The Genome Editing Frontier: Emerging Methods and Applications

The rapid evolution of biotechnology has ushered in an era in which the genome is no longer viewed as a static blueprint, but as a dynamic and editable system. The Genome Editing Frontier: Emerging Methods and Applications offers a comprehensive and forward-looking exploration of this transformation, tracing the field’s progression from foundational molecular tools to today’s high-precision, AI-integrated genome engineering platforms. The book presents an integrated perspective on how genome editing is reshaping medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology. By bridging historical context with emerging innovations, it uniquely connects conceptual foundations, technological advances, and real-world applications within a single cohesive framework. Spanning the evolution from pre-CRISPR systems to next-generation digital and single-cell approaches, the volume highlights both the technical sophistication and the societal responsibilities of modern genome editing. Its interdisciplinary structure distinguishes it from conventional texts, combining functional genomics, computational biology, precision breeding, and ethical governance into a unified narrative of innovation.

Key Features and New to This Edition

• Comprehensive coverage from ZFNs and TALENs to advanced CRISPR systems, multiplex editing, and epigenome engineering.
• Dedicated sections on AI-driven genome design, predictive repair modeling, and computational optimization of editing efficiency.
• Expanded coverage of single-cell genome editing and high-resolution functional genomics.
• New chapters on AI-enabled CRISPR immunotherapies and deep learning applications in genome engineering.
• Integrated perspectives on ethical, regulatory, and biosafety frameworks guiding responsible innovation.

Bringing together theory, methodology, and application, this volume serves as both a foundational reference and a forward-looking guide. It is ideally suited for graduate students, academic researchers, biotechnology professionals, and policy-engaged scientists seeking a rigorous and accessible roadmap to the future of genome editing.

Dr. Neelanjana Choudhury is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at C. V. Raman Global University (CGU), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with nearly 10 years of combined teaching and research experience. Her research expertise covers molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, gene expression studies, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, aquatic toxicology, and applied biotechnology. She is an active contributor to intellectual property development, with 1 granted utility patent and 3 published patents (utility and design) in areas including novel drug development, bioactive compound extraction, green energy, biopolymers, and sustainable biotechnological systems. Her granted patent on anthocyanin isolation represents a significant contribution toward novel formulations for cancer and diabetes management. Dr. Choudhury has made notable contributions to molecular research through more than 18 international GenBank accessions, strengthening global biological databases and enhancing India’s representation in international repositories. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed research articles in the reputed Scopus, and SCI indexed international journals, along with two international books published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany. She has successfully guided 31 postgraduate students and is currently supervising 4 Ph.D. research scholars. An internationally recognized academician, she has served as an invited, plenary, and keynote speaker at global conferences held in Canada, Japan, and the USA. Her achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Young Biotechnologist Award (2023) and Eminent Scientist Award (2023). She has also been a recipient of the “University Research Fellowship”, “Best Poster Award” in National Symposium on Plant Health Management for food security and safety (2016) by the Indian Phytopathology Society, and has secured First Rank in the “Biotech Talent Search Examination” conducted by BCIL, India. She also actively serves as a reviewer and editor for multiple international journals, contributing significantly to global scientific collaboration.

Dr. Jyoti Prakash Sahoo is a dynamic researcher and academician currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences at C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, India. Dr. Sahoo completed his M.Sc. (2016) and PhD (2023) in Agricultural Biotechnology from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, India respectively. His notable works include dissecting genetic architecture for Cercospora leaf spot, yellow mosaic virus, charcoal rot disease resistance in mung bean, molecular breeding strategies for stress resilience in crops, sustainable management of viral pathogens in okra, drought tolerance genetics in rice using microsatellite markers, and BADH2 gene-specific sequence variation and phylogenetic relationship in aromatic rice. His scholarly contributions have received over 1,000 citations, reflecting strong national and international research impact. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed research and review articles indexed by Scopus, and SCI, while also authoring 7 edited books and over 35 important chapters for widely-referenced agricultural biotechnology books. He is an active contributor to intellectual property development with 1 granted design patent. Dr. Sahoo has made notable contributions to molecular research through more than 9 NCBI GenBank accessions, strengthening global biological databases and enhancing India’s representation in international repositories. He has successfully guided 13 M.Sc. (Biotechnology) students and is currently supervising 2 Ph.D. (Biotechnology) students. He actively contributes as an editorial board member in Nature-Scientific Reports, BMC Genomics and servers as a potential peer reviewer for more than 80 prestigious international journals. He also holds life memberships in professional societies including the Society of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and Indian Society of Plant Breeders. His outstanding contributions to plant molecular biology and biotechnology have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the young scientist award (2021), the university best PhD thesis award of OUAT (2023), and multiple best oral presentation awards (2023) at national and international conferences.

Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Kumar Dash is currently serving as Dean, Agriculture and Allied Sciences at C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar. With an illustrious academic career spanning over 42 years, he has made outstanding contributions to teaching, research, academic leadership, and policy advisory roles in the field of Horticulture. He obtained his Doctoral degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. Throughout his career, Prof. Dash has held several prestigious academic and administrative positions, including Dean, College of Horticulture, and College of Agriculture, Chiplima, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), as well as Professor and Head, Department of Fruit Science and Horticulture Technology, College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, OUAT. Prof. Dash’s research expertise is centered on crop improvement in major fruit crops, particularly coconut, papaya, and mango. His work spans diverse areas such as combining ability analysis, genetic divergence, molecular and morphological characterization, gamma radiation sensitivity studies, characterization of indigenous germplasm, plant tissue culture (callus induction and indirect regeneration), and evaluation of organic amendments for enhanced tree growth and yield. His research also addresses tree rejuvenation, canopy management, drip fertigation, and growth dynamics in perennial horticultural systems, contributing to sustainable and climate-resilient horticulture. A highly prolific researcher, Prof. Dash has published more than 100 research papers in Scopus-, SCI-, and NAAS-indexed national and international journals. He is a co-author of 4 books, has contributed 2 book chapters, and has edited 51 undergraduate practical manuals across horticulture and agriculture disciplines. Beyond academia, Prof. Dash has rendered significant service to the government and national agricultural bodies. He has served as a Member, Technical Committee, Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha, India; Member, Technical Advisory Committee of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) Farm; Member, State-Level Monitoring Committee for implementation of CDB schemes; and Member, Seed Nut Procurement Committee of CDB. He has also contributed as a Resource Person for horticultural training programs, Co-Scientist (Horticulture) in the DBT-supported Rural Bio-Resource Complex, Puri District, Odisha, India, Member of the Monitoring Committee under the Technology Mission, and Team Member for the identification of new areas for oil palm cultivation in Odisha, India. Through his visionary academic leadership, impactful research, and sustained engagement with policy and extension activities, Prof. Dash continues to make enduring contributions to horticultural science, agricultural education, and sustainable rural development.

Dr. Satyabrata Nanda, PhD, is a progressive researcher and academician in Biotechnology, currently serving as Associate Dean at the School of Biotechnology, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. With over a decade of sustained teaching and research experience, he has established himself as a recognized expert in molecular plant–pest interactions, functional genomics, RNA interference (RNAi), and precision pest management. Dr. Nanda has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed research articles in reputed SCI- and Scopus-indexed journals, covering insect functional genomics, RNAi-based biopesticides, plant stress biology, gene family evolution, and sustainable crop protection. His scholarly contributions have received over 1,500 citations, with a Scopus h-index of 21, reflecting strong national and international research impact. Dr. Nanda has successfully secured competitive extramural research funding from agencies such as SERB, Government of India, and international postdoctoral grants from China. He has led multidisciplinary projects on brown planthopper–rice interactions, microRNA-mediated regulation, and RNAi-based pest control strategies. His research excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards, including the Young Scientist Award, Distinguished Achiever Award, Abel Wolman Memorial Award, Eminent Achiever’s Award, and an Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Demonstrating strong translational impact, he holds four patents, including one utility patent and multiple design patents focused on IoT-enabled pest monitoring systems and sustainable agri-technologies. He serves on the editorial boards of BMC Plant Biology and BMC Genomics, acts as Review Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science, and mentors doctoral, postgraduate, and undergraduate students while providing effective academic leadership as Associate Dean and Coordinator of the Centre for Genetics and Genomics.