Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Medical applications include recombinant production of proteins such as insulin and clotting factors, monoclonal antibodies designed to target specific conditions, and gene and CAR-T therapies that modify genetic material or immune cells. Genetic engineering also supports vaccine platforms, pharmacogenomics-guided treatment choices, diagnostic probes, RNA interference therapeutics, and research into xenotransplantation. Agricultural applications include Bt crops that produce insecticidal proteins, herbicide-tolerant varieties, crops developed for improved nutritional content, and plants with resistance to selected viruses. The broader topic also addresses edible vaccines, nitrogen-use efficiency, molecular farming, stress tolerance, and regulatory and safety frameworks. Together, these examples show how genetic engineering can be applied to therapeutic production, disease management, and crop improvement.