Genetically Engineered Animals and Public Health
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Gene Use Restriction Technologies for Transgenic Plant Bioconfinement
Plant Biotechnology Journal (2013) 11, pp. 649–658 doi: 10.1111/pbi.12084 Review article Gene use restriction technologies for transgenic plant bioconfinement Yi Sang, Reginald J. Millwood and C. Neal Stewart Jr* Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA Received 1 February 2013; Summary revised 3 April 2013; The advances of modern plant technologies, especially genetically modified crops, are considered accepted 9 April 2013. to be a substantial benefit to agriculture and society. However, so-called transgene escape *Correspondence (fax 1-865-974-6487; remains and is of environmental and regulatory concern. Genetic use restriction technologies email [email protected]) (GURTs) provide a possible solution to prevent transgene dispersal. Although GURTs were originally developed as a way for intellectual property protection (IPP), we believe their maximum benefit could be in the prevention of gene flow, that is, bioconfinement. This review describes the underlying signal transduction and components necessary to implement any GURT system. Keywords: transgenic plants, Furthermore, we review the similarities and differences between IPP- and bioconfinement- transgene escape, male sterility, oriented GURTs, discuss the GURTs’ design for impeding transgene escape and summarize embryo sterility, transgene deletion, recent advances. Lastly, we go beyond the state of the science to speculate on regulatory and gene flow. ecological effects of implementing GURTs for bioconfinement. Introduction proposed (Daniell, 2002; Gressel, 1999; Moon et al., 2011), including strategies for male sterility (Mariani et al., 1990), Transgenic crops have become an integral part of modern maternal inheritance (Daniell et al., 1998; Iamtham and Day, agriculture and have been increasingly adopted worldwide (James, 2000; Ruf et al., 2001), transgenic mitigation (Al-Ahmad et al., 2011). -
Xenotransplantation and the Harm Principle
A peer-reviewed electronic journal published by the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies ISSN 1541-0099 16(1) – June 2007 Xenotransplantation and the harm principle: Factoring out foreseen risk An Ravelingien, PhD Research Assistant, Department of Philosophy, Ghent University ([email protected] ) http://jetpress.org/v16/ravelingien.html Abstract Xenotransplantation – the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of live cells, tissues or organs from a nonhuman animal source into humans – has been suggested as the most imminent strategy to alleviate the shortage of human grafts. The pursuit of this technology is nonetheless restricted by an unquantifiable risk that the use of animal grafts will unleash new zoonoses that may affect the public at large. This paper is concerned with what the proper response to this public health threat should be. We will demonstrate that the regulatory measures taken to prevent secondary infections currently do not warrant full-blown protection of public health. That reality forces us to reconsider the extent to which the public should be guaranteed protection from a xenotransplant-related health hazard. In pondering that question, we will suggest that the permissibility of health hazards posed by emerging (bio)technologies is dependent on the perception that the benefits are both substantive and attainable and on the duty to account for foreseeable risks. In that sense, there is both good and bad news for the acceptability of xenotransplantation. An increased understanding of the infectious agents that are known to pose a health risk, relates the man-made health threat to risks that have a natural origin. 1 The risk of a xenogeneic pandemic On 18 January 2006, 90,628 patients were enlisted on waiting lists for an organ transplant across the US (OPTN 2006). -
Actant Stories and the Australian Xenotransplantation Network
Constructing and Fracturing Alliances: Actant Stories and the Australian Xenotransplantation Network Copyright - Neil Leslie, Wellcome Images; reproduced with permission Peta S. Cook BPhoto; BSocSc (Sociol.) (hons.) Humanities Research Program Queensland University of Technology Submitted in full requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2008 “The XWP [Xenotransplantation Working Party] agree that, in retrospect, a sociologist would have been a useful addition to the group to help understand these issues” (Xenotransplantation Working Party 2004: 14, emphasis added). - i - Keywords sociology; xenotransplantation; transplantation; allotransplantation; actor-network theory; science and technology studies; public understanding of science (PUS); critical public understanding of science (critical PUS); scientific knowledge; public consultation; risk; animals - ii - Abstract Xenotransplantation (XTP; animal-to-human transplantation) is a controversial technology of contemporary scientific, medical, ethical and social debate in Australia and internationally. The complexities of XTP encompass immunology, immunosuppression, physiology, technology (genetic engineering and cloning), microbiology, and animal/human relations. As a result of these controversies, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia, formed the Xenotransplantation Working Party (XWP) in 2001. The XWP was designed to advise the NHMRC on XTP, if and how it should proceed in Australia, and to provide draft regulatory guidelines. During the period -
Bt Corn Produc
STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY BOARD OF PESTICIDES CONTROL 28 STATE HOUSE STATION UGUSTA AINE PAUL R. LEPAGE A , M 04333 WALTER E. WHITCOMB GOVERNOR COMMISSIONER To: Board of Pesticides Control Members From: Mary Tomlinson, Pesticides Registrar/Water Quality Specialist RE: Bt Corn Products with Pending Maine Registration Status Date: July 19, 2017 ****************************************************************************** Monsanto Company and Dow AgroSciences LLC have requested registration of several new Bt corn products. The new active ingredient (unique identifier 87411-9) is a dsRNA transcript comprising a DvSnf7 inverted repeat sequence which matches that from the Western corn rootworm. dsRNA transcript comprising a DvSnf7 inverted repeat sequence derived from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, and the genetic material necessary for its production (vector PV-ZMIR10871) in MON 87411 corn (OECD Unique Identifier MON-87411-9)………………………..≤ 0.00000044%* MON 87411 also contains CP4 EPSPS protein (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) and the genetic material (vector PV-ZMIR10871) necessary for its production in corn event MON 87411…...≤ 0.036%*. The EPSPS protein confers tolerance to glyphosate. Products designed for the propagation of commercial seed have no spatial refuge which is typical of these types of products. SmartStax PRO Enlist requires a 5% non-Bt corn refuge, unless used for seed propagation, and SmartStax PRO Enlist Refuge Advanced contains a 5% interspersed refuge. The 2015 EPA Registration Decision (RED) and USDA Draft Environmental Assessment for Mon 87411 are attached for your review. The question posed to the Board is, are these products substantially different from currently registered Bt corn products? If so, what further review is recommended? The labels for the products under consideration are attached for your review. -
Transgenic Animals
IQP-43-DSA-4208 IQP-43-DSA-6270 TRANSGENIC ANIMALS An Interactive Qualifying Project Report Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science By: _________________________ _________________________ William Caproni Erik Dahlinghaus August 24, 2012 APPROVED: _________________________ Prof. David S. Adams, PhD WPI Project Advisor ABSTRACT A transgenic animal contains genes not native to its species. The use of these animals in research and medicine has dramatically increased our understanding of genetics and disease modeling. This IQP aims to provide an overview of the technical development and applications of transgenic animals, as well as the ethical, legal, and societal ramifications of creating these animals. Finally, this IQP will draw conclusions from the research performed and the information gathered. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Signature Page …………………………………………..…………………………….. 1 Abstract …………………………………………………..……………………………. 2 Table of Contents ………………………………………..…………………………….. 3 Project Objective ……………………………………….....…………………………… 4 Chapter-1: Transgenic Animal Technology …….……….…………………………… 5 Chapter-2: Applications of Transgenics in Animals …………..…………………….. 19 Chapter-3: Transgenic Ethics ………………………………………………………... 32 Chapter-4: Transgenic Legalities ……………………..………………………………. 43 Project Conclusions...…………………………………..….…………………………… 53 3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES The objective of this project was to research and present a multifaceted view of transgenics, including the technology itself and its effects on mankind. Chapter one offers an overview of the different methods for creating and testing transgenic animals. Chapter two provides information on how the different types of transgenic animals are used, and how they affect our daily lives. Chapter three presents the many ethical issues surrounding this controversial technology, and its impact on society. Chapter four describes the legal issues regarding this emerging technology and the patenting of life. -
Xenogeneic and Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases: Genetic Engineering of Porcine Cells and Their Applications in Heart Regeneration
International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Xenogeneic and Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases: Genetic Engineering of Porcine Cells and Their Applications in Heart Regeneration Anne-Marie Galow 1,* , Tom Goldammer 1,2 and Andreas Hoeflich 1 1 Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; [email protected] (T.G.); hoefl[email protected] (A.H.) 2 Molecular Biology and Fish Genetics Unit, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-38208-68-723 Received: 18 November 2020; Accepted: 15 December 2020; Published: 18 December 2020 Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases represent a major health concern worldwide with few therapy options for ischemic injuries due to the limited regeneration potential of affected cardiomyocytes. Innovative cell replacement approaches could facilitate efficient regenerative therapy. However, despite extensive attempts to expand primary human cells in vitro, present technological limitations and the lack of human donors have so far prevented their broad clinical use. Cell xenotransplantation might provide an ethically acceptable unlimited source for cell replacement therapies and bridge the gap between waiting recipients and available donors. Pigs are considered the most suitable candidates as a source for xenogeneic cells and tissues due to their anatomical and physiological similarities with humans. The potential of porcine cells in the field of stem cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine is under intensive investigation. This review outlines the current progress and highlights the most promising approaches in xenogeneic cell therapy with a focus on the cardiovascular system. Keywords: cell transplantation; myocardial infarction; mesenchymal stem cells; graft rejection; triple knockout pigs; genome editing; iPSCs; CRISPR/Cas 1. -
Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation and Assessment of Factors Influencing Transgene Expression in Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda L.)
Cell Research (2001); 11(3):237-243 http://www.cell-research.com Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and assessment of factors influencing transgene expression in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) TANG WEI* North Carolina State University, 2900 Ligon St., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA ABSTRACT This investigation reports a protocol for transfer and expression of foreign chimeric genes in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Transformation was achieved by co-cultivation of mature zygotic embryos with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 which harbored a binary vector (pBI121) including genes for b-glucuronidase (GUS) and neomycin phosphotransferase (NPTII). Factors influencing transgene expres- sion including seed sources of loblolly pine, concentration of bacteria, and the wounding procedures of target explants were investigated. The expression of foreign gene was confirmed by the ability of mature zygotic embryos to produce calli in the presence of kanamycin, by histochemical assays of GUS activity, by PCR analysis, and by Southern blot. The successful expression of the GUS gene in different families of loblolly pine suggests that this transformation system is probably useful for the production of the genetically modified conifers. Key words: Pinus taeda L., Agrobacterium tumefaciens, gene transfer, gene expression. INTRODUCTION Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has Recombinant DNA technology is a powerful tool been the favored method for introduction of foreign for the introduction of foreign genes into long-lived genes into plants. Compared to the particle bom- perennials and for fundamental studies of gene bardment protocol, Agrobacterium is a much more expression. Using such techniques, we can overcome efficient transformation tool in compatible plant the difficulties associated with the breeding of a long- species. -
How Genetic Engineering Differs from Conventional Breeding Hybridization
GENETIC ENGINEERING IS NOT AN EXTENSION OF CONVENTIONAL PLANT BREEDING; How genetic engineering differs from conventional breeding, hybridization, wide crosses and horizontal gene transfer by Michael K. Hansen, Ph.D. Research Associate Consumer Policy Institute/Consumers Union January, 2000 Genetic engineering is not just an extension of conventional breeding. In fact, it differs profoundly. As a general rule, conventional breeding develops new plant varieties by the process of selection, and seeks to achieve expression of genetic material which is already present within a species. (There are exceptions, which include species hybridization, wide crosses and horizontal gene transfer, but they are limited, and do not change the overall conclusion, as discussed later.) Conventional breeding employs processes that occur in nature, such as sexual and asexual reproduction. The product of conventional breeding emphasizes certain characteristics. However these characteristics are not new for the species. The characteristics have been present for millenia within the genetic potential of the species. Genetic engineering works primarily through insertion of genetic material, although gene insertion must also be followed up by selection. This insertion process does not occur in nature. A gene “gun”, a bacterial “truck” or a chemical or electrical treatment inserts the genetic material into the host plant cell and then, with the help of genetic elements in the construct, this genetic material inserts itself into the chromosomes of the host plant. Engineers must also insert a “promoter” gene from a virus as part of the package, to make the inserted gene express itself. This process alone, involving a gene gun or a comparable technique, and a promoter, is profoundly different from conventional breeding, even if the primary goal is only to insert genetic material from the same species. -
Transgene Integration Into the Same Chromosome Location Can Produce Alleles That Express at a Predictable Level, Or Alleles That Are Differentially Silenced
Downloaded from genesdev.cshlp.org on October 4, 2021 - Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Transgene integration into the same chromosome location can produce alleles that express at a predictable level, or alleles that are differentially silenced Christopher D. Day, Elsa Lee,1 Janell Kobayashi,2 Lynn D. Holappa,3 Henrik Albert,4 and David W. Ow5 Plant Gene Expression Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California 94710, USA In an effort to control the variability of transgene expression in plants, we used Cre-lox mediated recombination to insert a gus reporter gene precisely and reproducibly into different target loci. Each integrant line chosen for analysis harbors a single copy of the transgene at the designated target site. At any given target site, nearly half of the insertions give a full spatial pattern of transgene expression. The absolute level of expression, however, showed target site dependency that varied up to 10-fold. This substantiates the view that the chromosome position can affect the level of gene expression. An unexpected finding was that nearly half of the insertions at any given target site failed to give a full spatial pattern of transgene expression. These partial patterns of expression appear to be attributable to gene silencing, as low gus expression correlates with DNA methylation and low transcription. The methylation is specific for the newly integrated DNA. Methylation changes are not found outside of the newly inserted DNA. Both the full and the partial expression states are meiotically heritable. The silencing of the introduced transgenes may be a stochastic event that occurs during transformation. -
Biological Confinement of Genetically Engineered Organisms
Carlson, J. 2005. Biological dimensions of the GMO issue. In, proc. of conf. on restoration of American chestnut to forest lands, Steiner, K.C. and J.E. Carlson (eds.). BIOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF THE GMO ISSUE John Carlson School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA ([email protected]) Abstract: Genetic engineering is opening new opportunities in tree improvement, including access to novel genes for disease resistance. American chestnut is one of the tree species for which genetic transformation has been reported. Thus restoration of American chestnut could benefit from the genetic engineering technology, should suitable genes for blight resistance be identified. However, questions regarding the efficacy and safety of genetic engineering with trees, and other perennial plant species, have been raised including the stability of integration and expression of foreign genes, long term effects on non-target species, transgene dispersal through seed and pollen, etc. Many of these concerns could be alleviated if reliable approaches were available for the confinement of transgenes. The National Research Council assembled a committee of twelve researchers from various disciplines to evaluate the measures for biological confinement of transgenes. This paper will summarize the committee’s findings regarding the unique concerns that arise in the application of GE to trees, and the potential that exists for applying bioconfinement methods with GE trees. Keywords: National Academies; genetic engineering; trees; biological confinement; transgenes INTRODUCTION The ability to apply GE to plant improvement extends beyond annual crops to woody perennial plants including forest trees (reviewed by Pena and Seguin 2001) and fruit and nut trees (reviewed by Trifonova and Atanassov 1996) such as American chestnut (Conners et al, 2002a,b). -
Visualization of in Vivo Electroporation-Mediated Transgene Expression in Experimental Tumors by Optical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Gene Therapy (2009) 16, 830–839 & 2009 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved 0969-7128/09 $32.00 www.nature.com/gt ORIGINAL ARTICLE Visualization of in vivo electroporation-mediated transgene expression in experimental tumors by optical and magnetic resonance imaging W Aung1,3, S Hasegawa1,3, M Koshikawa-Yano1, T Obata2, H Ikehira2, T Furukawa1, I Aoki2 and T Saga1 1Diagnostic Imaging Group, Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan and 2Biophysics Group, Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan In vivo electroporation (EP) is an efficient method for plasmid showed lower signal intensity on in vitro T2-weighted effective gene transfer and is highly expected for application cellular MRI and quantitatively increased the transverse in anticancer gene therapy. Non-invasive monitoring of relaxation rate (1/T2) compared with control cells. After gene transfer/expression is critical for optimal gene therapy. conducting in vivo EP in an experimental tumor, the plasmid- Here we report in vivo optical and high-field magnetic injected region showed both fluorescent emissions in optical resonance imaging (MRI) of EP-mediated transgene expres- imaging and detectably lowered signal on T2-weighted MRI. sion in a tumor model. Initially, we observed spatio-temporal The correlative immunohistological findings confirmed that change in in vivo EP-mediated transgene expression by both the reporter transgenes were co-expressed in this optical imaging using red fluorescence protein (RFP) as a region. Thus, our strategy provides a platform for evaluating reporter gene. Next, we constructed a dual-reporter plasmid EP-mediated cancer gene therapy easily and safely without carrying a gene-encoding MRI reporter ferritin heavy chain administering contrast agent or substrate. -
Standardized Genetic Transformation Protocol for Chrysanthemum Cv
G C A T T A C G G C A T genes Article Standardized Genetic Transformation Protocol for Chrysanthemum cv. ‘Jinba’ with TERMINAL FLOWER 1 Homolog CmTFL1a Saba Haider 1 , Yaohui Gao 2 and Yike Gao 1,* 1 National Flower Engineering Research Centre, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, College of Landscape Architecture of Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; [email protected] 2 Architectural Institute, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Alding Street No.7, Kundulun District, Baotou 014010, China; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-138-0102-1804 Received: 29 May 2020; Accepted: 22 July 2020; Published: 28 July 2020 Abstract: Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium Ramat.) cultivar Jinba is a distinctive short-day chrysanthemum that can be exploited as a model organism for studying the molecular mechanism of flowering. The commercial value of Jinba can be increased in global flower markets by developing its proper regeneration and genetic transformation system. By addressing typical problems associated with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in chrysanthemum, that is, low transformation efficiency and high cultivar specificity, we designed an efficient, stable transformation system. Here, we identify the features that significantly affect the genetic transformation of Jinba and standardize its transformation protocol by using CmTFL1a as a transgene. The appropriate concentrations of various antibiotics (kanamycin, meropenem and carbenicillin) and growth regulators (6-BA, 2,4-D and NAA) for the genetic transformation were determined to check their effects on in vitro plant regeneration from leaf segments of Jinba; thus, the transformation protocol was standardized through Agrobacterium tumefaciens (EHA105).