The CRISPR animal kingdom

Abstract

China has used the genome editor more aggressively, on more species, than any other country.China has racked up a long list of firsts when it comes to using the genome editor CRISPR in different animal species: mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, and monkeys. With substantial investments from the government, researchers are rapidly producing new monkey models to study diseases that afflict humans as well as improvements in livestock that can stave off pig disease or create tastier meats. Genetic manipulations of pigs are also attempting to make their organs more humanlike so they can be transplanted into people without causing immune rejection. And all of this work is taking place against a cultural backdrop that, in contrast to the United States and Europe, has shown little strong opposition to animal research. But CRISPR modification of animals is still in its infancy, and tangible advances that benefit humans remain in the distant future.