TWN Info Service on Biosafety
29 April 2026
Third World Network
www.twn.my
Dear Friends and Colleagues
The Need to Govern the Risks of Genetically Modified Microorganisms
Advances in genetic engineering have accelerated the creation and large-scale environmental release of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs). Unlike static chemicals, GMMs are biologically active, self-replicating entities capable of rapid mutation and global dispersal. Critical risk scenarios, including horizontal gene transfer to native species and the possible disruption of vital human microbiomes (gut, oral, and infant), could increase resistance to degradation, promote traits that expand a microbe’s range of hosts or ecological niches, and enhance the production of novel metabolites with unexpected biological activity.
The review illustrates the need for national and international laws and regulations governing the release of GMMs to operationalize the precautionary principle to protect human health and the environment. Policies must guard against uncontrolled results created from the random nature of experiments conducted in schools, unanticipated consequences from the commercial release of GMMs, and the accidental escape of GMMs used in industry. It is possible that a GMM originating from any number of countries could contribute to increased microbial pathogenicity or harm and spread rapidly throughout the world. The authors propose a decision-based biosafety workflow emphasizing pre-release risk assessment and continuous post-release monitoring.
With best wishes,
Third World Network
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GENETICALLY MODIFIED MICROORGANISMS: RISKS AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS FOR HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
by Aaron Lerner et al.
Microorganisms 2026, 14(2), 467
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14020467
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/14/2/467
14 February 2026
Abstract
Advances in affordable genetic engineering have accelerated the creation and large-scale environmental release of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs). While beneficial applications exist, GMMs may present unique, long-term risks to human and environmental health. Unlike static chemicals, GMMs are biologically active, self-replicating entities capable of rapid mutation and global dispersal. Current regulatory frameworks place responsibility on each country to regulate GMMs, without a clear, coordinated international policy. This review details critical risk scenarios, including horizontal gene transfer to native species and the possible disruption of vital human microbiomes (gut, oral, and infant), which could increase resistance to degradation, promote traits that expand a microbe’s range of hosts or ecological niches, and enhance the production of novel metabolites with unexpected biological activity. In soil, GMMs may support the emergence of “super bugs” or destabilize carbon sequestration cycles, potentially impacting climate resilience. Engineered microbial enzymes in the food supply may also act as environmental drivers of autoimmunity. Given the limited understanding of microbial ecology, we propose a decision-based biosafety workflow emphasizing pre-release risk assessment and continuous post-release monitoring. We urge national and international regulators to adopt the precautionary principle to better protect human health and the environment from the potential negative outcomes of GMMs.