Original Research Articles

Full-length manuscripts presenting novel findings supported by comprehensive experimental data. Research articles should provide sufficient methodological detail for reproducibility and include appropriate statistical analysis. While there is no strict word limit, authors should present findings concisely. Typical research articles range from 4,000 to 8,000 words excluding references and figure legends.

Review Articles

Comprehensive reviews synthesizing current knowledge on significant topics in genetic engineering. Reviews should provide critical analysis rather than simple literature surveys. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are particularly welcome. Prospective review authors are encouraged to contact the editorial office with a brief proposal before full submission. Reviews typically range from 6,000 to 12,000 words.

Short Communications

Brief reports presenting significant preliminary findings, novel methodologies, or results of particular timeliness. Short communications are limited to 3,000 words with a maximum of 4 figures or tables and follow an expedited review process. This format is suitable for technical notes, negative results of significance, and confirmatory studies.

Perspectives and Commentaries

Opinion pieces addressing controversies, emerging trends, or significant developments in genetic engineering research. These submissions are subject to editorial review and should present well-reasoned arguments supported by appropriate citations. Perspectives typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 words.

General Formatting Requirements

Manuscripts should be prepared in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or LaTeX format. Use a standard font (Times New Roman, Arial, or similar) in 12-point size with double-spacing throughout. Number all pages consecutively and include continuous line numbering to facilitate review. Margins should be at least 2.5 cm on all sides. American or British English spelling may be used consistently throughout.

Title Page

The title page should include the manuscript title (concise and informative, avoiding abbreviations), full names of all authors with institutional affiliations, corresponding author contact information including email address, a running title of no more than 50 characters, word count for the main text, and the number of figures and tables. Authors should also include 3-6 keywords for indexing purposes.

Abstract

Research articles require a structured abstract of 250-300 words organized into Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions sections. Review articles may use an unstructured abstract of similar length. Short communications require an unstructured abstract of 150-200 words. The abstract should stand alone without references or undefined abbreviations.

Introduction

The introduction should provide sufficient background to orient readers who are not specialists in the specific area, clearly state the research question or hypothesis, and briefly outline the experimental approach. Avoid extensive literature review; cite only the most relevant prior work.

Materials and Methods

Provide sufficient detail for reproducibility by qualified researchers. For established methods, cite the original reference and note any modifications. Describe novel methods in full detail. Include information on reagent sources, equipment specifications, and software versions. Statistical methods should be described with sufficient detail. Ethics statements for human and animal research must be included. For CRISPR experiments, provide full guide RNA sequences and editing efficiency data.

Results

Present findings objectively without interpretation. Organize results logically using subheadings where appropriate. Refer to all figures and tables in the text. Avoid excessive numerical precision; report values to appropriate significant figures. Include appropriate statistical measures such as confidence intervals, p-values, and effect sizes.

Discussion

Interpret results in the context of existing literature. Discuss the significance and implications of findings for genetic engineering applications. Address limitations of the study honestly. Avoid repeating results; instead, focus on their meaning and importance. Conclude with clear statements of the main findings and their broader implications for the field.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledge individuals who provided assistance but do not meet authorship criteria. Specify the nature of each individuals contribution. Funding sources should be listed separately in a Funding Statement.

JGE uses the Vancouver reference style with numbered citations in the order of appearance in the text. References should be cited as superscript numbers. List all authors when there are six or fewer; for seven or more authors, list the first six followed by et al. Include complete article titles. Journal names should be abbreviated according to Index Medicus standards. Include DOIs where available.

Figure Requirements

Figures should be submitted as separate files in TIFF, EPS, or high-resolution PDF format. Minimum resolution is 300 dpi for photographs and 600 dpi for line art. Figures should be sized appropriately for publication width (single column: 8.5 cm; double column: 17 cm). Use consistent fonts and line weights across all figures. Color figures are published at no additional charge.

Figure Legends

Provide a brief title for each figure followed by a description sufficient for understanding without reference to the text. Define all symbols, abbreviations, and scale bars. Legends should be compiled at the end of the manuscript file.

Table Requirements

Tables should be created using the table function in Word, not as images. Each table requires a concise title placed above it. Use footnotes rather than lengthy explanatory text within cells. Define all abbreviations in footnotes.

Research Ethics

Research involving human subjects must have received approval from an appropriate institutional review board or ethics committee, with the approval number stated in the Methods section. Studies should comply with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent must have been obtained from all human subjects.

Animal research must comply with institutional and national guidelines for ethical treatment. Include the institutional approval number and confirm that ARRIVE guidelines were followed. For genetic modification of organisms, confirm compliance with relevant biosafety regulations.

Authorship and Contributions

All authors must meet ICMJE criteria for authorship. Author contribution statements are required and should specify each authors role using CRediT taxonomy.

Conflicts of Interest

All authors must disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest. If no conflicts exist, authors should state The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data Availability

JGE requires a data availability statement for all research articles. Sequence data must be deposited in GenBank, EMBL, or DDBJ with accession numbers provided. Plasmid constructs should be deposited with Addgene where appropriate.

Manuscripts may be submitted through our ManuscriptZone online portal or using the simple submission form. The submission process requires the manuscript file, separate figure files, supplementary materials, a cover letter, and suggested reviewers (optional but appreciated).

The cover letter should describe the significance of the work for genetic engineering, confirm originality and ethical compliance, disclose any related submissions or publications, and identify the corresponding author.

JGE uses double-blind peer review. Submissions are first evaluated by the editorial office for scope and completeness, then assigned to an associate editor who coordinates review by typically two or three experts. Authors typically receive initial decisions within 21 days. Possible outcomes include acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection.

Upon acceptance, manuscripts enter production where they undergo copyediting, typesetting, and proofreading. Authors receive proofs for final approval prior to publication. Accepted articles are published online within 5-7 business days and assigned Digital Object Identifiers.

Supplementary Materials

Authors may submit supplementary files including additional figures, tables, datasets, videos, and extended methodological descriptions. Supplementary materials undergo editorial review but not peer review. Files should be clearly labeled and referenced in the main text. Large datasets should be deposited in appropriate repositories with accession numbers provided.

Revisions

Authors receiving revision requests should respond within the timeframe specified in the decision letter. Include a detailed point-by-point response to reviewer comments explaining changes made or providing justification for unchanged elements. Highlight or track changes in the revised manuscript to facilitate re-review.

Questions about manuscript preparation should be directed to the editorial office. We are committed to supporting authors throughout the publication process.