CRISPR is a Nobel Prize-winning technology that focuses on gene editing. Now it looks like the impact of technology could be felt in cats very soon..
A team of researchers from a Virginia-based company called InBio used CRISPR in studies to reduce human allergies that can occur in cats. If you’re one of those people whose eyes start to bulge between uncontrollable sneezes around cats, this could bring you some respite.
Uncredited
Deletion of a cat gene
Researchers are trying to create a genetically modified cat that would effectively reduce the symptoms of allergy sufferers. About 20% of the world’s population suffers from pet allergies and therefore cannot keep animals like cats as pets. But if the company’s promise is trustworthy, a solution could be near.
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Pet allergies are not always controllable. Many people experience asthma-like symptoms if exposed to animal fur and dander. A protein called Fel d 1 is actually thought to be responsible for 90% of cat allergies.
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“Produce” a new cat?
In a study published Monday in the CRISPR Journal, InBio researchers said they have evidence to suggest that CRISPR could be used to “breed” cats that produce little or no Fel d 1 to make pets safe for all. the world.
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The researchers examined the DNA of 50 domestic cats, then identified regions strongly involved in the production of Fel d 1. The genes of these cats were then compared to those of eight species of wild cats. They found that Fel d 1 is not required for cat biology and can be effectively eliminated via CRISPR.
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Based on their assessments, the scientists are confident that Fel d 1 is a “rational and viable candidate for gene deletion”.
How about touching a cat without having to compulsively scratch your whole body a few minutes later? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of Technology and Sciencekeep reading Indiatimes.com.
The references
Brackett, NF, Davis, BW, Adli, M., Pomés, A. and Chapman, MD (2022). Evolutionary biology and genetic editing of cat allergens, Fel d 1. The CRISPR Log.
Ozdemir, D. (2022, March 30). Allergy-free cats? A new CRISPR method may have the answers. Interesting engineering.
