American company starts breeding PRRS-resistant gene-edited pigs

Rowland explained that the idea of ​​achieving PRSS resistance through gene editing originated 20 years ago. In 2002, he and his colleagues published a paper on protein removal by gene editing in pigs to make their organs suitable for human transplants.

At that time, other researchers described proteins that are likely responsible for the entry of the PRSS virus and infection of the lungs of pigs. “Like the molecule on the cell surface that led to the rejection of the organ,” Roland explained, “the molecule responsible for infection with the PRSS virus can also be located on the cell surface.” In June 2002, he submitted an application to the University of Missouri about how scientists could remove the gene responsible for susceptibility.

Is genetic editing not the only solution?

However, at the end of 2021, researchers from Scotland and New Zealand said that gene editing alone would not eradicate PRSS. They suggested that while "the recent production of gene-edited pigs that are completely resistant to the PRSS virus/ has raised hopes for eradication of this deadly disease, our models predict that nationwide eradication of the disease will be difficult to achieve if gene editing is used as a main asset." However, they stated that eradication could be possible within 3–6 years "if gene editing is complemented by widespread and sufficiently effective vaccination."

In March 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its first decision on genetically modified livestock. it provided an enforcement decision (a "low risk definition") for 2 calves genetically edited for "smooth coat" making them more heat tolerant. The solution was taken over by Recombinetics (the parent company of Acceligen).

In 2020, GalSafe pigs and AquAdvantage salmon became the first genetically engineered (transgenic) livestock approved by the FDA for human consumption.

This genetic engineering technology involves the insertion of foreign DNA into the genome and these pigs and salmon are considered genetically modified organisms (GMOs).