Scientists use genes from microorganism to create mouse
Scientists have successfully used genes from microorganisms to create a mouse, a breakthrough that could lead to new avenues for genetic research and therapy. The study, published in the journal Nature, reveals that the researchers used genes from a microorganism called Caenorhabditis elegans to create a mouse with the same genetic makeup as the microorganism.
The team, led by Dr. Jennifer Doudna, a geneticist at the University of California, Berkeley, used a process called gene editing to modify the mouse’s DNA by inserting genes from the microorganism into the mouse’s genome. The goal was to create a mouse that would have the same genetic traits as the microorganism, such as its ability to survive on minimal food and its ability to resist certain diseases.
The researchers used a type of gene editing called CRISPR-Cas9 to make the genetic changes. CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool that allows scientists to edit genes with precision and accuracy. The team used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to make specific changes to the mouse’s DNA, inserting the genes from the microorganism into the mouse’s genome.
The resulting mouse had the same genetic traits as the microorganism, including its ability to survive on minimal food and its ability to resist certain diseases. The study found that the mouse was also able to pass on the genetic traits to its offspring, demonstrating that the changes made to the mouse’s DNA were heritable.
The study has significant implications for genetic research and therapy. It could lead to new ways of treating genetic diseases, such as genetic disorders that are caused by mutations in specific genes. It could also lead to new avenues for genetic research, such as the ability to study the genetic makeup of microorganisms and their role in human health and disease.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the University of California, Berkeley.