Current progress of genome editing in livestock

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Genetics

Background:

• Historically, producing genetically engineered (GE) livestock was challenging, often relying on inefficient somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) with associated birth defects.
• The development of genome editing tools such as Zinc-Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENS), and the CRISPR-Cas9 system has overcome many of these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of genome editing techniques for livestock.
• To highlight examples of GE livestock models developed for agricultural and biomedical purposes.

Main Methods:

• Review of genome editing technologies including ZFNs, TALENS, and CRISPR-Cas9.
• Discussion of DNA repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homology directed repair (HDR).
• Analysis of direct embryo injection as an alternative to SCNT.

Main Results:

• Genome editing tools significantly reduce the time and effort required to create GE livestock.
• Direct injection into embryos bypasses SCNT-related side effects, improving safety and efficiency.
• These technologies have greatly enhanced the generation of GE livestock for diverse applications.

Conclusions:

• Genome editing has revolutionized GE livestock production, improving efficiency and enabling precise genetic modifications.
• Further improvements in safety and consistency are needed for widespread application.
• GE livestock models hold significant promise for both agricultural and biomedical advancements.