Gene-edited chickens resist bird flu

In the UK, scientists from the University of Edinburgh and Imperial College London will use gene-editing tools to modify the DNA of chickens to make them resistant to avian influenza viruses. Changes in the genetic code would protect most people from infections that could be devastating to farms and businesses.

published in scientific journal nature communicationsStudies have confirmed that genetically modified galinhas showed no behavioral changes and maintained good health indicators. This opens the way for potential future use of this strategy on commercial farms.

Avian Flu Challenge

In fact, “avian influenza poses a significant threat to bird populations,” Mike McGrew, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh and lead author of the study, said in a report.

To protect your animals, some possible strategies are the use of vaccines. However, experts explain that “vaccination involves a series of challenges, including practical problems and significant costs associated with the distribution of immunizers.” To put this into perspective, in Brazil alone, 259 million gallons were in storage last year. Therefore, simpler strategies are needed.

Among them, some genetic modifications can increase resistance to viruses or other pathogens. McGrew added: “Gene editing offers a promising route to permanently combating diseases that can be transmitted to the next generation, protecting birds, and reducing risks to humans and wild birds.”

galinhas gene editing test

It is known that before this future becomes a reality, extensive testing will be needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new methods involving the use of CRISPR gene libraries.

In the first phase of the research, scientists will alter the segment of DNA responsible for producing the ANP32A protein. If infected with avian influenza or a virus, this molecule is used in its multiplication process. This way, the idea is that if the hole is removed, you become immune.

Our actual testing is because galinhas are exposed to low concentrations of infectious agents. Therefore, 9 out of 10 birds will not contract the disease or spread the pathogen to others. However, when the concentration of the virus increases, only 5 out of 10 gallons are resistant. Still, the gene editing succeeded in reducing the level of disease transmission to other birds on the farm.

The next challenge in the fight against avian influenza

Although preliminary results were positive, researchers understood the need to increase immunity levels in animals. So the new proposal is to edit the segment of DNA responsible for producing three proteins: ANP32A, ANP32B and ANP32E.

We tested it in the laboratory (in vitro) and the growth of the virus was blocked successfully in cells that had been edited with three genes. Now, the next step is to edit the image and observe how these new modifications change the level of protection against avian influenza.

It is worth noting that Brazil has experienced more than 120 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) this year. These included two chickens considered subsistence (chickens not raised for commercial production) that were infected, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAP). Now very quickly, new solutions will become necessary.

Source: Nature Communications and University of Edinburgh