Transgenics

In H.G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau, the titular doctor conducts a series of experiments to create humans from various animals. When the book was written in 1896, the science behind transplanting parts from different species was purely speculative. Recently, however, new technology has emerged, making it possible to incorporate genes from one species into another to create a modified organism. Such transgenic transplants are still highly experimental, but already have potential medical and economic benefits.

There are two broad categories of transgenic organisms—those including humans that those excluding humans. For the most part, experiments not involving humans are less controversial and have more scientific backing. Transplants into humans are still in the investigational stages, but may be viable in the near future.

Technically speaking, a transgenic animal is one that has DNA from a different organism incorporated into its genome. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, the most common of which is DNA microinjection. In this method, the desired gene is placed into the animal’s reproductive cells. These cells are then allowed to germinate in a lab before they are injected into the animal. 

 Cell with modified gene being inserted into host organism.

Transgenic animals are useful for a variety of reasons. First, genetically-modified animals can have a large impact on the farming and agriculture industry. For example, cows can be modified to produce more milk or milk without lactose, and pigs and cattle can be modified to produce more meat. Furthermore, animals can be modified to be disease resistant. This is already a common practice in agriculture, as farmers use crops that are resistant to various diseases and insects. 

Traditionally, favorable traits have been selectively bred in farm animals to produce fitter stock. This process takes a long time and requires a lot of resources. Transgenic transplants allow the same effects in a much shorter time. If this technology becomes widespread, farmers will be able to save time and money while making a better product. 

Transgenic organisms can also serve a medical benefit. These animals have been useful in the study and treatment of human diseases. For instance, there is a specific strain of rat that is modified to develop different types of human cancers. By studying these rats, it is possible to better understand the cancers and how to treat them. Transgenic cows and goats have been used to produce milk that is enriched with various nutrients, such as proteins, insulin, or anticoagulants. This can be useful for supplementing humans or to provide nutrients to those with special dietary needs. 

Various animals with a bioluminsecent gene from jellyfish inserted into their genome.

Most interestingly, there have been a few experiments concerning human transgenic transplants. It is widely known that there is a shortage of organs needed for human transplant patients, including hearts, livers, and kidneys. One possible way to supplement this demand is by using organs from different animals. Pig hearts, for example, are very similar in size and structure to the human heart. Most of the experiments involving transgenic transplants have been unsuccessful, however, due to the human body’s immune system rejecting the foreign organs. It is believed that transgenic transplantation can be successful if various identity proteins in the animal organ are replaced with human proteins. These experiments are still developing, but have the potential to be very useful to the medical field. 

Finally, there is a bit of controversy surrounding the transgenics field. Just like with hybrids, opponents argue that it is unnatural to be incorporating genes from different species into each other. Doing so may create dangerous or unstable organisms that would not occur in nature. Additionally, the wellbeing of the animals has to be taken into consideration; incorporation of new genes may make animals more likely to suffer or die. 

Another important criticism is the observation that transgenics may cause an outbreak of viruses or diseases. For example, it is believed that AIDS was originally transmitted from monkeys to humans. By combining genes from different species, mutations in diseases may occur and spread to organisms that would normally not be infected. This could result in wide-spread epidemics affecting both humans and animals alike. Thus is it important to proceed with caution as more experiments are conducted.

Though still a young field, transgenics shows a lot of potential for various sectors of society. Modifying livestock can results in cows that produce more, nutrient-rich milk or pigs that have more meat. Transgenic mice can be used as disease models for various human diseases and help better our understanding of symptoms and treatments. Eventually, it may even be possible to transplant organs from animals to humans to meet the growing demand from transplant patients. Transgenics is not without its risks and ethical considerations, however, so it is important to weigh the various dangers and benefits involved as the field progresses.