How can you bioengineer soybeans to resist pests and diseases?

2 Gene editing

Another way to bioengineer soybeans to resist pests and diseases is to edit the existing genes of the plant using tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, a system that can precisely target and modify DNA sequences. For example, you can use CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out or silence genes that make soybeans vulnerable to diseases, such as those that encode for receptors or susceptibility factors for fungal or viral infections. You can also use CRISPR-Cas9 to insert or activate genes that make soybeans more resilient to stresses, such as those that encode for heat shock proteins or osmoprotectants.

3 Transcriptional engineering

A third way to bioengineer soybeans to resist pests and diseases is to manipulate the expression of genes that are involved in stress responses or resistance mechanisms. For example, you can use transcriptional engineering to overexpress or underexpress genes that regulate the production of phytohormones, such as salicylic acid, ethylene, or jasmonic acid, that modulate soybean immunity or defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. You can also use transcriptional engineering to alter the expression of genes that control the synthesis of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolics, or terpenoids, that have antimicrobial or antifeedant properties.

4 Epigenetic engineering

A fourth way to bioengineer soybeans to resist pests and diseases is to modify the epigenetic marks that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. For example, you can use epigenetic engineering to change the methylation or acetylation status of histones, the proteins that wrap around DNA and form chromatin, which influences the accessibility and activity of genes. You can also use epigenetic engineering to alter the expression or function of small RNAs, such as microRNAs or small interfering RNAs, that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary mRNA sequences and causing their degradation or translational repression.

5 Synthetic biology

A fifth way to bioengineer soybeans to resist pests and diseases is to create novel biological systems or components that are not found in nature using synthetic biology, a field that combines engineering and biology to design and construct new biological entities or functions. For example, you can use synthetic biology to engineer synthetic gene circuits or pathways that can sense and respond to environmental signals or stresses, such as pest attacks or disease infections, and trigger appropriate defense or resistance mechanisms. You can also use synthetic biology to engineer synthetic organelles or compartments that can perform specialized functions, such as producing novel compounds or proteins that can enhance soybean performance or quality.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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