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The molecular manipulation of milk composition
A J Clark1, S Ali, A L Archibald
1AFRC Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Edinburgh Research Station, Scotland.
Genome
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Transgenic sheep can produce valuable proteins in milk. Researchers successfully expressed human factor IX in sheep mammary glands, demonstrating potential for biopharmaceutical production.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Animal Science
Background:
- Gene transfer in mice is routine, but challenging in farm animals.
- Transgenic animals offer potential for genetic improvement and biopharmaceutical production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of transgenic animals for producing high-value proteins in milk.
- To assess the efficacy of sheep beta-lactoglobulin regulatory sequences for mammary gland expression.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a fusion gene using sheep beta-lactoglobulin sequences and human factor IX.
- Introduced the fusion gene into sheep via gene transfer.
- Analyzed protein expression and secretion in the mammary gland and milk.
Main Results:
- Sheep beta-lactoglobulin DNA sequences mediated efficient and specific expression in the mammary gland.
- The fusion gene was successfully expressed in the mammary gland of transgenic sheep.
- Antihemophilic human factor IX was secreted into the milk of transgenic sheep.
Conclusions:
- Transgenic sheep can be utilized as bioreactors for producing therapeutic proteins.
- Mammary gland-specific expression is achievable using regulatory elements from milk protein genes.