Legume Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 33-43 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 39 these genes are often closely related to local climate conditions. If these key genes can be utilized, it is indeed possible to cultivate more robust soybean varieties that can ensure yield no matter how the weather changes. Of course, this requires long-term observation, as climate adaptation cannot be rushed. 7 Challenges in Manipulating Regulatory Genes for Photosynthesis 7.1 Complexity of gene networks and redundancy issues The gene regulation of soybean photosynthesis is actually much more complicated than imagined. The main reason is that these genes do not work alone, but form a complex "social network" (Almeida Silva et al., 2020). In this network, various genes are interconnected, some responsible for photosynthesis, some for sugar metabolism, and some for disease resistance, with overlapping functions. Just like the GmFtsH25 gene, although it can indeed improve photosynthetic efficiency and yield, it has connections with multiple components of the photosynthetic system, and a single pull can activate the entire body. What's even more troublesome is the issue of gene redundancy - many copies of genes with similar functions come together, appearing to be carved from the same mold, but in reality, the division of labor may be completely different. These homologous genes are often grouped in the same functional module, but the specific functions of each gene still need to be verified one by one. So, it is indeed quite difficult to precisely regulate a specific gene without affecting other functions. 7.2 Trade-offs between photosynthetic efficiency and growth When it comes to reforming homosexuals, one often has to face the awkward situation of "pressing down one thing and seeing another pop up". Take the transcription factor GmGATA58 for example. After overexpressing it in Arabidopsis thaliana, the leaves became greener and the photosynthetic rate increased, but the plants grew poorly and the yield decreased instead (Zhang et al., 2020a). This is like modifying the engine of a car. The horsepower increases, but the fuel consumption also soars sharply. Similar examples include GmETO1, a gene responsible for phosphorus absorption. Although it can make the root system more developed, it may affect other physiological functions (Zhang et al., 2020b). Therefore, improving photosynthesis cannot merely focus on a single indicator; a comprehensive consideration is necessary - just as in traditional Chinese medicine, the principle of "sovereign, minister, assistant, and messenger" is emphasized, which involves enhancing the main functions while also taking into account the overall balance. After all, plants are an organic whole. If any link is changed too much, it may actually be counterproductive. 7.3 Regulatory and safety concerns in genetic modification The matter of developing genetically modified soybeans actually faces many restrictions (Lopez et al., 2019). For example, the GmFtsH25 gene that can improve photosynthetic efficiency, although the laboratory data is good, if it is really to be promoted and applied, a large number of safety tests have to be passed (Wang et al., 2022b). There are mainly three things to worry about: Will it damage the ecology? Is it safe to eat? Will the common people accept it? Regulatory authorities are keeping a close watch, demanding that all potential risks be ruled out - for instance, what if other genes are accidentally altered? Will new allergens be produced? All these unexpected situations need to be verified repeatedly. So nowadays, it often takes over a decade for genetically modified crops to move from the laboratory to the field. Ultimately, having technology alone is not enough. It is also necessary to do a good job in popular science, lay out and explain the safety data clearly, and gradually win the public's trust. After all, when it comes to food safety, one can never be too cautious. 8 Future Directions 8.1 Prospects of advanced genomic techniques in understanding photosynthetic regulation There are now many new weapons in the study of soybean photosynthesis. CRISPR-Cas9 is indeed a useful "gene scissor", like the GmRPI2 gene. After being edited by it, soybeans not only have stronger photosynthetic capacity, but also their yield has increased (Sun et al., 2023). However, gene editing alone is not enough, it also needs to be combined with other technologies. For example, by analyzing high-density genetic maps, it was discovered that there are many associations between phosphorus efficiency and photosynthetic characteristics, especially in those key genomic regions, which are truly treasure loci for breeding (Li et al., 2016). RNA Seq technology is also very
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