Scientists in the USA have created hypoallergenic beagles
Kindred Companion Sciences scientists have created two beagles using CRISPR genome editing technology that do not produce the main allergen of dogs. This was reported on August 5 by The Guardian newspaper.
Researchers have modified the gene responsible for the production of the protein Can f1, which is considered the main allergen of dogs. According to their data, this protein is not produced in animals on which the technology has been applied.
Matt Walker, a geneticist and CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, who has been allergic to dogs since childhood, said that he has been living with one of the modified dogs for more than a year and has not experienced any allergic reactions during that time.
According to the scientist, CRISPR technology allows you to make point changes to the genome and get the desired result without waiting for the accidental occurrence of the desired mutation.
At the same time, experts note that the new approach does not yet guarantee the complete elimination of allergies. Jeff SoRell, a pathologist at the Texas Southwestern University Medical Center, explained that many people react not only to Can f1, but also to other dog allergens that were not studied in the study.
Kindred Companion Sciences reported that it is still a long way from commercial use of such technology for animals. Scientists will continue to monitor the condition of beagles throughout their lives to confirm the safety of genetic editing for the health and development of dogs.
On March 25, Medical Xpress magazine published the results of researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who found that living with a dog does not worsen the long-term severity of asthma in children with allergic asthmatic disease, but may slightly increase the risk of asthma exacerbations.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
