Fluorescent Cats For Finding Cure for HIV And AID'S
As reported in ‘Nature Methods Techniques for Life Scientists and Chemists Eric Poeschla, American scientist working at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesotta has successfully created three fluorescent genetically modified (GM) cats.
To create these felines, he preferred the genetic modification method over the regular cloning process because the former is much simpler, yet more efficient. Cloning would require a larger number of animals, and it would be costlier as well.
The GM method involves the insertion of a specific gene called GFP (green fluorescent protein) into the eggs of a domestic cat using a virus for transport. Once the GFP is placed successfully in the egg, the ensuing baby cat (kitten) is born fluorescent in color. It is hoped that the GM cats would help scientists find a cure for HIV and AIDS virus.
The GFP gene was first discovered in the jelly fish. This gene produces proteins that throw fluorescent light when illuminated with specific frequencies of light. The discovery, isolation and development of the GFP was awarded with Nobel prize in 2008 in the chemistry category.
Why Cats and Not Mice?
When this research paper was presented the first question that popped up was, Why cats and not mice, as it is normally used for experiments for cures that are meant for human consumption? The reason why cats were chose for this particular research is that these carnivorous mammals are among the few animals susceptible to a virus that is very similar to HIV. In cats, this virus is called feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV. According to Professors Bruce Whitelaw and Helen Sang, University of Edinburgh, the application of the new technology suggested in this paper is to develop the use of genetically-modified cats for the study of FIV, providing valuable information for the study of AIDS.;
When this research paper was presented the first question that popped up was, Why cats and not mice, as it is normally used for experiments for cures that are meant for human consumption? The reason why cats were chose for this particular research is that these carnivorous mammals are among the few animals susceptible to a virus that is very similar to HIV. In cats, this virus is called feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV. According to Professors Bruce Whitelaw and Helen Sang, University of Edinburgh, The application of the new technology suggested in this paper is to develop the use of genetically-modified cats for the study of FIV, providing valuable information for the study of AIDS.
Read more > Posted on: June 2nd, 2011
