May 5, 2023

 

WSU researchers use CRISPR to produce gene-edited swine

 

Washington State University, with approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has produced gene-edited swine using a tool called CRISPR, the first time a US federal agency has authorised a university to conduct this type of research, KNKX reported.

 

Washington State University, with approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has produced gene-edited swine using a tool called CRISPR, the first time a US federal agency has authorised a university to conduct this type of research, KNKX reported.

 

The traditional process of selective breeding can take years, while the new CRISPR method can accelerate the process. In traditional breeding, one male passes along specific genetic traits to its offspring. This can limit the number of offspring with desirable traits.

 

With CRISPR, WSU researchers can make more males who can pass along these traits by snipping out a male fertility gene to make the swine temporarily sterile. For this research, led by Jon Oatley, a professor of molecular biosciences at WSU, the scientists then take the stem cells from the main breeding swine and put them into the sterile pigs, allowing them to produce the same sperm as the boar.

 

The FDA approved five swine from WSU for gene editing, but their offspring haven’t received approval yet. WSU is also studying CRISPR gene editing on cattle and sheep, and a goat study wrapped up last year.

 

Charles Long is a CRISPR researcher at Texas A&M University. He was not a part of Oatley's research. He called the project "cutting edge."

He said the rate at which they can make genetic progress using these new technologies of gene editing and genome engineering is vastly superior to the old, traditional way.

 

He also stated that the FDA's current approval process is stifling research. Long believes that the USDA should regulate this type of research, noting that the USDA already regulates gene-edited plants.

 

Lydia Garas, a biologist at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington, agrees that the process should move more quickly.

 

Gene-editing may come across as sinister to some people. But Garas said that it is more ethical than traditional breeding, in which bad traits can be passed down.

 

Aside from the five pigs in Washington, the US FDA has approved two gene-edited cattle from a Minnesota-based company. Researchers altered their DNA to make them more tolerant of hot weather.

 

The FDA's approval was limited to five pigs at WSU. Their offspring are not gene edited and have not yet been approved.

 

-      KNKX