Abstract
Modern technological advances, like the unraveling of the human genome, high-throughput cellular processes, etc., have ushered in an era with renewed hope for better health for the world. Sophisticated tools have been developed for diagnosing, curing, and preventing diseases. There has been extraordinary development in understanding the human genome and its role in health and disease. A decade ago, researchers tentatively explored the first reference human genome at the cost of more than $1 billion. However, now thousands of genomes from different ethnic backgrounds have been sequenced. This explosion of sequencing has been enabled by unprecedented advances in sequencing technologies that can now sequence a person’s entire genome within a day at a nominal cost of $1,000 (or less). Technology advances enable an ever‐increasing capacity to diagnose existing diseases and develop novel treatment strategies accurately. Such technologies also offer clinicians the opportunities to identify potential biomarkers. However, the enormous information generated from these technologies has posed challenging propositions to develop novel practical biotechnology and medicine applications.
Although our knowledge of the human genome is far from complete, accumulating examples demonstrate that even our limited genomic understanding can have robust clinical implications. From stem cell therapy to improved blood tests to a variety of pharmaceuticals, the face of healthcare has been changed by biotechnology. Biotechnology companies use microbes to create new therapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones. Five years ago, scientists at J. Craig Venter Institute collaborated with researchers at MIT to develop an artificial cell with only 473 genes. This genetically engineered simplest bacterium is considered one of the pillars of synthetic biology.
Introducing Re:GEN Open
Given the exciting state of affairs in biomedical research, I am particularly excited to be named as founding editor of the new multidisciplinary open-access journal, Re:GEN Open. I have always been interested in studying the role of genomics in translational research. I started in genomic projects at the University of Illinois at Chicago and worked on microbial virulence factors and their role in cancer. I learned some of the critical intricacies of the genome from my mentor, A.M. Chakrabarty. Dr. Chakrabarty is credited with creating and patenting the first genetically engineered oil-eating bacterium—Pseudomonas aeruginosa—which revolutionized genetic engineering and biotechnology.
I continued my work on the relationship of microorganisms with cancer at the University of Pittsburgh focusing on viral-mediated oncogenesis in various malignancies. During that time, massively parallel sequencing was taking off, and I focused on human genome sequencing and its relation to the development and progression of cancer. My work took me deep into synthetic and systems biology at the University of Southern California. My current research focuses on developing genomic-based precision medicine strategies for various diseases, emphasizing biomarker discovery. I have been on many adventures in the genomics industry and have helped people by providing potential precision medicine solutions.
Re:GEN Open is unique because it combines different biomedical research areas in a single forum. We hope to attract stakeholders in academia, industry, as well as medical professionals around the world. We would love to hear from researchers and professionals who are innovators in drug development, stem cell or DNA/RNA-based therapies, and their patient-specific studies. The journal will cover all aspects of basic and translational biomedical research under eight broad sections: Basic Biomedical Research Translational Biomedical Research Drug Development Cancer Research Regenerative Medicine Cell and Gene Therapy Infectious Disease Synthetic and Systems Biology
Synthetic biotechnology is reshaping the way humans live, but only a few journals are dedicated to this field. Therefore, we have a separate section dedicated to this evolving branch of biotechnology.
In launching Re:GEN Open, I envisage the journal playing a central role in supporting the rapid development of the genetic engineering and biotechnology field in which we operate. To achieve this, we will: make effective and speedy editorial decisions; expand our presence in emerging and developing areas of genetic engineering and biotechnology; work with the editorial advisory board to champion new and emerging fields and scale the journal ranks in these areas;
strengthen and facilitate our relationship with many other fine journals published by Mary Ann Liebert Inc., publishers, by allowing the transfer of quality papers to Re:GEN Open. With our publisher’s continued support, we will aim for the highest standards in the journal’s management and operations; give priority to papers that are scientifically rigorous and make a significant advance in the biomedical sciences and publish them after one round of reviews; and consider manuscripts that have been reviewed and rejected by leading journals such as Nature, Science, PNAS, JCI, etc. Based on reviewers’ and authors’ rebuttal comments, the AEs will advise if the manuscript needs further review or can be published directly.
It is an honor and privilege for me to work alongside incoming editorial board members representing a broad and diverse group of scientists with varied intellectual interests and career paths. Our editorial board members have volunteered their expertise and time. They are committed to making Re:GEN Open the best journal publishing studies of the impact on biotechnology on biomedical sciences. I shall be seeking their advice to improve the journal’s standing, exploring developing areas in genetic engineering, biotechnology, and the life sciences. In addition to our balance in the editorial team, we are committed to providing fair and rigorous but timely peer review. Our processes will ensure fairness and trust from submission to final decision.
Open Access
Re:GEN Open is a fully open access journal. To promote unhindered dissemination of laboratory research, we will support the principles of open access to all colleagues across the world, regardless of their financial or educational background. We also believe in open data sharing to ensure reproducibility in published results. Open access publications can reduce some of the barriers in sharing data, protocols, and source codes. Articles will be swiftly posted on the journal’s website upon acceptance and be freely available.
In conclusion, I hope you enjoy reading some of our first published articles and look forward to many more exciting articles in the months and years to come. I hope you will want to shape and develop the journal in the future with your discoveries. Most importantly, please share your thoughts about Re:GEN Open with your colleagues and contribute your research to our journal so we may learn together and make the world healthier. Finally, I would like to remind the journal’s readers that this journal belongs to you. If you have any suggestions or constructive criticism that may help our team improve any aspects of our journal, please email us at
Cheers!
Vasu Punj