Current Approaches and Applications in Avian Genome Editing

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Animal Biotechnology
• Avian Biology

Background:

• Genome-editing technologies and animal genome sequencing are crucial for developing genetically edited (GE) livestock models.
• Avian genome editing is of significant interest due to birds' importance in biology and agriculture.
• The primordial germ cell (PGC)-mediated method is the primary approach for avian genome editing, as pronuclear injection is impractical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of avian genome editing technologies.
• To discuss the scientific and industrial applications of GE avian species.

Main Methods:

• Primordial germ cell (PGC)-mediated genome editing involves in vitro genetic modification of PGCs followed by injection into recipient embryos.
• A novel adenovirus-mediated method allows direct injection into avian blastoderms, bypassing in vitro PGC manipulation.
• Generation of germ-line chimeras and GE offspring through direct adenovirus injection into freshly laid eggs.

Main Results:

• GE quail have been successfully generated using the adenovirus-mediated method.
• This new method eliminates the need for technically demanding in vitro PGC procedures.
• The direct injection approach facilitates efficient production of GE avian offspring.

Conclusions:

• The development of new avian genome editing approaches, such as the adenovirus-mediated method, is accelerating avian research.
• GE avian species hold significant potential for advancing biological research, biomedical applications, and agricultural industries.
• Continued progress in avian genome editing promises rapid advancements across various scientific fields.