May 27, 2009

expert reaction to fluorescent transgenic monkeys paper

Scientists in Japan have, for the first time, created transgenic animals that are capable of passing on the transgenic trait onto their offspring; in this case monkeys that have been genetically modified to glow in the dark. Such animals could be used to study inherited diseases such as Parkinson’s and motor neurone disease.

Dr Sophie Petit-Zeman, Head of External Relations, Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), said:

“While transgenic mouse models have helped us understand more about a host of human diseases, there are some areas, especially disorders of the brain and nervous system, where the greater similarity between primates and man leave scientists keen to use the former if they can. Today’s news, essentially, that it is possible to genetically modify a primate embryo and this change be passed through natural reproduction to the next generation, may open the way to better, more efficient models of human disease and ultimately better treatments. That more refined models of this sort also reduce the number of animals needed to gain an understanding of disease is also of course very good news.”

Dr Simon Festing, Chief Executive, Understanding Animal Research, said:

“Whilst this is potentially exciting for medical advancement, careful ethical evaluation and continued public engagement are vital to maintain confidence in such research.”

Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development at Parkinson’s Disease Society, said:

“This is potentially very exciting for the future of research into the causes of Parkinson’s disease. At the moment we use mice with mutant genes that are associated with Parkinson’s to search for new drugs to treat the condition. Because non-human primates are much closer to humans than mice genetically, the successful creation of transgenic marmosets means that we will have a new animal model to work with.

“Scientists may be able to mimic Parkinson’s like symptoms in the marmosets over several generations to help us get closer to a cure. This new development may ultimately decrease the need to use other animals for research, which can only be a good thing.”