed, polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich soybeans, herbicide-resistant corn, and drought-resistant wheat, all aimed at increasing crop efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Benson Hill, founded in 2012 and headquartered in St. Louis, USA, integrates advanced technologies such as data science, genomics, AI, and machine learning into its biotechnology platform, CropOS. This platform accelerates crop breeding by using gene sequences, AI-driven predictions, and CRISPR 3.0 gene editing to shorten breeding cycles and enhance crop growth, significantly improving breeding efficiency.

Yield10 Bioscience is focused on advancing sustainable seed products based on the oilseed Camelina sativa. These products include renewable diesel, aviation biofuel, omega-3 oils for pharmaceuticals and nutrition, and PHA biomaterials for biodegradable plastics. Yield10’s business model involves partnering with the biofuel industry and licensing its Camelina genetic technology to meet the growing demand for low-carbon feedstocks and omega-3 oils.

The global agricultural gene editing field is rapidly evolving, with leading companies such as Bayer, Corteva, Pairwise, and Syngenta driving widespread adoption through strategic partnerships and technological advancements. These companies are not only improving crop yields and stress resistance but are also addressing the challenges of global food security and environmental change. While legal and ethical issues persist, the potential for gene editing technology in agriculture remains vast, offering strong support for sustainable agricultural development, food security, and innovation. As technology continues to advance and multi-party collaborations deepen, gene editing is poised to become a crucial driver of global agricultural innovation.

The Promise of Gene Editing in Chinese Agriculture

Biological breeding has become a key national strategy for China. The country has explicitly outlined in the ″14th Five-Year Plan″ and the Long-Term Goals for 2035 that the industrialization and application of biological breeding should be promoted in a systematic manner, with a focus on nurturing leading seed companies that can compete internationally. Currently, domestic companies are quite active in the field of agricultural gene editing, particularly in crop gene editing. However, there are still relatively few companies involved in animal gene editing and breeding.

The following overview of China’s agricultural gene editing sector highlights the dominance of crop-focused gene editing companies, while animal gene editing remains a relatively underdeveloped area.

BellaGen is a leading plant gene editing company in China that has successfully broken the foreign monopoly on core gene editing technologies. The company has independently developed the CRISPR-Cas SF01 and CRISPR-Cas SF02 gene editing tools, which have driven the industrialization of plant gene editing. In April 2023, BellaGen Bio became the first company in China to receive a plant gene editing safety certificate. It followed up with two additional safety certificates in 2024, including the groundbreaking approval in May 2024 for its gene-edited dwarf corn, China’s first staple food crop to receive this certification.

Qi-Biodesign, founded in 2021, is a global leader in gene editing biotechnology. With independent core intellectual property rights and a competitive technology platform, Qihe has developed the full-chain SEEDIT R&D platform. Its PrimeROOT and other gene editing tools have bypassed existing patent restrictions, providing crucial technical support for developing a new generation of transgenic and gene-edited products. The company’s achievements have garnered international recognition, including Cell’s 2023 Best Paper and Nature’s 2024 Most Noteworthy Seven Technologies.

Edgene has developed a self-owned precision breeding platform, HiGeMP™, and worked extensively with research teams, breeders, and seed companies to promote the industrial application of gene editing technology. To date, Edgene has supported over 1,000 research teams and companies, successfully transforming more than 20 crop varieties, including major crops such as corn, soybeans, and rice, overcoming the limitations of traditional breeding methods.

Misheng Biological has developed a world-leading peanut gene transformation platform, utilizing gene editing technology to create ″super peanuts.″ These new varieties are expected to significantly increase yield and oil quality, contributing to the diversification of the peanut industry.

Biogle GeneTech has built extensive experience in both animal and plant gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The company has provided genome editing services to over 200 research institutes worldwide. Its efficient gene editing capabilities and collaborations with leading domestic laboratories have advanced the adoption of gene editing technology.

The continuous innovation and breakthroughs from these companies showcase China’s strong technical capabilities and the immense potential in the gene editing field. As the technologies mature, biological breeding will play an increasingly important role in enhancing crop yields, improving quality, and driving agricultural modernization.

Genome editing technology, particularly the breakthrough CRISPR system, is redefining the boundaries of life sciences, offering unprecedented opportunities in agriculture, medicine, and bioengineering. From the precise modification of endogenous genes to the development of stress-resistant, high-yield crops, and from optimizing delivery systems to the innovation of AI-powered tools, the evolution of this technology demonstrates its vast efficiency and versatility.

Globally, companies like Bayer, Corteva, and Syngenta are accelerating gene editing commercialization through strategic partnerships and technological innovation, while the rise of Chinese companies such as BellaGen and Qi-Biodesign underscores China’s strength in breaking technological monopolies and advancing industrial applications.

As gene editing technology matures and its applications expand, it will undoubtedly become a core solution for addressing critical challenges like food security, climate change, and sustainable development. This innovation is poised to make a lasting impact on global prosperity and the balance of the earth’s ecosystem.

This article will be published in the magazine of 2024 Annual Review. Follow this magazine to read more articles/stories.

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