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RAPID COMMUNICATION: Generation of FGF5 knockout sheep via the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Journal of Animal Science
|July 21, 2017
Summary
Scientists created gene-edited sheep by knocking out the FGF5 gene, resulting in significantly longer wool. This breakthrough offers a faster method for genetic improvement in sheep breeding and boosts the wool industry.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Sheep are vital for fiber production, with wool length being a key quality trait.
- Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) regulates hair cycle anagen phase, inhibiting wool growth.
- Conventional breeding methods struggle with efficient genetic improvement for wool traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of FGF5 in sheep wool growth.
- To develop gene-edited sheep with enhanced wool length using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
- To assess the feasibility of FGF5 knockout for improving wool production.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 1-step CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate FGF5 knockout sheep.
- Performed sequencing analysis to confirm germline mutations and identify deletion types (5, 13, 33 bp).
- Analyzed FGF5 protein structure, mRNA expression levels, and wool length phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Confirmed successful germline mutations in FGF5 in all 3 founder sheep.
- Observed dysfunctional FGF5 protein due to gene deletions.
- Found significantly longer wool in FGF5 knockout sheep compared to wild types.
- Noted decreased intact mRNA expression in heterozygous individuals.
Conclusions:
- FGF5 knockout sheep exhibit a significantly longer wool phenotype.
- This gene-editing approach provides an efficient strategy for rapid genetic improvement in sheep breeding.
- The study supports the development of the wool industry through advanced genetic technologies.
