If you’re looking for this week’s science news, chances are the headlines are very different from what preceded these letters. NASA releases preliminary data from analysis of 250 grams of extraterrestrial dust Brought to this planet. It has been confirmed once again that rogue rocks around the universe contain elements necessary to sustain life.
However, There’s still a lot of work to be done Until peer-reviewed scientific publications are produced that are worthy of being communicated as established science. While we wait, I’d rather spend the time you’re reading on a more realistic and contrasting subject, featuring chickens and the flu.
At this point in the century, in the wake of some relevant viral events, The existence of avian influenza is well known.. In refreshing knowledge, I can tell you that this disease – also known as avian influenza – occurs primarily in birds and is caused by the type A avian influenza virus. Curiously, the disease has been reported in more than 100 different species of wild birds. All over the world.
Although very unique to birds, There are important cases of jumping to humans. In fact, people infected with the avian influenza virus can suffer from illnesses ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe pneumonia, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even death.
at present, The risk of avian influenza spreading from birds to humans is low, although it exists. It all depends on mutations emerging, first causing a jump and then spreading from person to person. In other words, we must be prepared for this scenario. vaccine?
In this sense, this week’s magazine nature communications echoes an interesting work in which they address this problem from another angle. The scientist who wrote this article departed from the vaccine strategy, Concentrate efforts to eliminate the spread of the virus from the sourcenamely in chickens.
The strategy involves using genetically modified chickens to produce Popular CRISPR/Cas9 Technology. In this case, some “tweaking” was done to the ANP32A gene. I think it is important to tell you that this gene contains the instructions for the production of essential proteins during viral infection in chickens.
Gene editing of ANP32A mimics cut and paste in word processing programs such as Word, preventing most genetically modified birds from becoming infected. In fact, 9 out of 10 animals do not develop the disease.
achieved great success?
In science, there are always nuances to certainty.The research team decided Twisting experiments and exposing genetically modified chickens at extremely high doses of the virus. In other words, they did a decisive experiment, a counter-hypothesis control. Infections then emerged in genetically “modified” birds.
At the time, the team of scientists pursued several strategies. between them, Complete elimination of ANP32A protein, this thing was not entirely successful either. When animals are exposed to high doses of the virus, they continue to become infected.
Those of us working in biomedicine have learned all too well that when we close one door, several windows open.According to published data, when the relevant genes are completely deleted, the virus selects Use other similar genes to escape the blockade and continue the infection process.
It was then that more complete elimination was chosen, including not only ANP32A but also its close relatives ANP32B and ANP32E.In this extreme case, viral replication is completely blocked, but This experiment can only be performed using cells grown in laboratory dishes. because? These proteins are not decorative, they have functions in the normal development of tissues such as bones and brain.
fail?
Absolutely not, Dramatic reduction in viral replication in transgenic animals shows us a wonderful path of opportunity explore. Honestly, this is a great start.
Testing gene editing in agricultural animals that are so common and susceptible to avian influenza makes the new research alarming. Let us remember that this disease can spread rapidly among birds on poultry farms, sometimes with devastating consequences. All of this is without mentioning the dangers of jumping to humans.
therefore, Ideally, gene editing would completely prevent viral replication in animals and therefore does not pose any risk to birds or humans.
Apart from, It is an excellent alternative to vaccines. We already know that when resistance develops due to mutations, their function is lost.Instead, gene editing allows Introduce permanent changes that render animals immune to specific diseases.
What does ethics say?
Here we entered a swampy area. The use of GMOs in agriculture is not without controversy. However, it is vital that such work continues in two ways.On the one hand, perfecting technology to avoid serious mistakes, on the other hand, spreading real knowledge Make society aware of the advantages it provides us.