Genetically modified animal

Jaenisch 2003 by Sam Ogden

Genetically Modified Animals are organisms from the animal kingdom whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. These modifications are made to introduce new traits or characteristics that do not occur naturally in the species, such as resistance to diseases, enhanced growth rates, and the production of novel proteins. This technology has applications in research, agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Overview

The process of creating a genetically modified (GM) animal involves the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes in the animal's genome using recombinant DNA technology. The most common methods include microinjection of DNA into the nucleus of a fertilized egg, retroviral vectors, and more recently, CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies. Once the genetic modification is made, the egg is implanted into a surrogate mother and carried to term.

Applications

Research

In research, GM animals serve as models for studying human diseases, genetic disorders, and drug development. The most widely used GM animals in research are mice, known as transgenic mice, which have been engineered to carry diseases that mimic human conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Agriculture

In agriculture, GM animals are developed to improve food production and quality. This includes creating animals with enhanced growth rates, disease resistance, and the ability to thrive in harsh environmental conditions. Examples include transgenic salmon that grow faster than their wild counterparts and dairy cows modified to produce milk with altered compositions.

Medicine

GM animals also play a crucial role in medicine, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and the development of gene therapies. For instance, goats, rabbits, and chickens have been genetically modified to produce proteins and antibodies in their milk or eggs, which are used in the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cancer.

Industry

In the industrial sector, GM animals can be engineered for the production of materials with specific properties, such as spider silk produced by goats' milk for use in medical sutures and bulletproof vests.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

The creation and use of GM animals raise ethical, environmental, and health concerns. Ethical debates focus on animal welfare, the potential for genetic pollution, and the long-term impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Regulatory bodies around the world, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the European Union, have established guidelines for the development, assessment, and approval of GM animals to address these concerns.

See Also

• Genetic Engineering
• Transgenic Organisms
• CRISPR
• Biotechnology