Engineering Conditional Transgene Expression in <i>Nicotiana benthamiana</i>
Elena Garcia‐Perez, Marta Vázquez‐Vilar, Diego Orzáez
Abstract
Nicotiana benthamiana has emerged as a premier plant biofactory for recombinant protein and metabolite production due to its high metabolic versatility, ease of cultivation and permissiveness to transient expression vectors. However, challenges such as transgene silencing, low yields and metabolic toxicity limit its scalability. Synthetic gene circuits offer transformative solutions by enabling precise transgene expression control, dynamic signal processing and metabolic pathway optimization. Recent advancements include novel sensor systems responsive to chemical and electromagnetic signals, synthetic promoters integrated with programmable transcription factors and virus-derived replicons for transcriptional signal amplification. Recombinase-based processors further enhance conditional gene expression and cellular memory capabilities. Innovative platforms like plant cell packs and self-sustained bioluminescence systems facilitate rapid prototyping of gene circuits, enabling high-throughput screening and optimization. Future strategies focus on stable genomic integration, positional effect mitigation and accelerated transgenic line generation using morphogenic regulators and CRISPR systems. By addressing these challenges, synthetic biology can unlock the full potential of N. benthamiana as a scalable and sustainable biofactory for molecular farming, biosensing and advanced bioproduction applications.