Advancements in Genetic Engineering
Open Access

Genesis of Genetically Modified Animals in Medical Research

Charles Marco^{* *}Correspondence: Charles Marco, Department of Biotechnology, Karary University, Omdurman, Sudan, Email:

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Description

Genetically modified animals have emerged as powerful tools in the field of medical research, revolutionizing our understanding of diseases, drug development, and therapies. By introducing specific genetic alterations into animals, scientists can mimic human diseases, study their progression, and test potential treatments more effectively. This article explores the fascinating world of genetically modified animals and their indispensable role in advancing medical science.

The concept of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has been around for decades, but the first genetically modified animals came into existence in the early 1980s. The advent of recombinant DNA technology enabled scientists to manipulate the genetic makeup of animals, paving the way for groundbreaking research.

Methods of genetic modification

Genetically modified animals can be created using various techniques, including:

Transgenesis: Involves introducing foreign Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (often a specific gene of interest) into an animal's genome. This process results in the expression of the foreign gene in the animal's cells.

Knockout and knock-in mice: These techniques involve deleting or inserting specific genes to study their function. Knockout mice lack a particular gene, allowing researchers to investigate the gene's role in health and disease. Conversely, knock-in mice have foreign genes inserted into their genome.

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9: The revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables precise gene editing in animals. Scientists can modify genes with remarkable accuracy, making it a powerful tool for creating genetically modified animals.

Applications in medical research

Genetically modified animals have a wide range of applications in medical research:

Disease modeling: Researchers can create animal models that replicate human diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. These models enable scientists to better understand disease mechanisms, test potential therapies, and study disease progression.

Organ transplantation: Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs from genetically modified animals into humans, holds promise for addressing the shortage of donor organs. Pigs, for example, can be genetically engineered to produce organs compatible with the human immune system.

Vaccine development: Genetically modified animals can be used to produce vaccines and therapeutic proteins. For instance, goats can be engineered to produce proteins used in medical treatments.

Regulation and oversight

The use of genetically modified animals in medical research raises ethical concerns, including animal welfare and potential ecological impacts if modified organisms were to escape into the wild. Researchers and regulatory bodies must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the humane treatment of animals and minimize environmental risks. Many countries have established regulatory frameworks to oversee the creation and use of genetically modified animals in research. These regulations aim to ensure ethical standards are met, safety is maintained, and potential risks are minimized.

Conclusion

Genetically modified animals have transformed the landscape of medical research. They offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of diseases, drug development, and therapies that were once unimaginable. While ethical concerns exist, the strict regulation and oversight of genetically modified animals in research are crucial in balancing the potential benefits with ethical considerations. As technology continues to advance, genetically modified animals will remain an indispensable tool in the pursuit of breakthroughs in medical science, ultimately leading to improved treatments and a healthier future for humanity.