University of Missouri Develops New Gene Editing Method for Chickens

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new gene editing approach that could enable chickens to produce useful medical proteins in their eggs. The study addresses a long-standing challenge in avian genetics known as epigenetic silencing, where inserted genes gradually turn off over time. The research team aims to overcome this issue by creating stable lines of genetically engineered chickens for medical and agricultural use.

The team used CRISPR to target a gene linked to an enzyme called GAPDH. “This enzyme is needed to break down sugar to make energy, so every cell needs it to survive. Our hypothesis was that since this enzyme is active all the time, the gene segment we introduce into that location should stay on all the time,” said Kiho Lee, a professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

The scientists added a glowing marker to track gene activity and found that it remained active even after multiple cell divisions. The results indicated that gene silencing never occurred in their study. Lee said the work could support the development of stable genetically engineered chickens that produce eggs containing useful medical proteins, while also offering agricultural and economic benefits, including the potential to introduce heritable genes that help reduce the spread of avian influenza.

For more information, read the news release from the University of Missouri.