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The current version is satisfactory and can be accepted for publication.
[# PeerJ Staff Note - this decision was reviewed and approved by Vladimir Uversky, a PeerJ Section Editor covering this Section #]
1. The title should avoid abbreviations; therefore, use the full form of KGF-2 in the title.
2. Since the authors primarily focus on the production of keratinocyte growth factor-2 in Arabidopsis thaliana and do not discuss other plant hosts, the words "plant systems" in the title is misleading. The authors could revise the title to: "Research progress and strategies for the biosynthesis of keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) in Arabidopsis thaliana".
3. In the abstract, replace "A. thaliana" with "Arabidopsis thaliana".
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There are several issues to address in the comments from the reviewers.
The manuscript highlights a significant area of research with promising applications in both cosmetics and therapeutic fields. The synthesis of current knowledge on KGF-2 and the use of plant bioreactors offers a strong foundation for future work. The thorough review covers cytokine expression, plant bioreactors, and transdermal delivery systems in detail.
The paper presents a novel synthesis of knowledge on the use of molecular agriculture for producing KGF-2 in plant systems, a promising direction for natural hair care products. While the novelty is clear, the authors could emphasize more explicitly how this approach compares with other biotechnological strategies, particularly in industrial applications.
The review could benefit from greater focus on the limitations of plant-based expression systems, including the challenges of protein purification and environmental variability. Several references are outdated, and including more recent studies would enhance the manuscript’s relevance and timeliness. There are minor typographical issues that should be addressed to ensure the professionalism of the text.
The arguments are well-developed and supported by relevant studies. However, more attention could be given to explaining the specific advantages of Arabidopsis as an expression system for the fusion protein TDP1-KGF-2, particularly in comparison to other plant systems. A more explicit comparison between the use of Arabidopsis and other plant bioreactors would add depth to the analysis.
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Please, check the attached pdf.
Significance of the Study
How does this study address the current gaps in research on Neocinnamomum mitogenomes, and to what extent does it contribute to advancing molecular breeding, genetic resource conservation, and biodiesel production?
Methodology and Sequencing Techniques
Were the Illumina and Nanopore sequencing methods adequately validated for assembling the Neocinnamomum delavayi mitogenome, and how were potential sequencing biases addressed?
Comparative Genomic Analysis
The study highlights significant gene rearrangements and low collinearity between species. Could the authors provide insights into the evolutionary pressures or mechanisms driving these rearrangements?
Phylogenetic Contradictions
The phylogenetic classification of Neocinnamomum into six clades contradicts previous studies. How robust are these results, and what implications do they have for the understanding of this genus's evolutionary history?
Genomic Features and Functional Insights
The study identifies a high number of RNA editing sites and mutation events, including positively selected genes. What are the potential functional implications of these findings for biodiesel production or adaptation in Neocinnamomum?
Future Applications
Given the findings of this research, what specific strategies can be proposed for leveraging Neocinnamomum as a biodiesel feedstock, and how could the mitogenomic insights facilitate these strategies in practice?
The paper titled Research progress and strategies for the 1 biosynthesis of KGF-2 in plant systems in peer j is suggested to Possible Rejection Reasons for the Research Manuscript on Biosynthesis of KGF-2 in Plant Systems Insufficient Novelty or Originality
The study may lack significant innovation or originality in the context of existing research on KGF-2 production in plant systems, offering only incremental advancements over previously established methods.
Weak Methodological Design
Experimental approaches might be poorly designed, inadequately described, or lack critical controls, making the results unreliable or difficult to replicate.
Data Quality and Analysis Issues
Insufficient or low-quality data, lack of statistical rigor, or incomplete data analysis might undermine the validity of the conclusions drawn in the study.
Limited Relevance or Scope
The manuscript may fail to demonstrate the practical or scientific relevance of biosynthesizing KGF-2 in plant systems, particularly in comparison to alternative production platforms (e.g., microbial or animal cell systems).
Lack of Validation
The study might not include adequate functional or biochemical validation of the synthesized KGF-2, such as demonstrating its biological activity or therapeutic potential.
Incomplete Discussion of Challenges
The manuscript may inadequately address challenges specific to plant-based biosynthesis, such as scalability, glycosylation mismatches, or potential safety concerns in downstream applications.
Insufficient Comparison with Established Systems
A lack of comparison with other production platforms (e.g., E. coli, yeast, mammalian systems) could make it difficult to assess the advantages or disadvantages of plant systems for KGF-2 biosynthesis.
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The manuscript addresses an important topic regarding the biosynthesis of KGF-2 in plant systems, particularly its potential for applications in skin health and hair growth. The discussion of fusion protein strategies and plant transformation techniques is informative. However, the review lacks sufficient references to support key claims, weakening its credibility. More details on the challenges faced in producing KGF-2, such as low yield and protein processing, would improve the depth of the discussion. Additionally, a comparative analysis with other expression systems like bacteria or mammalian cells would provide a more balanced perspective. The manuscript could benefit from a more detailed exploration of post-translational modifications in plant systems. Expanding on the practical applications and commercial potential of plant-derived KGF-2 in industries like cosmetics would also add value. Addressing these points will enhance the manuscript’s comprehensiveness and impact.
The manuscript provides a solid overview of KGF-2 biosynthesis in plant systems, but it would benefit from the inclusion of figures and tables to better illustrate key points, such as the fusion protein strategies and transformation techniques. These visuals would enhance the logical flow and make the concepts easier to grasp. Additionally, a detailed diagram or pathway of the KGF-2 biosynthesis process in plants would add significant value to the review. This would help readers understand the molecular steps involved and the potential modifications required for efficient production. Including these elements would strengthen the manuscript and support its claims more effectively
Scientific Basis: The review should clearly reference established literature, experimental studies, and peer-reviewed data to ensure that the claims made are grounded in credible research. If the study uses a plant system for KGF-2 biosynthesis, citing relevant works and comparing with alternative systems (e.g., bacterial or mammalian cultures) will strengthen its scientific foundation.
Experimental Evidence: The review would be more robust if it discussed specific experimental studies showing the successful expression of KGF-2 in plant systems. Details on the techniques used, such as transformation protocols or yield data, should be provided to validate the claims.
Reproducibility: The review should mention if the findings in the discussed studies have been consistently reproducible. This is crucial for establishing the reliability of plant-based KGF-2 biosynthesis as a feasible approach.
Pathway Analysis: The inclusion of KGF-2 biosynthesis pathways and post-translational modifications in plants would provide insights into the underlying biological processes. This would further validate the potential of plant systems for large-scale production of KGF-2.
Addressing Limitations: Validity can also be assessed by examining whether the study adequately addresses challenges, such as low yield or lack of proper post-translational modifications in plant systems. Acknowledging limitations helps in evaluating the feasibility of the approach in real-world applications.
Peer Review and Citations: Ensuring that the study references reliable and peer-reviewed studies will establish credibility and enhance the validity of the findings. Any experimental data or pathways discussed should be traceable to solid primary research.
The manuscript provides a solid overview of KGF-2 biosynthesis in plants but would benefit from several revisions. Major revisions include incorporating figures and tables to illustrate key concepts, such as the biosynthesis pathway and fusion protein strategies. A detailed pathway of KGF-2 biosynthesis in plants should be added. Additionally, the review should better address the limitations of plant-based systems, particularly regarding yield and post-translational modifications. Including specific experimental examples or case studies would strengthen the practical application of the findings. Finally, a more in-depth discussion of future directions and commercialization potential is recommended.
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Major revision
1. In this review, the authors spent much space to discuss the function of KGF-2, but not biosynthesis of KGF-2 including in different hosts.
2. It has to describe the expression system of TP1 and KGF-2 fusion in detail.
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