Genetically Modified ‘Super Pigs’ Meat Could Hit UK Supermarket Shelves Within Next Five Years

Genetically modified meat from ‘super pigs’ could become available in UK supermarkets within the next five years, as experts signed a deal to breed disease-resistant animals.

Scientists at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh will work with genetics firm Genus to produce these super pigs that are resistant to a respiratory disease called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). The disease is one of the costliest animal diseases that could cost around $ 2.5 billion each year.

(Photo: Pixabay)
Genetically Modified ‘Super Pigs’ Meat Could Hit UK Supermarket Shelves Within Next Five Years

Genetically modified meat from disease resistant super pigs

The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh has already created pigs resistant to PRRS disease by modifying their genes, Daily mail reported. They hope the new licensing agreement could help make these super pigs available to global pork production markets.

Although there is no specific date yet, the team is hoping it could be available for UK supermarkets within five years. The deal came 25 years after the institute made history by cloning the sheep Dolly, which today opened the doors to the gene editing industry.

The team’s breakthrough came by removing the small section of the gene that encodes the receptor where the virus would attach but leaves the rest of the molecule intact. They aim to produce generations of super pigs with this specific DNA change. Meanwhile, Genus is working to submit the required studies to the FDA, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2003.

Genetically modified animals have been banned from the food chain in Europe, but regulations do not specify whether this also applies to genetically modified animals. Unlike gene editing, genetic modification of an organism involves introducing genes from other species into an animal.

Genus will sell the genetically modified trait to as many people as possible to help reduce the spread of the virus. But before genetically modified meat can hit the shelves, it will undergo quality testing on several generations of genetically modified pigs.

READ ALSO: Scientists Who Cloned Dolly the Sheep Create Potential Coronavirus Cure Using Immune Cells

Dolly the Sheep paved the way for cell reprogramming

The birth of Dolly the sheep was a turning point in science. Before her, it was not known whether it was possible to reprogram the cells.

Stem cell biologist Robin Lovell-Badge said Dolle the Sheep is proof that the nucleus of an adult cell contains all the DNA needed to produce another animal.

“Dolly was the first example of taking an adult cell and obtaining an adult,” Lovell-Badge said, quoted by American scientist. “It meant you could reprogram an adult cell nucleus at an embryonic stage.”

It was made from breast cells and named after famous singer Dolly Parton, known for her voice and big breasts. According to The New York Times, Dolly the sheep died on February 14, 2003, at the age of six, from a pulmonary infection common in isolated animals deprived of access to the outdoors. Scientists said her death may not have been due to the fact that she was a cloned animal.

RELATED ARTICLE: Everything You Need to Know About Gene Editing

Find more news and information about gene editing in Science Times.

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