2023-10-12 10:53:39
Scientists have used gene editing techniques “ to identify and modify parts of chicken DNA ” in order to ” limit the spread of the avian flu virus in these animals »[1]. These modifications were able to prevent the virus from infecting them, but without blocking it completely. Their work was published in the journal Nature Communications [2].
According to the researchers, the birds showed no signs that changing their DNA had an impact on their health or well-being. However, “further genetic modifications would be necessary to produce a population of chickens that cannot be infected by avian flu “, one of the animal diseases ” the most expensive in the world » (see Chickens genetically modified by CRISPR resistant to the avian leukosis virus).
Partial protection
Exposed to a “ dose normal » of the avian flu virus, 9 out of 10 birds were not infected, and there was no spread to other chickens. Then confronted with a dose “ artificially raised » virus, half of the group was infected [3]. An unmodified chicken was contaminated, but none of the edited ones.
To prevent the emergence of “ escape virus “, viruses that adapt to evade genetic modification and cause infection, the team then targeted other sections of DNA[4]. After successfully blocking the virus in cell cultures, the researchers plan to produce chickens equipped with these new modifications.
“Responsible genetic editing”?
According to experts, this study highlights “ the importance of responsible gene editing “, and the need to be attentive to ” risks of viral evolution in undesired directions if total resistance is not achieved “. Especially since these genetic modifications are intended to be transmitted from generation to generation (see GMO: “gene drives require urgent attention”).
[1] They modified the section of DNA responsible for producing the ANP32A protein. During an infection, the influenza virus “ hijack this molecule » to reply.
[2] Alewo Idoko-Akoh et al, Creating resistance to avian influenza infection through genome editing of the ANP32 gene family, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41476-3.
[3] However, the amount of virus in the infected genetically modified chickens was much lower than the level typically observed during infection in non-genetically modified chickens, the researchers said.
[4] For the production of the three proteins (ANP32A, ANP32B and ANP32E) inside chicken cells grown in the laboratory
Source : Phys.org, University of Edinburgh (10/10/2023) – Photo : Pexels de Pixabay
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