Innovative Genetic Editing in Pigs: A Solution for PRRS Immunity
Groundbreaking Genetic Editing Project
A significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology has emerged from a project focused on pig genome editing. Researchers at Genus have successfully modified pig embryos to eliminate a receptor essential for the entry of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus. The absence of this receptor effectively renders the pigs immune to this disease, a major concern in swine farming.
Effectiveness Against PRRS Virus
According to Matt Culbertson, the Chief Operating Officer of the Pig Improvement Company—a subsidiary of Genus—the modified pigs demonstrate immunity to over 99% of known PRRS virus strains. However, there exists a rare subtype that might still pose a risk of infection.
Scientific Parallels and Ethical Considerations
The technique used in this project bears resemblance to the controversial CRISPR experiment conducted in China in 2018, where scientist He Jiankui edited the genes of twin girls to confer resistance to HIV. While the ethical implications of human genetic editing have sparked extensive debate, the use of such technology in animals like pigs presents fewer concerns. The economic benefits of creating disease-resistant livestock are substantial, particularly given the financial losses attributed to PRRS, which are estimated to exceed $300 million annually in the United States alone.
The Global Context of Pig Farming
Pigs play a crucial role in global food systems, particularly as a source of animal protein. A recent report highlights that pigs contribute to 34% of total meat consumption worldwide. Of approximately one billion pigs globally, nearly half are located in China, with the United States having around 80 million.
Contemporary Discussions on Genetic Modification
Recent news surrounding genetically modified animals has garnered attention, though some initiatives have been viewed as speculative or whimsical. For instance, a company named Colossal Biosciences has claimed to use gene editing to emulate an extinct species, the dire wolf, while another project in Los Angeles aims to create glow-in-the-dark rabbits and even a unicorn-like horse.
