Scientists from the South Korean biotechnology company ToolGen have succeeded in breeding two dogs. beagle breed By the process of cloning genetically modified skin cells using the CRISPR technique. Although dog breeding using this technique has been done before by Chinese scientists, this this is the first time editing has been performed in cloned cellsinstead of fertilized eggs.
The use of this technique was aimed at eliminating genetic mutations normally found in pedigree dogs that cause diseases through inbreeding. The idea is that the eventual genetic changes found in the DNA structure of animals can be eliminated without changes in other traits, such as in the regulation of egg genes.
Veterinarian Okjae Koo, principal investigator of the study, said: problems of inbreedingSpaniards with brains larger than their skulls and boxers with epilepsy.
How were two beagles cloned?
To clone beagle pups, Okjae and his team used the tool CRISPR-Cas9 to edit genes in the skin that were genetically modified to mutate a gene called DJ-1, which is associated with diseases such as Parkinson’s. Repression of the protein combined with the addition of several genes, including a green fluorescent protein to facilitate detection of regulated cells.
After editing, the cells were placed next to the eggs. DNA previously withdrawn. Short electrical pulses were then used to melt the organic material. Thus, 68 embryos were created, which were implanted into six different mothers, resulting in two offspring. At 22 months of age, dogs show no abnormalities, but DJ-1-related diseases appear later in life.
Two beagles, Tiangou and Hercules, have more muscle mass than their unedited counterparts. The team continues to use the technique to create more “brothers” for the duo. Although these dogs are bred for medical research, some US companies, such as ViaGen, offer clones of deceased pets. price of R$50k (R$262k) per dog.
ARTICLE – BMC Biotechnology – DOI: 10.1186/s12896-022-00749-3.
Source: Tec Mundo
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