Aims and Scope
Journal of Genetic Engineering (JGE) publishes peer-reviewed research on molecular techniques for modifying genetic material, with applications spanning biomedicine, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. We focus on methodological innovations, mechanistic insights, and translational applications of genetic manipulation technologies.
Core Research Domains
Genome Editing Technologies
- CRISPR-Cas systems (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, base editors, prime editors)
- Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and TALENs
- Homology-directed repair and non-homologous end joining mechanisms
- Off-target analysis and specificity enhancement
- Delivery systems for editing machinery (viral vectors, nanoparticles, electroporation)
- Multiplexed genome editing strategies
"Development of a novel prime editing system with reduced off-target effects for correcting pathogenic mutations in human cell lines"
Synthetic Biology & Gene Circuits
- Design and construction of synthetic gene networks
- Metabolic pathway engineering
- Biosensor development and genetic switches
- Minimal genome design and synthetic chromosomes
- Orthogonal biological systems
- Computational tools for synthetic construct design
"Engineering a synthetic gene circuit for inducible production of therapeutic proteins in mammalian cells with tunable expression levels"
Recombinant DNA Technology
- Cloning strategies and vector design
- Protein expression systems (bacterial, yeast, mammalian, insect)
- Gene transfer methods (transformation, transfection, transduction)
- Recombinant protein production and purification
- DNA assembly techniques (Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway)
- Plasmid engineering and optimization
"Optimization of a mammalian expression vector for high-yield production of monoclonal antibodies with enhanced stability"
Gene Therapy & Biomedical Applications
- Viral and non-viral gene delivery systems
- Ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy approaches
- Correction of monogenic disorders
- CAR-T cell engineering and immunotherapy
- RNA therapeutics (siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, mRNA vaccines)
- Gene therapy for cancer, inherited diseases, and infectious diseases
"AAV-mediated gene therapy for restoring dystrophin expression in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model"
Secondary Focus Areas
Agricultural Biotechnology
Genetic modification of crops for enhanced yield, stress tolerance, pest resistance, and nutritional content. Transgenic plant development and genome editing in agricultural species.
Industrial Biotechnology
Microbial engineering for biofuel production, bioremediation, and industrial enzyme production. Metabolic engineering for optimized biosynthesis pathways.
Genomic Analysis Tools
Development of sequencing technologies, genome annotation methods, and bioinformatics pipelines specifically for genetic engineering applications. DNA fingerprinting and genetic mapping techniques.
Epigenetic Engineering
Targeted epigenome editing, DNA methylation manipulation, histone modification engineering, and chromatin remodeling for gene expression control.
Animal Genetic Engineering
Transgenic animal models, livestock improvement through genetic modification, gene knockin/knockout strategies, and Cre-Lox recombination systems.
AI-Assisted Design
Machine learning algorithms for predicting editing outcomes, optimizing guide RNA design, and computational modeling of genetic circuits. Deep learning for protein engineering.
Emerging Research Frontiers
Note: Manuscripts in these areas undergo enhanced ethical review and require explicit discussion of safety, regulatory compliance, and societal implications. Authors must demonstrate substantial methodological innovation or translational potential.
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
Fast-Track Review (14-21 days)
Standard Review (28-35 days)
By Invitation Only
These article types require pre-submission inquiry and editor approval. Must demonstrate exceptional novelty or educational value.
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
- ARRIVE 2.0 for animal studies
- MIQE for qPCR experiments
- MIAME for microarray data
- PRISMA for systematic reviews
- CONSORT for clinical trials
Data Transparency
- Raw sequencing data in public repositories (NCBI, ENA)
- Plasmid sequences deposited in Addgene or GenBank
- Protocols shared via protocols.io or supplementary files
- Code availability for computational analyses
- Material transfer agreements for novel constructs
Ethics & Biosafety
- IRB approval for human subjects research
- IACUC approval for animal experiments
- Biosafety committee clearance for GMO work
- Informed consent documentation
- Dual-use research oversight statement
Preprint & Publication Policy
- Preprints encouraged (bioRxiv, medRxiv)
- No prior publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Conference abstracts permitted
- Preregistration of clinical trials required
- Transparent peer review option available
