A research paper entitled "Precise engineering of gene expression by editing plasticity" by Professors Yan Jianbing and Hu Xuehai from Huazhong Agricultural University, in collaboration with their interdisciplinary team, was recently published online in Genome Biology.
The study commenced by intelligently identifying plant cis-regulatory elements (CREs) through a sequence-expression prediction model and proceeded with high-throughput experimental validation to construct a comprehensive whole-genome map of CREs. Subsequently, the team introduced the concept of "editing plasticity" in an innovative manner to guide precise editing experiments aimed at creating optimal variations and achieving the most favorable phenotypes.

Editing plasticity allows for precise editing of genes. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
This research offers an AI-driven solution for genetic manipulation of CREs to regulate gene expression, holding significant implications for the development of high-yield, high-quality, and stress-resistant crop varieties.
Several years ago, Professors Yan Jianbing and Hu Xuehai jointly established an interdisciplinary research team focused on addressing the profound scientific inquiry of creating life. They have employed a "dry-wet" closed-loop research strategy involving AI and biotechnology interactions, providing guidance to graduate students in collaborative research endeavors, including the identification and creation of plant cis-elements responsive to environmental stimuli and the development of functional peptides. This research merges artificial intelligence prediction models with biological experimental validation, representing a fruitful exploration of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking that diverges from traditional biological approaches.