Precision Genome Editing for Next-Generation Antimicrobial Therapies: Harnessing Synthetic Biology and Phage Engineering to Combat Drug-Resistant Infections

The field of precision genome editing is rapidly transforming how scientists and clinicians address the mounting threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With conventional antibiotics losing effectiveness against a growing range of pathogens, innovative therapies that leverage synthetic biology and phage engineering have drawn significant attention. Recent advances in genome editing technologies (such as CRISPR-Cas systems) and the design of programmable phages now allow researchers to specifically target bacterial genomes, disrupt virulence factors, and restore drug susceptibility. Pioneering studies have demonstrated species- or strain-specific bacterial killing, resistance gene editing, and synergistic effects between engineered phages and antibiotics. Despite these breakthroughs, critical gaps persist in optimizing delivery methods, understanding host-microbe interactions, mitigating resistance evolution, and ensuring biosafety and regulatory compliance.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and perspectives that accelerate the clinical translation of precision genome editing, synthetic biology, and phage engineering for next-generation antimicrobial therapies. Key objectives include elucidating mechanisms of targeted pathogen destruction, refining delivery systems and control circuits, and integrating computational tools dedicated to the prediction, design, and safety of engineered antimicrobials. We aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue linking advances in molecular microbiology, virology, immunology, biotechnology, and clinical research, while also highlighting practical considerations for real-world application and ethical use.This Topic encompasses preclinical, translational, and early clinical research that exploits genome editing and synthetic biology to overcome the challenges of drug-resistant infections. Articles are sought that explore the design, characterization, and implementation of targeted antimicrobial agents and their delivery vehicles in a range of microbial and host contexts, as well as studies addressing regulatory, safety, and ethical frameworks. To gather further insights in the development, optimization, and deployment of genome-edited antimicrobials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Precision targeting using CRISPR, nucleases, and synthetic biology for pathogen-specific therapieso Engineering and delivery of programmable phages and alternative vectorso Design and application of safety switches and regulatory circuitso Modulation of host–microbiome interactions and ecological impactso Immunological considerations and evolutionary dynamics of resistanceo Translational and practical aspects including GMP manufacturing, regulatory approval, and clinical implementationo Computational tool development, standards, and benchmarking for editing and delivery platforms Topic editors: Stephen Chijioke Emencheta, Dinebari Philip Berebon Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76116/precision-genome-editing-for-next-generation-antimicrobial-therapies-harnessing-synthetic-biology-and-phage-engineering-to-combat-drug-resistant-infections