Topics and Trends in Most Cited Animal Genetics and Reproduction Papers

Ranked by citations 18 months after publication

Class of 2026 (Papers Published in 2024)

What topics and trends defined most-cited Animal Genetics and Reproduction research in the Class of 2026?

Research in animal genetics and reproduction is led by genomic selection and single-cell transcriptomics alongside targeted CRISPR modifications. Cohort trends show rapid growth in genomic breeding tools, reproductive maternal factors, and multi-gene xenotransplantation models, while generalized gene-editing tool validations have given way to applied trait modification.

See details ↓

Updated July 22, 2026

At a glance

Field
Animal Genetics and Reproduction
Cohort label
Class of 2026 (2024 publications)
Papers analyzed
2,658
Papers ranked
20
Top topics in ranked papers
Genomic selection, CRISPR-Cas9, single-cell RNA sequencing, xenotransplantation, reproductive factors
Publication window
Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
Eligibility
Research articles; reviews excluded
Citation window
18 months post-publication
18m citation range
17–118
Data source
OpenAlex · Retrieved Jul 2026
License
CC BY 4.0

Rankings

20 papers ranked by 18-month citation count

#1 of 2,658
11818m citations

A compendium of genetic regulatory effects across pig tissues

Jinyan Teng, Yahui Gao, Hongwei Yin, Zhonghao Bai, Shuli Liu, Haonan Zeng et al.Nature Genetics202410.1038/s41588-023-01585-7

Zhe Zhang, Albert Tenesa, George E. LiuSouth China Agricultural University, China

FarmGTEx projectPigGTExgenotype imputation panelexpression quantitative trait loci (eQTL)whole genome sequencingRNA sequencingtissue specificity of regulatory effectsMulti-omics data integrationtranscriptomic phenotypescomplex phenotype mapping in pigsGene regulatory variantslivestock genetic resourcepig as human biomedical modelcomparative genomicsmolecular quantitative trait loci (molQTL)Genotype-phenotype associationAnimal breeding genomicsGenetic regulatory mechanismscomparative gene regulation (pig vs human)complex trait genetics
Badge
#2 of 2,658
5918m citations

Hagfish genome elucidates vertebrate whole-genome duplication events and their evolutionary consequences

Daqi Yu, Yandong Ren, Masahiro Uesaka, Alan J S Beavan, Matthieu Muffato et al.Nature Ecology & Evolution202410.1038/s41559-023-02299-z

Fergal J. Martin, Wen Wang, Philip C. J. Donoghue, Yong E. Zhang, Juan Pascual‐AnayaInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

whole-genome duplication2R event1R eventEptatretus burgericyclostomesgnathostomesgenome-wide syntenyphylogenetic analysisvertebrate stem-lineagegnathostome stem-lineagecyclostome genome triplicationregulatory genome evolutionmorphospace analysesancestral vertebrate genomeCambrian-Ordovician timingdevelopmental evolutionmorphological diversificationbodyplan complexity
Badge
#3 of 2,658
5518m citations

A conserved fertilization complex bridges sperm and egg in vertebrates

Victoria E Deneke et al.Cell202410.1016/j.cell.2024.09.035

Victoria E. Deneke, Andrea PauliResearch Institute of Molecular Pathology, Austria

Tmem81Izumo1Spaca6BouncerJUNOAlphaFold-Multimer screentrimeric sperm complexsperm-egg bindingsperm-egg fusionzebrafish fertilizationmouse fertilitymale fertilityconserved fertilization complexvertebrate reproductionegg fertilization factorprotein-protein interactioncross-species conservationspecies-specific egg proteins
Badge
#4 of 2,658
4018m citations

Pig-to-human kidney xenotransplants using genetically modified minipigs

Yi Wang et al.Cell Reports Medicine202410.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101744

Yi Wang, Yong WangHainan Medical University, China

pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantationgenetically modified minipigsGGTA1 knockoutβ4GalNT2 knockoutCMAH knockoutCD55 transgeneTHBD (thrombomodulin) transgenebrain-dead human recipientsCD40-CD154 pathway blockadeT cell-mediated rejectionantibody-mediated rejectionNK cell infiltrationmacrophage infiltrationPorcine cytomegalovirusviral reactivationrenal function restorationxenograft biopsiesimmunopathological changes
Badge
#5 of 2,658
3418m citations

Genome engineering with Cas9 and AAV repair templates generates frequent concatemeric insertions of viral vectors

Fabian P Suchy, Daiki Karigane, Ravindra Majeti, Hiromitsu Nakauchi et al.Nature Biotechnology202410.1038/s41587-024-02171-w

Fabian P. Suchy, Ravindra Majeti, Hiromitsu NakauchiStanford University, United States

Cas9AAV repair templatesGenome editingConcatemeric insertionsviral vectorsadeno-associated virushomology-directed repairCRISPR-Cas9template integrationoff-target integrationAAV genome integrationchromosomal insertionrepair template design
Badge
#6 of 2,658
3118m citations

A spontaneously immortalized muscle stem cell line (EfMS) from brown-marbled grouper for cell-cultured fish meat production

Ting Xue et al.Communications Biology202410.1038/s42003-024-07400-1

Changhu Xue, Huarong GuoOcean University of China, China

EfMS cell lineEpinephelus fuscoguttatusspontaneously immortalized cell linefish muscle stem cellscell-cultured fish meatmyogenesis potentialtaurinefish muscle extract substitutemyogenic differentiationadipogenic trans-differentiation3D microcarriersscaffold-free cultured meatflavory amino acids2D and 3D culture systemsgenetic stability over 50 passages
Badge
#7 of 2,658
2518m citations

Genome-wide variation study and inter-tissue communication analysis unveil regulatory mechanisms of egg-laying performance in chickens

Dandan Wang et al.Nature Communications202410.1038/s41467-024-50809-9

Hong Li, Yiqiang Zhao, Xiangtao Kang, Xiaojun LiuHenan Agricultural University, China

egg-laying performanceMulti-omics data integrationmulti-tissue analysisTFPI2CAMK2DOSTNGnRH secretionhypothalamic neuron cellsFSHβLHβpituitary cellsgranulosa cell proliferationsex steroid hormonesinter-tissue crosstalkAPOA4ANGPTL2hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axishepatokineadipokineGenome-wide variation
Badge
#8 of 2,658
2518m citations

Telomere-to-telomere assemblies of cattle and sheep Y-chromosomes uncover divergent structure and gene content

Temitayo A Olagunju et al.Nature Communications202410.1038/s41467-024-52384-5

Brenda M. Murdoch, Timothy P. L. SmithUniversity of Idaho, United States

Telomere-to-telomere assemblyY chromosomecattle Y chromosomesheep Y chromosomepseudo-autosomal regionampliconic regiongenic amplificationpseudogenizationcentromere structuresex-determining chromosomeAnimal breeding genomicssire-driven genetic improvementchromosome length disparityReference genomeY chromosome evolution
Badge
#9 of 2,658
2418m citations

Genomics‐informed captive breeding can reduce inbreeding depression and the genetic load in zoo populations

Samuel A Speak et al.Molecular Ecology Resources202410.1111/1755-0998.13967

Samuel A. Speak, Cock van OosterhoutUniversity of East Anglia, United Kingdom

Nesoenas mayerigenetic loadinbreeding depressionzoo populationscaptive breedingmutation-impact scoresGallus gallusin silico crossingsrealized loadgenomics-informed conservationmate pair optimizationeffective population sizeGenome-wide variationharmful genetic variantsthreatened species restoration
Badge
#10 of 2,658
2318m citations

Insights into left-right asymmetric development of chicken ovary at the single-cell level

Tao Wang et al.Journal of genetics and genomics/Journal of Genetics and Genomics202410.1016/j.jgg.2024.08.002

Diyan Li, Zhuanjian LiChengdu University, China

left-right asymmetric ovarian developmentchicken (Gallus gallus) embryonic ovarySingle-cell RNA sequencingcortex cellszygotene germ cellspre-granulosa cellsmeiotic transcriptome clusteringgerm cell meiosis stagesdifferential gene expression analysiscell type-specific marker genesintercellular signaling pathwayspre-granulosa-germ cell communicationspatial transcriptomicssecreted signaling moleculesleft ovary functional dominanceright ovary regressionembryonic staginggonadal cell type atlasavian reproductive asymmetrysingle-cell RNA sequencing of gonads
Badge
#11 of 2,658
2218m citations

Advancing fish breeding in aquaculture through genome functional annotation

Ian A. Johnston et al.Aquaculture202410.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.740589

Ian A. Johnston, Daniel J. MacqueenXelect Ltd, United Kingdom

AQUA-FAANGfunctional genomicsgenome functional annotationaquaculture breedingaquaculture speciesEuropean aquaculturechromatin statesregulatory elementstranscribed regionsEnsembl genome browserCausative genetic variantdisease resistancegenomic selectionimmunological stimulationGenotype-phenotype associationReference genomegenetic gainrobustness to infectionselective breeding
Badge
#12 of 2,658
2118m citations

Genetic etiological spectrum of sperm morphological abnormalities

Manvi Arora et al.Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics202410.1007/s10815-024-03274-8

Singh RajenderCSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, India

Teratozoospermiagenetic etiologymale infertility geneticssperm head defectssperm tail defectsacrosome abnormalitiesflagellar defectsglobozoospermiamacrocephalyasthenoteratozoospermiamonogenic causescandidate gene variantsspermatogenesis defectsgenetic diagnosis
Badge
#13 of 2,658
2118m citations

Development and validation of animal variant classification guidelines to objectively evaluate genetic variant pathogenicity in domestic animals

Fréderique Boeykens et al.Frontiers in Veterinary Science202410.3389/fvets.2024.1497817

Bart J. G. BroeckxGhent University, Belgium

Animal variant classification guidelinesgenetic variant pathogenicitydomestic animalsMendelian disordersACMG guidelinesvariant classification criteriain silico variant effect predictor toolsdisease-associated variantsDNA test validitybreeding decisionsbenchmarking datasetspathogenic variant classificationcatspopulation-level genetic assessmentindividual-level genetic assessmentstandardized pathogenicity criteriareproducibility validation
Badge
#14 of 2,658
1918m citations

Integrative 3D genomics with multi-omics analysis and functional validation of genetic regulatory mechanisms of abdominal fat deposition in chickens

Linyong Shen, Xue Bai, Liru Zhao et al.Nature Communications202410.1038/s41467-024-53692-6

Hui Li, Hui ZhangNortheast Agricultural University, China

Fat depositionGallus gallusdivergent selection linesGWAS3D genomicschromatin interaction networkepigenomicstranscriptomicsrs734209466allele-specific enhancerIGFBP2IGFBP5IRF4transcription factor bindingpreadipocyte differentiationpreadipocyte proliferationpoultry breedingmolecular targets for selective breedingGenetic regulatory mechanismsHi-C
Badge
#15 of 2,658
1918m citations

<i>Nr5a2</i> is dispensable for zygotic genome activation but essential for morula development

Michel Cohen-Tannoudji, Pablo Navarro et al.Science202410.1126/science.adg7325

Nicola Festuccia, Michel Cohen‐Tannoudji, Pablo NavarroInstitut Pasteur, France

Nr5a2zygotic genome activationmorula developmentearly embryogenesisblastocyst lineage specificationNr5a2 knockout embryoseight-cell stagemitotic failurechromosome segregation defectslineage-specifying transcription factorstelomere maintenanceDNA repairgenome stabilitymouse embryo modelsearly morula arrest
Badge
#16 of 2,658
1718m citations

Pretransplant Screening for Prevention of Hyperacute Graft Loss in Pig-to-primate Kidney Xenotransplantation

Yu Hisadome et al.Transplantation202410.1097/tp.0000000000004958

Kazuhiko YamadaThe Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, United States

pig-to-primate kidney xenotransplantationhyperacute rejectionacute humoral xenograft rejectionpreformed antipig natural antibodiescomplement-dependent cytotoxicityIgG-mediated rejectionIgM bindingGalTKO pig donorshuman complement regulatory protein transgenic pigstriple-KO multi-transgenic 10GE pigspig-to-baboon transplantationpretransplant screening algorithmsantibody binding flow-cytometry assaysrecipient screening thresholdsxenograft recipient selection
Badge
#19 of 2,658
1718m citations

Protein profiling of zebrafish embryos unmasks regulatory layers during early embryogenesis

Gabriel da Silva Pescador et al.Cell Reports202410.1016/j.celrep.2024.114769

Ariel BazziniStowers Institute for Medical Research, United States

maternal-to-zygotic transitionzebrafish embryosprotein profilingquantitative mass spectrometrytranscriptomicstranslatomicsprotein degradationzygotic gene expressionmaternal mRNA degradationmRNA translationpure zygotic genesCRISPR-Cas13dznf281bmaternal factorsearly embryogenesisprotein-RNA dynamicspost-fertilization development
Badge
#20 of 2,658
1718m citations

Stable germline transgenesis using the <i>Minos</i> Tc1/ <i>mariner</i> element in the sea urchin <i>Lytechinus pictus</i>

Elliot W Jackson et al.Development202410.1242/dev.202991

Elliot W JacksonUniversity of California San Diego, United States

Lytechinus pictusMinos transposonTc1/mariner elementgermline transgenesisechinodermTol2piggyBacnon-autonomous transpositionpolyubiquitin promoterH2B-mCeruleanmetamorphosisF0 animalsF1 progenytransgene inheritanceGermline integration
Badge

Dominant research themes and year-over-year shifts in Animal Genetics and Reproduction

What Topics Define the Class of 2026?

The Class of 2026 in Animal Genetics and Reproduction reflects a decisive shift toward high-resolution genomic tools and targeted gene-editing technologies aimed at improving livestock breeding, reproductive efficiency, and biomedical applications. Leading the cohort, genomic selection and whole-genome sequencing serve as foundational methodologies, enabling precise genotype-to-phenotype associations for economically important traits such as growth performance, disease resistance, and reproductive longevity. Simultaneously, single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling provide granular insights into cellular heterogeneity within reproductive tissues, particularly focusing on granulosa cell proliferation, follicle selection, and theca cell signaling. In parallel, gene-editing paradigms centered around CRISPR-Cas9 systems form a dominant thematic pillar. Beyond traditional agricultural enhancement, research extensively explores genetically modified animal models for xenotransplantation, featuring targeted knockouts—such as GGTA1, CMAH, and β4GalNT2—and human transgene integration (CD55, THBD) to minimize hyperacute rejection. Reproductive biology also features prominently, with studies decoding maternal factors, maternal-to-zygotic transition mechanisms, and zygotic genome activation during early embryogenesis. Together, these thematic clusters highlight an integrative research ecosystem bridging agricultural biotechnology, developmental reproductive biology, and translational medicine.

Leading research themes
Leading research themes

How Did Topics Shift from the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2026?

Comparing topic distributions between the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2026 reveals significant evolutionary shifts in animal genetics and reproductive research. The most prominent rise is seen in genomic selection, which jumped from zero mentions in the previous cohort's top tier to become the leading concept in 2024 (+0.08 normalized frequency difference). Similarly, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping and maternal factors exhibited notable expansion (+0.06 frequency gain), reflecting an increased focus on fine-mapping functional variants and understanding early developmental programming in livestock and model species. Conversely, foundational method-level terms such as broad CRISPR-Cas9 evaluation experienced a relative frequency decline (-0.12 frequency difference, dropping from 9 top-tier publications to 3). Rather than indicating waning interest, this shift signifies a maturation of gene-editing technologies: basic tool validation has given way to highly specific downstream applications. This maturation is evidenced by the surge in specialized xenotransplantation knockout constructs—including GGTA1, CMAH, and β4GalNT2 knockouts alongside CD55 and THBD transgene integration—and targeted reproductive studies examining maternal-to-zygotic transitions and zygotic genome activation. Ultimately, the field has transitioned from broad methodology development toward targeted genomic breeding and complex multi-gene editing applications.

How topics shifted year over year
How topics shifted year over year
Methodology

PRI identifies high-impact research using a transparent, topic-agnostic framework applied consistently across scientific domains. Bibliographic records are drawn from OpenAlex, including publication dates, citation relationships, and document types.

This ranking covers the Class of 2026 cohort: journal articles published in 2024. Reviews and other non-article document types are excluded to ensure comparability.

Research impact is quantified with an 18-month post-publication citation window—the number of citing works published within 18 months of each paper's publication date. This metric captures early impact while controlling for publication age.

An LLM-based relevance classifier then reviews each candidate's title and abstract to confirm substantive alignment with the target domain. Only papers classified as relevant appear in the final ranking.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459

Full methodologyGitHubbioRxiv preprint

Cite this ranking

Pepkio Research Index (PRI). Topics and Trends in Most Cited Animal Genetics and Reproduction Papers, Class of 2026. https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/animal-genetics-and-reproduction/2026. Accessed 2026-07-22.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459