MONKEY EMBRYOS GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOR FIRST TIME
PA News
Donnerstag, 23. Dezember 1999 19:57:00
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By John von Radowitz, Science Correspondent, PA News
Scientists have for the first time genetically modified monkey embryos, it was
reported today.
A method widely used in human infertility clinics was employed to insert DNA
from a glowing jellyfish into rhesus monkey eggs.
The DNA encoded a gene for a glowing green protein. Within two days almost
half the monkey embryos displayed a green glow, showing they had taken up the
genetic material.
Seven of the genetically modified embryos were implanted into female rhesus
monkeys, one of which later gave birth to a male offspring.
The scientists from Oregon Health Sciences University's primate research
centre in Portland, USA, have not yet detected signs of the foreign gene in the
infant monkey, called George.
But his birth may ultimately lead to the production of genetically modified
monkeys for research into human diseases.
A spokeswoman for Oregon Health Sciences University said: "As far as we know
this is the first time transgenic monkey embryos have been produced. But just
because this research involves monkeys it certainly does not mean we want to
extend it to genetically engineered humans."
The technique employed is known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Usually it is used to help couples have children by directly injecting sperm
cells into unfertilised eggs.
In the Oregon experiment, the jellyfish genes were attached to the outside of
monkey sperm which was then ICSI injected.
The research was reported today in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction.
Currently, genetically modified mice are the workhorses for investigations
into the molecular basis of diseases such as Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis,
diabetes and muscular dystrophy.
But many scientists believe mice are not ideal for researching human disorders
and a convenient monkey model is urgently needed.
Recently experimental gene therapy trials in humans resulted in the death of a
patient at the University of Pennsylvania.
Professor Gerald Schatten, from the Oregon Health Sciences University School
of Medicine, said: "This tragedy underscores the urgency of obtaining non-human
primate models before testing begins on some desperately ill patients.
"While gene therapy promises cures for devastating diseases, the protocols
for using it and even its safety are not yet perfected. Non-human primate models
are the best way to learn the benefits and risks of gene therapy."